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Best backpacking hikes in Santa Fe County
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Best backpacking hikes in Santa Fe County

Ready for some outdoor fun? These hikes offer everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure!

Here are some great hikes to explore in Santa Fe County.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Lake Katherine via Winsor Trail

Santa Fe County, New Mexico · star 4.7 (37) · 22.6 km · Est. 5 hrs 59 min

2

Medium

Lake Katherine and Spirit Lake via Winsor Trail

Santa Fe County, New Mexico · star 4.3 (29) · 26.1 km · Est. 7 hrs 53 min

3

Easy

Teseque Creek - Winsor Trail

Santa Fe County, New Mexico · star 4.4 (45) · 13.7 km · Est. 2 hrs 46 min

4

Difficult

Winsor, Rio Nambe and Nambe Lake Loop Trail

Santa Fe County, New Mexico · star 4.6 (32) · 15.7 km · Est. 5 hrs 11 min

5

Medium

Deception Peak, Penitente Peak and LAke Katherine Loop via Skyline Trail

Santa Fe County, New Mexico · star 4.5 (34) · 28.6 km · Est. 8 hrs 33 min

6

Difficult

Deception Peak - Penitente Peak - Ravens Ridge Winsor Loop Trail

Santa Fe County, New Mexico · star 4.5 (28) · 17.4 km · Est. 5 hrs

7

Difficult

Picacho Peak and Atalaya Mountain Loop via Atalaya Trail

Santa Fe County, New Mexico · star 4.5 (38) · 10.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 26 min

8

Medium

Aspen Grove and Tesuque Peak via Alamos Vista

Santa Fe County, New Mexico · star 4.5 (21) · 36.3 km · Est. 10 hrs 7 min

9

Medium

Saddleback Trail and Winsor Trail Loop

Santa Fe County, New Mexico · star 4.5 (35) · 15.1 km · Est. 4 hrs 21 min

10

Difficult

Winsor and Rio Nambe Loop Trail

Santa Fe County, New Mexico · star 4.5 (24) · 12.4 km · Est. 4 hrs

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Reviews for backpacking hikes in Santa Fe County

Elba Carter avatar

Lake Katherine via Winsor Trail

EchoHollowtrekker87 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Lynna Daniel avatar

Lake Katherine and Spirit Lake via Winsor Trail

TundraAdventureguide66 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Nedra Towne avatar

Teseque Creek - Winsor Trail

DriftwoodVoyager56 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Marisol Wintheiser avatar

Winsor, Rio Nambe and Nambe Lake Loop Trail

FjordFjordfinder99 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Alexa Fadel JD avatar

Deception Peak, Penitente Peak and LAke Katherine Loop via Skyline Trail

FjordGlaciertracker51 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Santa Fe County

What is the climate like for hiking in New Mexico?

New Mexico's climate varies with the season, offering unique hiking opportunities year-round. Summers, especially from June to August, can be very hot and arid, making early morning or late evening hikes most comfortable.
Conversely, the winter months, particularly December to February, bring colder temperatures and snow in higher altitudes, perfect for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
Spring and fall, with milder weather and moderate temperatures, are generally the most popular times to hike. Always consult local weather updates, such as those on www.weather.com, before setting out to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.

Do I need a permit to hike in New Mexico?

For hiking in New Mexico, permits may be needed depending on the location, such as in certain national parks or wilderness areas. You can obtain these through the respective managing agencies like the National Park Service or US Forest Service. For comprehensive information, visit www.nps.gov or www.fs.usda.gov.

Is wild camping allowed in New Mexico?

Wild camping in New Mexico, often termed "dispersed camping," is typically allowed in National Forests and BLM lands, with restrictions around distance from water sources and roads. Always check specific rules on the US Forest Service or BLM websites (www.fs.usda.gov or www.blm.gov) before camping.

Are there mountain rescue services in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, emergency rescue during hiking is generally coordinated by the local county's Sheriff's Office. If a situation arises, calling 911 is the best action. For non-emergency situations or queries, hikers can consult the New Mexico Search and Rescue Council's website at www.nmsarc.org.

Are there dangerous plants in New Mexico?

New Mexico's diverse ecosystems offer hikers a variety of flora. Desert hikes are marked by cacti and yucca, while mountain trails feature conifers and aspens. To gain a deeper understanding of the state's plant life, explore resources provided by the New Mexico State University (https://nmsu.edu/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in New Mexico?

New Mexico offers diverse wildlife encounters for hikers, from desert-dwelling lizards to mountainous elk. Be aware of potential interactions with venomous snakes or scorpions in arid areas. To deepen your understanding of local fauna, the New Mexico Game & Fish department's website (https://a-z-animals.com/animals/location/north-america/united-states/new-mexico/) is a helpful resource.

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