Underrated: The Land of Enchantment

New Mexico is a hidden gem. Don’t let Breaking Bad fool you, there’s more to it than Albuquerque. That’s just where you should fly into.

I’ve visited White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns to the south, but the capital city has my heart - just as much as it had Jack’s in Newsies (where are my fellow millennials?!). Santa Fe’s adobe buildings, alpine forest, green or red chilies on every meal, and easy to reach trailheads make it a hikers paradise. It’s also an artsy hub with a beautiful historic square downtown if you’re into that kinda thing.

I was pleasantly surprised during my June visit that the temperatures were upper 70’s and when I visited in early October I was gifted with unseasonably warm weather of similar lower 70’s/upper 60’s. The elevation of Santa Fe is almost 8,000 feet so it still requires layers even in the summer/fall.

Now, to the good stuff. The hiking is glorious with two clearly defined trail systems within Santa Fe National Forest. Here’s a list of the top hikes for a long weekend:

Atalaya Mountain: 6.2 miles round trip but a quick 3 hour hike with the right pace. It has potential to be a lung and leg burner if you want it to be, although it’s really about the view. You can see for miles and the trailhead is close to town for easy access.

If you’re running short on time and want a bit shorter trek with a similar view from a bit lower vantage point, pick Picacho Peak that clocks 3.7 miles round trip and isn’t quite as challenging. I did this one for sunset and would have benefited from a head lamp on the way down.

For the most challenging trails head up 475 into the Aspen Basin past Hyde Memorial State Park. It will take roughly 45 minutes to an hour from town to get up into the mountains on a two lane winding road, I promise it’s worth it though!

Ravens Ridge Trail: 5.7 miles round trip, AllTrails Rating: HARD

I did this trail on a low visibility day where I could barely see the view. I am 100% sure it would be fantastic on a clear day. It did live up to the hard rating with steep inclines until you get above the tree-line. This can be extended to loop together a few peaks.

Nambe Lake: 6.5 miles round trip

AllTrails Rating: HARD

I had every intention of doing this trail in October but the road was closed for resurfacing and I couldn’t get up to the trailhead. You can see the lake from the Ravens Ridge Trail, so it depends on if you want to walk up to the lake or view it from above which one you pick.

Santa Fe Baldy: 13.5 miles round trip

AllTrails Rating: HARD

Haven’t done this one either, but it made the list because I’ve heard it’s worth the effort. Guess I’ll just have to go back.

Tesuque Peak/Aspen Vista: I hit this in October and all for the aspens. It takes you up to the top of the ski area and then back down a dirt road. Not sure I’d do it again, but it was solid with the road construction as a back up plan.

If you want to stay longer, drive another hour northeast to Taos. Taos is home to the highest peak in the state and you have to walk the bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge. It’s a stunner.

Wheeler Peak: 8.7 miles round trip

AllTrails Rating: HARD

I really loved this trail. It has challenging switchbacks and gets rocky near the top. Views are really nice and there were tons of kids and families on the trail. For a 13teener it’s something I think most relatively fit people could complete. Make sure you take snacks, water, and layers as the top gets windy.