Family Friendly Hikes near Santa Fe
ASPEN VISTA TRAIL
This is the most popular trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The gradual uphill climb and the width of the road make it ideal for hikers of all abilities and ages. It's also popular with cross-country skiers. The road is closed to motorized vehicles including snowmobiles.
Directions: Follow Paseo de Peralta to Washington Ave on the North end of Paseo de Peralta. Turn away from the plaza heading north on Washington Avenue to Artist Road (Ski Basin Rd). Follow the Ski Basin Rd. 13 miles. Access this trail from Aspen Vista Picnic Area, just beyond the 13-mile marker. Ample parking is available.
BLACK CANYON TRAIL
Hike Location: Santa Fe National Forest, Black Canyon Campground
Geographic Location: east of Santa Fe, NM (35.72806, -105.83930)
Length: 2.1 miles
Black Canyon Trail is a 1.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near our Santa Fe Vacation Rental, New Mexico that features beautiful wildflowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.
Burn Trail is a 4.2-mile loop trail located near Things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and mountain biking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.
Directions to the trailhead: On the northeast side of Santa Fe, take Paseo de Peralta to Bishops Lodge Road. Turn north (outbound) on Bishops Lodge Rd. Drive Bishops Lodge Rd. 0.2 miles to Artist Road and turn right on Artist Rd. Artist Rd. becomes SR 475 and Hyde Park Road as you leave Santa Fe. Drive SR 475 a total of 6.9 miles to the Black Canyon Campground entrance on the right. Turn right to enter the campground, then immediately turn left to park in the signed hiker (as opposed to camper) parking area. Vault toilets are available in this parking area.
BORREGO/BEAR WALLOW
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Hike Distance (Round Trip): 4 miles
Time (Round Trip): 1 1/2 - 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 760ft
The loop actually consists of three trails: 150,182 and 254 which is the Windsor Trail. From the trailhead you can choose to either veer left or right on 150 or 182, both trails lead to the Tesuque Creek where they meet the Windsor Trail. There are two creek crossings which can be a little difficult during the high flow of spring runoff. If you start on trail 150, turn left (south) when you meet trail 250. Hike along the creek for .8 miles before turning left unto trail 182 to return to the trailhead. If you start on trail 182, you will make two right turns to complete the loop.
CERRILLOS HILLS
Santa Fe, NM
Easy. 4.5 miles for the full loop, can be shorter, estimated elevation gain 363 ft.
The Cerrillos Hills are a historic mining area. The trails offer plenty of opportunities to learn about the geology of the landscape and the history of mining. Structures have been added to safely look into old mines and scattered along the trailside are informational signs that tell of the geology that was shaped over 30 million years ago by volcanoes. This is a fun trail with lots of options, trail intersections are well marked but a map of the area is recommended. Stop by the new ranger station for a map and more information. This area can be extremely warm in the summer with very little shade; hiking during the cooler hours is recommended. There is a horse stable nearby, so spotting horses on the trail is likely. Bring lots of water and sunblock.
Directions
Take Cerrillos Road South out of town until it turns into Highway 14. Continue on Highway 14 for 11 miles. Turn right onto CR 57 at the sign “Los Cerrillos Traditional Village”. At the first intersection of town, First Street, turn right and go over the railroad tracks. Continue on this road, which turns into a dirt road onto CR59, past the Broken Saddle Stables. After a short distance, you will see a small cemetery on the right, the trailhead is on the left a little further ahead. The trail starts on the far side of the road.
DOROTHY STEWART TRAIL
Santa Fe, NM
This trail offers plenty of great views of the Santa Fe Area through a pinon-juniper woodland. Easy. 2.5 miles from Camino Cruz Blanca TH, 3.5 miles from St. Johns College Trailhead, estimated elevation gain 440 ft.
From the St. John’s trailhead, follow the trail on the left along Camino Cruz Blanca. After .6 miles you will need to cross the street at the official trailhead. Continue North on the trail. After about .25 mile descending down some switchbacks, you will see a trail on your left, do not take it. At the next fork, you are about to enter the loop around the hill you are on, clockwise hiking is preferred so turn left. This trail does meet up with the Southern Dale Ball Trails, so pay attention to the signage to stay on track. After finishing the loop, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
Directions
Drive East on Alameda until it veers right and becomes Camino Cabre. Continue South on Camino Cabre past the Cristo Rey Church. Turn left onto Camino Cruz Blanca at the St. John’s College sign. Parking is available as you first enter the college on the left or further down Camino Cruz Blanca.
GLORIETA GHOST TOWN
Santa Fe, NM
Easy. 7 miles roundtrip, estimated elevation gain 945 ft.
From the parking area go to the back of the parking area, you will see a trail on the left cutting through the trees. Follow this and turn right onto the dirt road. Follow this road past the stables and RV park. The trail starts at the back of the RV area on the left where you will see a gate. Continue walking on the main road past the horse feeding area, go past the bridge on left, and over a small dam. After a few more minutes you will go through another gate.
The trail used to be an old road up to a hotel. Two old fossilized cars can be seen abandoned in the woods. At the end of the hike is the Old Glorieta Ghost hotel built in 1883 and collapsed in 1956, there isn’t much left of the timber pile. The trail crosses over Glorieta Creek many times; the creek can swell during the spring run-off or after heavy rainstorms so be prepared to cross logs or get your feet a little wet. There is a great meadow near the old hotel which is perfect for a bite to eat before retracing your steps back to your car.
Directions
This trailhead is at the Glorieta Conference Center. Take I-25 North to exit 299, turn left over the interstate, and leave again at the “T” intersection. Stop at the gate and tell them you are a day hiker. After leaving the gatehouse immediately turn right onto Oak St., follow Oak St. through the conference center. At.9 miles you will see an old building with two glass doors (an old firehouse) on the right. Park just to the left of it near the “Hikers Parking” sign.
HYDE PARK CIRCLE TRAIL
Santa Fe, NM
A trail with excellent views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, Sandia, San Pedro, and Ortiz mountains (i.e., views in almost all directions). This trail gains 855 ft (261 m) in the first 0.94 mi (1.5km). However, the climb is worth it for the views.
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