New Mexico is home to a plethora of picturesque hiking trails, with terrain ranging from easy desert strolls to treacherous high-altitude climbs. Whether you’re looking for a casual walk or an adventurous challenge, you can find it all in the Land of Enchantment. With its diverse landscape and abundance of trails, it’s no wonder that New Mexico is one of the most popular states for hikers and outdoor lovers alike.
The state’s diverse terrain allows for a wide range of trails. In the northern region, you can find challenging mountain hikes that take you up to 13,000 feet above sea level. The Gila Wilderness Area in the southwest is home to some of the wildest terrain in New Mexico and offers a variety of trails from short day hikes to long backpacking trips.
In between these extremes lies a wealth of moderate-level hiking trails that explore both the rugged and remote landscapes as well as more accessible areas close to popular cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Some of these trails include the Continental Divide Trail, which stretches from Mexico to Canada; the Pecos Wilderness Trail, which cuts through some of New Mexico’s most pristine wilderness; and numerous national forest paths like the Santa Fe National Forest Trail System.
New Mexico also offers plenty of opportunities for low-impact hikes such as nature walks along rivers or lakes and urban strolls through cities like Taos or Las Cruces. No matter what type of hiking trail you’re looking for, there’s something in New Mexico that will suit your needs.
So How Many Hiking Trails Are There in New Mexico? According to a 2019 report by the Bureau of Land Management, there are over 1,500 miles (2,414 km) worth of hiking trails located on public land throughout the state. That number doesn’t include any private land trails or unofficial footpaths that may exist in remote parts of New Mexico, so it’s safe to say that there are far more than just 1,500 miles worth of potential hikes available within its borders!
Conclusion: With over 1,500 miles worth of public hiking trails across its varied landscape, New Mexico offers an amazing variety for hikers ranging from novice day trippers to hardcore adventurers alike. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking mountain vistas or peaceful nature walks by rivers and lakesides – there’s something here for everyone!
