These 6 Easy Trails In New Mexico Are The Perfect Places To Walk Off Your Thanksgiving Wobble
By Monica Spencer|Published November 28, 2019
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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.
Turkey day has arrived and, hopefully, you’ve had a chance to enjoy all your favorite dishes, like tamales, enchiladas, and, of course, that perfectly browned turkey. If you indulged in all those goodies just a little too much, don’t worry! You may want to go on an easy hike or nature walk as a post-feast activity to get some fresh air, burn some calories, and enjoy New Mexico’s beautiful scenery. Here are some easy trails to do this weekend that will help you to walk off that Thanksgiving wobble, bond with your family, and feed your soul.
Note: Some of these locations may be closed on Thanksgiving Day but will be open the following day.
Want to incorporate a bit of history into your post-feast hike? Boca Negra Canyon Trail features a large number of petroglyphs on dark rocks along this super short trail.
If part of walking off the indulgent calories includes engaging your leg and glute muscles just enough to feel a slight burn, you'll want to check out this short trail in Santa Fe. Measuring just under two miles overall, this trail will have you steadily climbing the well-marked path to a spectacular view.
This trail loops around the crater of Capulin volcano, located in eastern New Mexico. This area is typically busy in the summer months so you'll find it a much quieter experience this time of year. The trail is easy to navigate and mostly paved, making it a fairly simple trek.
If spotting wintering birds sounds like your idea of a post-turkey activity, then you will love the sights and sounds along this trail near Socorro. See how many birds you can spot while strolling along the marsh's banks.
The weather this time of year is much milder in southern New Mexico, so taking a stroll along the Rio Grande is the perfect way to walk off that turkey dinner. This trail is the longest featured on this list but is also easy to navigate and is a fairly flat trail.
This easy-to-access trail is located along the Rio Grande in Albuquerque and is one peaceful place especially after a large family gathering. The trail loops around a portion of the nature center and is mostly flat, making it an easy trek for anyone.