Top 4 Must-Hike Trails in Santa Fe County: Ultimate Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Santa Fe County boasts endless trails, diverse landscapes, and 320 days of sunshine annually, making it a paradise for outdoor lovers. Designated a Silver-Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, the region is wrapped in wilderness. Whether you're seeking a short stroll amid piñon and juniper trees or a multi-day backpacking adventure in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, these top trails cater to every enthusiast.
Locals and visitors alike explore these paths with enthusiasm, often sharing tips. Heed the call of the wild and discover why USA Today named Santa Fe the #1 Outdoor Destination in the United States.
Dale Ball Trail System
Discover a network of beautiful trails accessible through several trailheads. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
The 22-mile interconnected Dale Ball Trails offer the quickest access to the mountains from Santa Fe Plaza. Dale Ball Trails suit hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, though narrow, steep sections demand courtesy among users.
Moderate to easy with significant sun exposure—especially midsummer—pack sunscreen, a hat, and ample water. Wind through piñon, juniper, and wildflowers to stunning city views and Picacho Peak, where clouds frame valleys 1,000 feet below and distant peaks.
Extend your hike via marked junctions for panoramic rewards.
The Details:
Activities: Hiking, Trail Running, Mountain Biking
Dogs Allowed: On a leash
Trail: Dirt, Rock
Ascent: 554 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Cerrillos Hills State Park Trail
Cerrillos Hills, New Mexico's 35th State Park, is a year-round, day-use park off the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
This gentle loop around Cerrillos Hills State Park helps acclimate to the altitude. Pristine paths, sweeping views, and mining history—marked by turquoise mine shafts from the 1880s—provide education.
Limited shade means sun protection is essential. The dirt-and-sand trail challenges bikers, but winter offers ice-free riding. For equestrian views of Galisteo Basin, book with Broken Saddle Riding Company; their sunset tours immerse you in timeless serenity.
Family events include historian talks, star parties, and moon hikes.
The Details:
Activities: Hiking, Trail Running, Mountain Biking, Equestrian
Dogs Allowed: On a leash
Trail: Dirt, Sand
Ascent: 656 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Borrego-Bear Wallow-Winsor Triangle Trail
Hike through an aspen-fir forest, stunning in fall. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
The 4.57-mile Borrego-Bear Wallow-Winsor Trail loop, a local favorite, threads aspen-fir forests with wildflowers, mosses, strawberries, and raspberries. Descend to a creek-side picnic spot for tranquility.
Peak fall crowds admire golden aspens; weekends buzz with speedy bikers.
The Details:
Activities: Hiking, Trail Running, Mountain Biking
Dogs Allowed: On a leash
Trail: Dirt, Rock
Ascent: 846 ft.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Winsor Trail to Lake Katherine
Accessible March-October, this 10-mile hike rewards with alpine beauty. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
Lake Katherine is essential. The 10.1-mile Winsor Trail suits overnight trips with a strenuous 3,471 ft. climb, but stunning lake views justify it—even in snowy winter for advanced hikers.
The Details:
Activities: Hiking, Backpacking
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Trail: Dirt, Rock
Ascent: 3,471 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Explore More With Google Trekker
Explore 32 Google Trekker locations in Santa Fe and County! (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
With 300+ miles of trails, virtually trek 32 spots via Google Trekker, a 50-pound panoramic camera used by TOURISM Santa Fe experts.
Santa Fe's skies and mountains await. Order the free 2019 Santa Fe travel guide and check Deals and Specials.
Written in partnership with TOURISM Santa Fe and Santa Fe County.
