Best Day Hikes Near Santa Fe
Santa Fe may be a small city, but it’s surrounded by some of the most varied and beautiful landscapes in the country. From arid high-desert hills to green valleys, steep mountain trails to wildflower-strewn plateaus, New Mexico has a little bit of everything. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a casual stroll, there are plenty of options just a short drive away! Here are our picks for the best longer hikes in the Santa Fe Area.
1. Atalaya Mountain
Atalaya Mountain trail is a six-mile out and back trail located just beyond the east side of Santa Fe. The trail starts off at a gentle incline, and winds through arroyos and chamisa bushes before beginning a steep ascent up the mountain. Near the top, hikers can choose between a shorter, steeper path and a longer, more gradual route to the peak. Atalaya is the perfect option for experienced hikers looking for trails close to Santa Fe, and offers stunning views of the city and beyond. Because of the steep incline and elevation gain, visitors to New Mexico should pace themselves and be sure to bring plenty of water!
Duration: The trail is 6 miles out and back, and takes about three to four hours.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
Trailhead: Hikers can park at the public lot adjacent to St. John’s College to access the lower trailhead, or can park in a smaller area slightly further up the road to access the upper trailhead at Wilderness Gate.
2. Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak trail is part of the Dale Ball trail system, which includes over twenty miles of trails in and around Santa Fe. The trail starts in a wooded area near the Santa Fe Canyon Preserve at the top of Upper Canyon Road, and leads up to the top of Picacho Peak. The trail has great views of Santa Fe, and features moderate elevation gain. This hike is a good option for those who are looking for a somewhat shorter, less strenuous hike than Atalaya but in the same area. It also connects with several other related trails in the Dale Ball area, making it a good jumping-off point for more adventurous hikers to explore.
Duration: The trail is a 3.5 mile out and back trail, and takes about two hours.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Trailhead: The trailhead begins at the parking area at the end of Upper Canyon Road.
3. San Antonio Hot Springs
While Santa Fe has a wealth of spas and soaking pools to choose from, San Antonio Hot Springs offers hikers the opportunity to enjoy natural hot springs in the wild. The trail is located about an hour drive from Santa Fe, near Los Alamos, New Mexico. The hike to the springs is moderate, with the majority of it running along an unpaved road that is sometimes accessible to vehicles with four-wheel drive. Toward the end of the hike, there is a short, steep climb up to the pools. Pack a bathing suit and enjoy soaking in any of four staggered pools, with stunning views of the surrounding forest. The water is warm enough to ward off the chill of a cool afternoon, but not so hot that the pools can’t still be enjoyed in the summer. This trail can be popular, especially on weekends, so consider going on a weekday for a better chance of having the pools all to yourself!
Duration: The trail is about 12 miles out and back, and takes approximately six hours (but make sure to leave time to soak!)
Difficulty: Moderate.
Trailhead: The trailhead begins at a pull-off off of NM-376, near Jemez Springs, NM and Los Alamos, NM.
4. Tsankawi Trail at Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument is a must-see location if you’re visiting northern New Mexico. While the area boasts a variety of different excellent hiking trails, we particularly recommend the Tsankawi Trail, which leads hikers up onto a mesa with great views of petroglyphs and the remains of an Ancestral Pueblo village. The trail includes several steep ascents, including a few ladders, but the top of the mesa is flat and makes for easy hiking. The trail also features several informational placards that inform visitors about the history and culture of Ancestral Pueblo peoples.
Duration: The trail is an approximately 2-mile loop, and takes one to two hours with plenty of time for stopping to look at petroglyphs.
Difficulty: Moderate, including climbing ladders and some tight squeezes.
Trailhead: The trailhead is located on State Highway 4, a few miles away from the main area of Bandelier.
5. Winsor Trail
Located at the top of the Santa Fe Ski Basin just a few miles from town, Winsor Trail spans almost 25 miles in the midst of the Santa Fe National Forest. If you start out from the Ski Basin, you’ll climb through tall evergreen trees for the first few miles, before they change into groves of aspens along a more moderate portion of the trail. This trail has something to offer all year long - surround yourself with bright autumn leaves during peak foliage, watch for the first glimpses of greenery in the spring, luxuriate in the cool mountain trails in the summer, and brave the first snowfalls of winter. During the warmer months, you can even set up camp at free campsites near the trailhead.
Duration: Because Windsor Trail is so extensive, you can choose the length of your hike, and turn back whenever you find a good stopping point.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Trailhead: The trailhead is located at the top of the Santa Fe Ski Basin, and has ample parking.
No matter what trail you head out on, you’re sure to be surrounded by the beautiful New Mexico scenery. If you’re visiting Santa Fe, it’s a good idea to adjust your pace to account for the elevation, and to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. And if you’re looking for some shorter hikes to squeeze in around other adventures, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best short hikes in Santa Fe!
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