New Mexico

Looking for the best hiking in New Mexico? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around New Mexico. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near New Mexico

  • Carlsbad, New Mexico

    Climb Down into the Depths of Carlsbad Caverns

    5.0
    1.2 mi / -2000 ft gain
    The Carlsbad Caverns is an experience like no other. There is a seven mile scenic road that leads into the park, which will direct you towards the ranger station and entrance to the caves. The entrance to this road starts and ends in Whites City.You have two options to enter the cave: The first i...
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  • Tularosa, New Mexico

    Backcountry Camping Trail

    5.0
    1.78 mi / 20 ft gain
    Spend a night under the stars in one of the more beautiful places to take it all in. White Sands National Monument offers camping to “backpackers” who have the ability to hike out into the dunes to set up camp for an overnight adventure. The closest site will be .75 miles away while the farthest ...
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  • Jemez Springs, New Mexico

    Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (CLOSED)

    4.8
    3 mi
     Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is temporarily closed. Visit the BLM website for more updates.  Hiking at Tent Rocks is a must-do for anyone in the northern New Mexico area. It's an accessible trail that gives you incredible rewards with little effort. The cone-shaped "tent rocks" are...
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  • Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Hike Santa Fe Baldy

    5.0
    Starting at an elevation of 10,000 feet at the Santa Fe Ski Basin, a right turn at the Winsor trail starts a steep climb for .5 miles until the wilderness boundary gate. From there, the trail descends slightly, taking a path along the ridge through mossy pines and emerald stones. A mile later, yo...
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  • Chamisal, New Mexico

    Hike to the Trampas Lakes in Carson National Forest

    4.9
    11 mi / 2400 ft gain
    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 ver...
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  • Tularosa, New Mexico

    Playa Trail

    4.7
    0.44 mi / 46 ft gain
    The White Sands National Monument is one of the most surreal locations in the southwest. Located just north of Las Cruces, NM, White Sands is about a 45 minute drive from the city of Las Cruces. To access the park from any location, you'll take Route 70, and from Las Cruces it's one straight shot...
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  • Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Hike or Bike Aspen Vista

    3.5
    12.1 mi / 2100 ft gain
    Aspen Vista Road (Forest Road 150) starts at an elevation of 10,000 feet and climbs up through a large stand of beautiful aspen and pine trees to the summit of Tesuque Peak at an elevation of 12,045 feet (note the Aspen grove is one large living being as all the roots are interconnected). These ...
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  • Jemez Springs, New Mexico

    San Antonio Hot Springs

    4.7
    1.46 mi / 312 ft gain
    These hot springs are a short hike from the parking area along the top of Forest Service Road 376. I've added additional details below in the event that the road is closed due to seasonality or you prefer to stretch your legs for a significantly longer, yet scenic hike. The GPX track is displayin...
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  • Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Backpack to Lake Katherine in the Pecos Wilderness

    5.0
    16 mi / 1450 ft gain
    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...
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  • Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

    Vacas Trail Loop

    4.0
    14.56 mi / 1581 ft gain
    You start at the hiking at base of the the San Pedro Wilderness at the San Gregorio Lake Trailhead! This particular hike is called the Vacas Trail loop. For directions: Take US 550 to Cuba (north west of Albuquerque), turn east on NM 126 and go for about 9 miles. Just past the community of Deer ...
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  • Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

    Hike to Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak

    5.0
    This hike is conveniently located at Taos Ski Valley and offers two primary options: a fun 4-mile round trip hike to beautiful Williams Lake, or a 7-mile round trip hike all the way to the Wheeler Peak. You can’t go wrong with either option, but if you’re up for it, bagging Wheeler Peak is defini...
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  • Los Alamos, New Mexico

    Hike to Alcove House

    4.7
    2.2 mi / 140 ft gain
    Start your hike from the Visitor's Center and head out on the Main Loop Trail to begin. You can hike the loop in either direction, either first crossing the river across from the Visitor's Center or heading out from directly behind the Center. If you start from across the river, you'll begin with...
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  • Jemez Springs, New Mexico

    Spence Hot Springs

    4.0
    0.67 mi / 161 ft gain
    Exit Interstate 550 and head North on Highway 4 heading towards Jemez Springs. The Spence Hot Springs Parking Lot and Trailhead is about 25 miles North off Highway 4. The trail starts on a decline into the canyon for about 800 feet before you cross the bridge over the scenic river. Continue follo...
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  • Ruidoso, New Mexico

    Hike Perk Canyon

    4.7 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Starting out at 7,200 feet you walk through 2 miles of relatively flat, beautiful forests and streams - at mile 2 you begin the ascent to the trail ridge with about an 800 foot elevation climb. Once you reach the top of the trail, you are surrounded by gorgeous panoramic views of both Sierra Blan...
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  • Cloudcroft, New Mexico

    Camp at Bluff Springs

    5.0
    0 mi / 100 ft gain
    A mile up in elevation and only a few miles into Lincoln National Forest from Alamogordo, take off on the scenic Sunspot Highway that leads to the solar observation center before a short detour off a dirt road that arrives at Bluff Springs Waterfall (camping is free on all dirt roads). There you'...
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  • El Prado, New Mexico

    Hike the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Trail

    6 mi
    Drive 12 miles west of Taos, New Mexico on US Hwy 64, and you'll drive directly onto the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge that spans 1,280 feet. There's a rest area to the west of the bridge with a parking lot, sitting area, and if you're lucky like we were, a converted sky blue bus selling homemade desse...
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