If you and your furry best friend are craving a little outdoor adventure, there’s a wild place in New Mexico that’s perfect for hikers with four legs. The Nambe Lake Trail is a little challenging, but it’s worth the effort – all you need is some water, some extra treats, and a sense of adventure. Here’s what’s waiting for you on the Nambe Lake Trail.

Nambe Lake is located about 15 miles northeast of Santa Fe so it’s a great hiking option if you’re in the city. Take the scenic and winding Highway 475 to get to the trail. The drive passes a couple of scenic overlooks so you may want to allow a little extra time to enjoy the views.
Alltrails / Slav Czelusniak
The trail is located in the Santa Fe National Forest, a vast wilderness that was established over a century ago. It covers more than 1.5 million acres and it’s high, rugged country, with elevations ranging from 5,300 to 13,100 feet.
Alltrails / Grace Weaver
It’s also exceedingly beautiful and the Nambe Lake Trail will take you and your furry companion through some spectacular country. Leashed dogs are allowed. There are some areas where off-leash dogs are permitted, although this is a wild place, as well as a little busy at times, so you’ll want to keep your dog under good control.
Alltrails / Bob Froess

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You can pick the trail up at the Santa Fe Ski Basin parking lot. The trail includes a lot of climbing – it travels through the Sangre De Cristo subrange, which is part of the Southern Rockies.
Alltrails / Sophie Kline
The hike will travel through a forest of aspen and pine trees and some steep uphill segments. The hike is a little under seven miles out and back, and it’s a very good workout.
Alltrails / Bob Froess
You’ll turn around and start hiking back down at Nambe Lake, a small but pretty alpine lake. Enjoy the view and a few dog biscuits and start hiking home!
Alltrails / Grace Weaver

Because of the terrain, you’ll want to allow a few hours to complete this hike. Learn more about the trail and other recreational opportunities on the Santa Fe National Forest website. You will probably work up a big hunger on this trail – you might want to visit this awesome restaurant where the portions are as large as they are delicious.

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Nambe Lake, New Mexico 87506, USA