The New Mexico Trail With A River, Hot Springs, And Views You Just Can't Beat
Melissa Mahoney
Author
New Mexico is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. Between the scenery of the mountains and desert as well as the forests, rivers, and lakes, there’s so much beauty to behold here. And if you enjoy a good hike every now and then, there are thousands of miles of trails to explore. One such trail, the Little Bear Canyon Trail, offers a river, hot springs, gorgeous views and, if you take it, you may end up thinking it’s the best hiking trail in New Mexico (we certainly do!).
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Have you ever taken a hike along the Little Bear Canyon Trail in the Gila Wilderness? What’s the best place you’ve gone hiking in New Mexico? Tell us in the comments!
To learn more about the Little Bear Canyon Trail to Jordan Hot Springs, visit AllTrails – and don’t forget to download AllTrails+ to access a trail map offline.
If you’re hungry after hiking in the Gila Wilderness, head to the historic Buckhorn Saloon in Pinos Altos for some delicious food! Or, add a few more spots to your bucket list for next time – these easy, quiet New Mexico hiking trails are all worth a detour to get to.
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More to Explore
Best Hiking Trails In New Mexico
What are some of the most iconic hikes in New Mexico?
If you're looking for bucket list hikes, New Mexico is a one-stop shop that is chock full of them! The Land of Enchantment is a phenomenal destination for hiking enthusiasts of all skill levels, as it offers a variety of trails that showcase the state’s diverse and stunning landscapes. From desert dunes to alpine forests, from ancient ruins to modern art, there is something for everyone to enjoy. But these well-loved, iconic hikes in New Mexico are an absolute MUST:
- Bandelier National Monument: This stunning monument is a historical and cultural treasure that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Visitors can explore the ancient dwellings and petroglyphs of the Ancestral Pueblo people, stroll along over 70 miles of trails, and admire the starkly beautiful surroundings. The most popular trail at Bandelier is the Main Loop Trail, which is a 1.2-mile loop that passes by the most impressive cliff houses, kivas, and rock carvings. You can also climb ladders to access some (not all!) of the caves to get a closer look at the ancient architecture and art.
- La Luz Trail: This is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the state, as it takes you from the desert floor to the top of the Sandia Mountains. The trail is about 8 miles long and gains over 3,000 feet in elevation, so it requires good physical condition and plenty of water and snacks. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of the city of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande Valley, and the surrounding peaks. You can either hike back down the same way, or take the Sandia Peak Tramway for a scenic ride.
- Tent Rocks National Monument: Tent Rocks is a geological wonder, where you can marvel at the cone-shaped rock formations that were created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The monument has two trails that lead you through the tent rocks, the Slot Canyon Trail and the Cave Loop Trail. The Slot Canyon Trail is a 3-mile round trip that takes you through a narrow canyon and up to a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the tent rocks and the surrounding mountains. The Cave Loop Trail is a 1.2-mile loop that passes by a cave that was used by the Pueblo people.
- White Sands National Park: This stunning national park in NM is one of the most unique and beautiful places in the world. Here, you can hike on the largest gypsum sand dune field on the planet! You can choose from several trails that range from easy to moderate, such as the Interdune Boardwalk, the Alkali Flat Trail, or the Dune Life Nature Trail. You can also join a ranger-guided sunset stroll or a full moon hike for a memorable experience.