Rio Santa Barbara Middle Fork, East Fork, and West Fork Trail Loop

This hike is worth its weight in gold. By far one of the most beautiful places in all of New Mexico. Located in the Carson National Forest, the options for camping are limitless. Did I mention this is ranked one of New Mexico's best hikes yet it rarely gets done. The potential for solitude is very likely.The drive to the trailhead is a bit of a doosey. Start by heading east out of the tiny tow...

If you find yourself in Taos for the weekend, the La Senda del Medio trail is a perfect hike to add to your adventure. About 20 minutes south of town and located in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, this trail follows the Rio Grande for 2.5 miles and connects 5 different campgrounds. The trail begins at Pilar Campground. Your GPS might not take you directly there, but the sign is large an...

The Basics: 8,304 foot Devisadero Peak, which literally translates to "lookout," does not actually provide a great view from its treed summit. However, this lollipop loop hike has many vantage points over the Taos Valley as it snakes up and around this foothill mountain.  To get to the trailhead: From the center stoplight near Taos Plaza, take Kit Carson St (US 64) East out of town. If you're...

Start the drive at the Taos Plaza in downtown Taos. You can drive the whole loop and enjoy the beautiful scenery and small villages along the way. In the spring, there may still be snowfall, making the drive even more beautiful.

Starting at the ski basin above Santa Fe, where parking is ample and the drive to reach it is staggeringly beautiful, you head north from the bottom of the parking lot from a well marked trailhead.  The climb starts right out of the gate, and at a starting altitude of 10,000 ft above sea level you feel its toll right off the bat.  This hike isn't overly long at 6.2 miles out and back, but the s...

Accessible June through October, snow lingers on the trail late into the summer. This is a very popular, well-marked route so if it's solitude you're seeking, you'll probably be disappointed. At least on the weekend.The trailhead is at the parking lot for Ski Santa Fe. You'll climb from 10,250 to 11,700 feet elevation at Lake Katherine. If you're feeling ambitious, you can hike Santa Fe Baldy f...