Here are the 10 Best Hikes in New Mexico

Wander amidst the rugged beauty of the Land of Enchantment, marvel at the lakeside picnic, or soak in the hot springs—New Mexico trails have it all. And the best part: we’ve made the ultimate bucket list (including our favorite that you just need to see, one that gives you that kick and one that is calming) for the best hikes in New Mexico.

1. Wheeler Peak Summit Trail

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Location: Carson National Forest

Distance: 8.6 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 2,947 feet

Difficulty: Hard

Route Type: Out and back

Best Time To Travel: June to September

Let’s begin with a challenging hike that takes you to 13,161 feet, New Mexico’s highest peak. Along the way, you’ll encounter spectacular alpine scenery, including pristine lakes, wildflowers in bloom, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

2.Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks Trail

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Location: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Distance: 3 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 630 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Loop

Best Time To Travel: April to October

Okay here, explore narrow slot canyons and towering hoodoos on this unique hike. The trail leads to a scenic overlook of desert landscape, including the iconic Tent Rocks formations.

3. White Sands Dunes Loop Trail (Our FAV)

Location: White Sands National Park

Distance: 2 miles loop

Elevation Gain: 50 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Loop

Best Time To Travel: October to April (Avoid summers due to high temperatures)

Immerse yourself in the surreal landscape of White Sands National Park, where vast gypsum dunes stretch as far as the eye can see (IT’S A WHOLE NEW WORLD). This easy loop trail allows you to experience the unique beauty of the white dunes, especially magical during sunrise or sunset.

4. La Luz Trail

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Location: Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque

Distance: 8.6 miles one way

Elevation Gain: 3,775 feet

Difficulty: Hard

Route Type: Point to point

Best Time To Travel: May to September

For breathtaking views, ascend through the rugged terrain of the Sandia Mountains on this challenging trail. As you climb higher toward the summit, you’ll receive the gift of stunning panoramic views of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley.

5. Bandelier National Monument Loop Trail

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Location: Bandelier National Monument

Distance: 1.2 miles loop

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Loop

Best Time To Travel: April to October

As you explore ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs along this scenic loop trail, step back in time. The trail winds through a beautiful canyon with a rich cultural history of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

6. Gila Wilderness – Catwalk Trail (Adrenaline Rush For Sure)

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Location: Gila National Forest

Distance: 2.2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Out and back

Best Time To Travel: March to November

Walk along suspended catwalks clinging to the walls of a narrow canyon, offering thrilling views of waterfalls and rugged terrain. The lush vegetation and unique geological formations make this hike a hidden gem in the Gila Wilderness.

7. Enchanted Circle – Gold Hill Trail

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Location: Taos Ski Valley

Distance: 4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Out and back

Best Time To Travel: June to September

This scenic hike explores the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The trail passes through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

8. Valle Vidal – Columbine Canyon Trail (Most Calming)

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Location: Carson National Forest

Distance: 4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Route Type: Out and back

Best Time To Travel: May to October

Experience tranquility in the forested wilderness of Valle Vidal. The Columbine Canyon Trail meanders through lush forests, past meadows dotted with wildflowers, and along a serene creek, providing opportunities for peaceful reflection and wildlife sightings.

9. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Trail

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Location: Rio Grande Gorge

Distance: 1 mile round trip

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Out and back

Best Time To Travel: Year-round, but spring and fall offer cooler temperatures

Walk across the iconic Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and enjoy dramatic views of the deep canyon below. This short but scenic trail offers breathtaking vistas of the rugged landscape and the meandering Rio Grande River.

10. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

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Location: Northwestern New Mexico

Distance: Varies (exploration-based)

Elevation Gain: Varies (exploration-based)

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Route Type: Exploration-based (no marked trails)

Best Time To Travel: Year-round, but spring and fall offer cooler temperatures

Explore a surreal landscape of eroded hoodoos, badlands, and fossil-rich terrain in the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. This hike is more of an adventure into an otherworldly environment, where each step unveils new and mesmerizing geological formations.

Quick Note Before You Plan Your Trip

Before going hiking, remember to bring the necessary gear, such as a flashlight, extra batteries, sun protection, drinking water and snacks, mosquito repellent, hiking boots, and first aid kits that should have blister pads, bandages, and pain relievers.

Each trails showcases New Mexico’s diverse natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural exploration, or a peaceful escape into nature, these trails have something unique to offer every hiker.