Three Great Hikes in New Mexico

Castle Rock- Santa Fe

Located on the North Dale-Ball trail systems, the hike up to Castle Rock is a fairly quick and easy adventure. While you climb in altitude fairly quickly (which is the most challenging aspect) you are rewarded with amazing panoramic views of Santa Fe, the Jemez Mountains, and the Sandia Mountains to the west and southwest. To the east, you have an up-close-and-personal view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue your hike from here up to Picacho Peak, where the view gets even better!

Domingo Baca Trail #230- Albuquerque

This hike begins in a desert environment, and leads you up into the lush greenery of the Sandia Mountains. While Domingo Baca is rated difficult, the reward of the scenery is worth the trip. To the west of the trail, you can see the city of Albuquerque. To the east, you have a direct view of the Sandia Mountains as you hike up into them. If you follow the trail in its entirety, you will hike 8 miles roundtrip, and gain 3,543 ft. in elevation from the trailhead. This trail is best used from June until October. There are also multiple mountain bike trails that are a part of this system!

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area- Farmington

If you’re looking for a hike that’s close to home but looks as though you’ve travelled to an alien planet, then this is the hike for you. The geological features, formed by millions of years of weathering, have been transformed into strange rock formations. You can also find features such as a petrified forest and various types of fossils. While this is an amazing hike, there is no shade so make sure to pack sunscreen, a lot of water, and maybe an umbrella so you can sit and enjoy the sights!