Top 20 Best Trails and Hikes in Santa Fe

1. Stewart Lake via Winsor Trail, Skyline Trail, and Winsor Ridge

This is a gorgeous lake and serene with some beautiful campsites. This is a demanding trail as well as lengthy enough. It's not suitable for everyone and only the regular hikers are recommended to attempt but if you like to be challenged then you are welcome.

A popular trail for backpacking, horseback riding, and hiking which offers plenty of overwhelming views along the trail. June to October conditions are best suitable to visit this place along with your lovely pets but, make sure you obey the conditions. Some sections may be overgrown depending on the weather and time you are visiting.

• Length: 16.7km
• Elevation gain: 656m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Time: 5 hours and 15 minutes on average

2. Katherine-lake

One of the clearest lakes near Terrero, New Mexico, is a stunning reward you get after going all the way through a challenging route consisting of long walks in the woods with a series of strenuous switchbacks. Fishing, backpacking, and camping are the major activities that make it a popular hiking destination.

From the start of April to October, the conditions are ideal to explore this place along with your pet dog but the use of a leash is a must. Wildlife and wildflowers are the key offerings that welcome you to their territory. Parking should not be the issue as usually, it's not that crowded.

• Length: 22.7km
• Elevation gain: 909m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Time: 7 hours and 10 minutes on average

3. Nambe Lake Trail

This is one of the most famous alpine lakes in the Santa Fe area that includes forestry and heavy vegetation along with the water features and picturesque scenarios. It offers ample shade throughout the trail but, you may get to experience bugs depending on weather conditions so prepare accordingly.

This demanding yet rewarding trail in Santa Fe is s popular hiking and snowshoeing area and the most favorable time to visit it is July to April. Dogs can be taken respecting the safety precautions.

• Length: 10.5km
• Elevation gain: 627m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Time:  Around 4 hours

4. Atalaya Mountain Trail

Enjoy this out-and-back trail near Santa Fe, New Mexico. A challenging route that is most suitable for experienced and challenge lovers. Hiking, mountain biking, and running are the primary activities here, and that’s what this trail is known for. Due to improper signage and junctions, visitors are advised to use the navigation tolls.

There is a high possibility you may get bumped into other hikes but usually not crowded and easy to park. The route is open and favorable to visit throughout the year with your pet dogs.

• Length: 10.0km
• Elevation gain: 548m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Time: 3 hours and 40 minutes on average

5. Raven's Ridge Trail

Yet another challenging and exciting out-and-back trail near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Your efforts are paid off with incredible views at the end. Some parts of the trail may be muddy and rocky so, the hikers are advised to use caution.

Also, there is a bit of a chance of mosquitoes and bugs which is why proper clothing and amenities are a must to make your trip free from any hassles.

It's a dog-friendly and easy-to-park place that is best to visit between April to October. It is well known for running, hiking, and horseback riding with beautiful forest and wildlife views.

• Length: 9.2km
• Elevation gain: 725m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Time: Around 4 hours

6. Alamos Vista Trail

Alamos Vista Trail is one of the short but, challenging hikes near Santa Fe, New Mexico. This trail is a well-known birding, hiking, and skiing area with gorgeous aspen forests and wildlife. Except for some muddy areas especially during rainy days, the overall trail is in good condition.

Between May to October period offers suitable conditions to explore this place where you can take your pets to accompany you. It is usually not crowded with easy parking available.

• Length: 3.9km
• Elevation gain: 362m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Time: around 2 hours

7. Grasshopper Canyon Trail

A short and easy route that is suitable for all ages. Great for families to hang out in nature and enjoy some beautiful moments with fresh breathe. Mainly known for hiking and running, this route offers you amazing forest scenarios along with the rivers and wildlife.

You don’t have to worry about parking and the trail also has enough shade that provide a cool environment for you. It may have some muddy sections after the rain but the views will be even more beautiful and clear.

• Length: 4.8km
• Elevation gain: 78m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy

8. Jemez Falls Trail

The next short and easy route with a family-friendly environment is located near Jemez Springs, New Mexico. The hike begins at the campground and tall pine trees along the trail provide enough shade providing a cool environment to the hikers.

The families and dogs are common in this trail and that is the specialty of this place being suitable for all ages.

Despite of popularity among all ages, it's not that crowded and there is not any parking difficulty. April to October conditions are considered best to enjoy this one of the best hikes near Santa Fe.

• Length: 1.3km
• Elevation gain: 43m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Time: 23 minutes on average

9. Big Tesuque Trail

The moderately challenging but fair enough for all ages trail that is located near Santa Fe, New Mexico is one of those that should be on your bucket list. It has been a popular hiking and running route that offers you great views of the forest and wildlife along with the snow in winter.

Usually, it is not crowded and has ample parking. Carrying the map is recommended to avoid any confusion. July to October is the best suitable condition along with your pets.

• Length: 6.0km
• Elevation gain: 177m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

10. East Fork Trail via Las Conchas Trailhead

Located near Jamez Springs, this is an easy-to-moderate trail with a renowned hiking route. It takes you through the diverse landscapes of open meadows, lush forests, and rivers.

This is what makes this route interesting and enjoyable. Battleship rock and plenty of picturesque spots offer you enough opportunities to create lifetime memories.

Rarely crowded, dog-friendly, and easy parking make this spot popular among hikers. The best conditions are between July and September.

• Length: 9.0km
• Elevation gain: 154m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: Around 2 hours

11. Burn Trail

Starting from the bottom of the Nun`s Corner on Highway 475, it is one of the popular trails among hikers which is often referred to as Juan Trail. It lies near Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is a moderately challenging route that attracts several hikers every day.

Hiking, mountain biking, and running are the major activities that make this trail a top choice.

Having less signage and multiple intersections, hikers are advised to have maps and navigation tools to avoid any confusion and difficulty. Generally, it is not crowded however, you may experience bugs depending on weather conditions so, prepare accordingly.

• Length: 6.0km
• Elevation gain: 245m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: Around 2 hours

12. Borrego Trail

The hike starts at the trailhead off Hyde Park Road and is a moderately challenging trail. It is situated near Tesuque, New Mexico, and has been a popular birding, hiking, and mountain biking area among the people. Shaded areas along with some stream crossing make it more enjoyable.

Despite a bit of difficulty, the route is kid-friendly and suitable for families as well to get out on nature and breathe so fresh air. March to October period is considered an ideal time to enjoy this place which also permits dogs and easy-to-park conditions.

• Length: 7.4km
• Elevation gain: 378m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 2 hours and 38 minutes on average

13. Bear Canyon

Enjoy this beautiful hike close to downtown Santa Fe which is an easy-to-moderate route and easy to follow. Easily accessible and suitable for all skill level paths make it a favorite choice among the hikers.

Also, it doesn’t require a best-fit physique, just get out and treat yourself to a natural environment, and fresh and healthy air.

This trail is open for running, walking, and hiking and the best time to visit this place is from the start of April till the end of May. However, dogs are not allowed in this trail so you will have to leave them at home.

• Length: 4.2km
• Elevation gain: 148m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 1 hour and 14 minutes on average

14. Borrego Trail

Enjoy this moderately challenging out-and-back trail near Tesuque, New Mexico. A perfect hiking destination for all ages. Families can have a beautiful outing in this peaceful and relaxing place which is not quite crowded and has lush forest, wildflowers, and wildlife views to offer.

This trail is a recognized place for hiking, birding, and mountain biking. The best suitable time to explore this gorgeous trail is March to October. It also allows pets which is a piece of great news for pet lovers.

• Length: 7.4km
• Elevation gain: 378m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 2 hours and 38 minutes on average

15. McCauley Hot Springs via East Fork Trail

A comparatively short and moderately challenging trail that is situated near James Springs, New Mexico. It provides epic views of cliff bands along with lush green forests, wildlife, and rivers. A certain amount will be charged as an entry fee and as a reward, you get expansive desert landscapes to the warm springs.

The beautiful and serene spots with the photo opportunities. It offers shade mainly during morning hours so, hikers are recommended to get an early start if you are allergic to the sun. The trail is open throughout the year, pets are welcome as well and it has easy parking.

• Length: 5.6km
• Elevation gain: 256m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: Around 2 hours

16. Santa Fe Baldy via Winsor Trail

Challenge yourself to get out on this demanding route and reward yourself with the amazing views throughout the trail. Its gorgeous trail is located near Santa Fe, New Mexico which is a popular hiking and running route.

As the trail doesn’t offer enough shade. Prepare yourself accordingly with the appropriate gear.

This rewarding and well-marked trail is best to explore between April to November. There is no restriction to dogs but should follow the regulations. Generally, it is not crowded and there is no parking difficulty.

• Length: 21.7km
• Elevation gain: 1,056m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Time: 7 hours and 31 minutes on average

17. Cave Creek Trail

The next moderately challenging route that nerTerrero, New Mexico is a well-known walking and hiking trail that is visited by many daily. Despite its moderate difficulty, it is suitable for all ages and doable which makes it an ideal condition for families too.

It may include some muddy sections, especially after the rain.

The beautiful and lush conditions make you forget the efforts and pay off well with incredible scenarios. Typically May to November conditions are best suitable for this trail. Dogs are permitted with a leash.

• Length: 7.4km
• Elevation gain: 203m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: Around 2 hours

18. Diablo Canyon Trail

Yet another moderately challenging and exciting trail near Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you like camping, hiking, or horseback riding, this is the perfect destination for you. It is also a suitable route for all ages despite a bit of difficulty and opens a great option for families planning to explore.

However, this place doesn’t offer much shade, so carry enough water and necessary amenities. Not quite crowded and the dog-friendly trail is best suitable to visit between October to April. As it is not very crowded, there is no parking difficulty.

• Length: 9.8km
• Elevation gain: 115m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 2 hours and 8 minutes on average

19. Natural Arch via Old Mitchell Trail

Located near Los Alamos, New Mexico, Natural Arch via Old Mitchell Trail is one of the challenging trails that isn't suitable for all ages. Birding, hiking, and walking make this area a popular choice among hikers.

Mostly suitable to visit between March to November and includes some rocky sections as well.

Also, depending on weather conditions, some parts may be overgrown. Generally, it is not quite crowded and has easy parking. You are welcome along with your lovely pets.

• Length: 2.7km
• Elevation gain: 157m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging 
• Time: Around 1 hour

20. La Luz Trail

La Luz Trail is located near Placitas, New Mexico. It is a difficult and lengthy route but in the end rewards with the gorgeous views of the Albuquerque Valley to the west. It includes some rocky sections and visitors are advised to have proper footwear and precautions.

As it doesn't offer much shade, an early start is recommended to avoid heat exposure but few shaded areas make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Certain entry fees will be charged and dogs are allowed on a leash.

• Length: 24.5km
• Elevation gain: 1,087m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging