The Awesome Hike That Will Take You To The Most Spectacular Fall Foliage In New Mexico
By Monica Spencer|Published October 06, 2020
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
October is officially in full swing! Here in New Mexico, that means not only that a spooky Halloween is just around the corner but we’re starting to see peak fall colors around the state. If you’re looking for a reason to head out of town to take in those warm hues, look no further because we’re going to share one of our state’s loveliest spots.
When you embark on the Fourth of July Trail in the early fall season, you'll be met with a view much like this: a verdant green with hints of the coming chill.
In October—and occasionally into November—the trail is an explosion of colors: yellow, orange, red, green, and even hints of brown and near-purples take over the landscape here.
The loop measures approximately five miles is rated as moderately difficult on AllTrails; the trek is quite steep for the first mile and a half, but slowly mellows afterward.
It's during these last few miles that you can enjoy the crunch, crunch, crunch under your feet and the glow of golden leaves all around.
The trail is open daily and there are no fees associated with parking or day use. For additional information, visit the U.S. Forest Service website or AllTrails.