One of the most surprising things about New Mexico isn’t that many parts of the state receive snow in winter – it’s the speed at which that snow melts. Glance out your door first thing in the morning and you might find three inches of powder. By lunchtime, all of it is gone, leaving stray patches of white dotting only the most heavily-shaded ground and absolutely nothing else. Regardless of snowfall, the intense blue of a New Mexican sky is enough to lure us out of our homes during the colder months. So, of course, we hit the trails. Here are eight of the best examples of hiking in New Mexico in the winter: the Land of Enchantment becomes even more magical when it’s chilly outside.
1. Osha Trail, Cloudcroft
Osha Trail Road, Osha Trail Rd, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
This 2.6-mile-long out-and-back trail is fairly easy. It leads you through the Lincoln National Forest and offers stunning views year round. The trailhead is located just off Highway 82. Come see why this is one of the best hikes in New Mexico to do during the winter.
Although there are several hiking options here at Petroglyph National Monument, the scenic overlook loop trail is a good choice for most. This one-mile, round-trip trail takes you right to the volcanoes and affords panoramic city views.
A number of scenic trails run alongside the Animas River, which is lovely year round. These paths are also great for spotting wildlife. This is a spellbinding family-friendly hike in New Mexico the whole crew will love.
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4. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, Mesilla
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle Del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88005, USA
This fantastic state park in New Mexico is far enough south that exploring it in winter is rarely a cold experience. It contains 2.3 miles of well-maintained trails. If you’re looking for a short hike with river views and birding opportunities, this is the place to go.
While you can sometimes complete this four miles out-and-back hike without snowshoes in winter, it’s a good idea to bring along a pair. In terms of difficulty, winter bumps this usually "moderate" trail closer to "difficult." The route leads you through forested terrain, up to the lake. Even if the water is buried under a blanket of snow, the mountain scenery makes the effort worthwhile. This is a delightful winter hike in New Mexico that's best after fresh snowfall!
6. Church Rock Trail, Church Rock
Red Rock Park, 825 Outlaw Rd, Church Rock, NM 87311, USA
Be prepared to follow cairns and wear sturdy shoes - the terrain is rocky - on this 3.5-mile, out-and-back trail. In exchange for those minor inconveniences, you’re rewarded with staggering views of the rock formations for which Red Rock Park is named.
7. Catwalk Trail, Glenwood
Catwalk Recreation Area, Catwalk Road, Glenwood, NM 88039, USA
Travel along this 4-mile, round-trip trail to see the fierce majesty of the Organ Mountains. The route is easy to moderate to navigate. You’ll find the trailhead in the Aguirre Springs Recreation Area. This area is also home to some excellent camping in New Mexico.
So, what are your thoughts? Where do you like to go hiking in New Mexico in the winter? Let us know on the Only In New Mexico Facebook page!
Can’t get enough of New Mexico’s amazing natural beauty? Check out some of the reasons that New Mexico is the best, definitely ranking among the highest on the “underrated states to visit in the US” list. If you’re a fan of the natural world, you can’t miss these incredible natural wonders in New Mexico – and on the other side of the coin, there are always the best man-made wonders in New Mexico to explore, too.
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Hiking In New Mexico In The Winter
Tori Jane|November 15, 2022
What are some of the best places for hiking in New Mexico in the winter?
The best places for hiking in New Mexico during the winter include amazing treks like:
