BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT – Class 3 - Drive to Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos.  Hike on the Stone Lion Trail to view ancient ceremonial stone lions.  This is a very strenuous 12 mile roundtrip.

BIG AND LITTLE ARSENIC SPRINGS AND RIO GRANDE GORGE – Class 1-2 - Take Hwy. 522 north from Questa to Cerro and turn left on Hwy. 978 to Little Arsenic Springs Trail.  Hike down into the Rio Grand Gorge via many switchbacks and along Rio Grand River to Big Arsenic Springs.  Look for petroglyphs.  Take Big Arsenic Trail as it switchbacks steeply up to the trailhead.  Elevation gain is 800 ft. in less than one mile and total distance is 3 miles.  Take water and wear a hat.

BLACK JACK PARK –  Class 2 - Located in Cimarron Canyon, the hike takes one up through the pinons and open meadows.  One may spot bear, elk, deer, and turkey.  Elevation gain is 1,270 ft. and distance is 6 miles roundtrip.  See Cimarron Canyon State Park brochure.

BULL SPRINGS - Class 2 - Depart from the top of Palo Flechado Pass going south to Bull Springs and loop back north to start.  See Carson National Forest trails brochure.

CEBOLLA MESA Trail #102 — Class: 2 Length: 2.5 miles round-trip.  Elevation gain: 880 feet.  From Taos, drive US Highway 64 north and continue on State Road 522 for about 15 miles, to Forest Road 9, just south of Questa.  A Cebolla Campground sign is on the right.  Drive west, for 1 mile on a  dirt road. This road may be slick when wet. Park at Cebolla  Mesa campground. This trail is a moderately strenuous  trail  to  the confluence of the  Rio Grande and  Red River.  The trail is steep and rocky, at the top, then switching to moderately steep, with 22 switchbacks. The views, of the gorge and the desert landscape are spectacular.  The trail is along the east side of the Rio Grande, for another 3 miles to Big Arsenic Springs. This is a delightful trip.  

CLEAR CREEK TRAIL – Class 1 – Drive to marker 292 in Cimarron Canyon.  Cross the creek and find the trail on the right.  Trail follows Clear Creak and crosses on 3 log bridges.  A very small section is steep and narrow.  Suggestion: have lunch at the 3^rd waterfall.  Elevation gain is 600 ft.and distance is 6 miles roundtrip.  New in 2008 - NM State Park Pass ($40) or Day Use Permit ($5) per car for parking and GAIN permit required - For details see Fees for Hiking in Cimarron Canyon.  For trail map see Cimarron Canyon State Park brochure.

COYOTE GREEN BELT TRAILS – This series of trails makes use of three greenbelts (Dee, Elk and Bear) connected at the West end by the Coyote trail.  Deer’s trailhead is on Valley Grande Trail North behind Valley Market (park at Valley Market).  To reach trailheads for Elk & Bear Trails, park in the parking lot of Frontier Square and follow trail from the south side of the parking lot.  The Elk trail splits off first – you will see Elk trailhead sigh to the right/west.  Bear trail parallels Hwy 434 for a ways before heading right/west.  Bear trailhead marker will be to your left/east facing Hwy 434.  Deer Trail is 1.1 miles before reaching Coyote trailhead on Via Del Rey.  Elk Trail is 1.6 miles before reaching Coyote Trail.  Bear Trail is 2.2 miles before reaching Coyote Trail.  Coyote Trail is 1.5 miles.  See Hiking Trails Around Angel Fire brochure for map & details. 

DEVISADERO LOOP TRAIL – Class 2 – Trail starts at El Nogal campground on HWY. 64 near Taos.  Hike the trail up the ridge line to Devisadero Peak.  Fine views of Taos Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Range.  Elevation gain is 1, 100 ft. and distance is 6 miles roundtrip.

ELLIOTT BARKER TRAIL – Class 3 – Hike from Apache Pass to Forest Rd. 76.  There are great views in Yert Meadow that are much like the hills in “The Sound of Music”.  Elevation change is 1,260 ft. and distance is 8 miles roundtrip.  See Carson National Forest Trails Brochure

ELLIOTT BARKER TRAIL #1 – Class 1-2 – Hike from Apache Pass through the aspens, pine, and spruce and into the Bull Springs Meadow where one may see elk or turkey.  Elevation gain is 320 ft. with a 1,040 ft. decent and distance is 5 miles one way.  See Carson National Forest Trails brochure. 

GOLD HILL VIA DEER CREEK TRAIL/PLACER TRAIL – Class 3 – From Columbine Campground west of Red River, hike up Deer Ck. Trail to Gold Hill and then back down via Placer Trail.

GOOSE LAKE TRAIL #65  – Class: 3  Good  FALL COLOR HIKE  From Red River, drive south on State Highway 38 and continue on State Road 578 to the  trailhead. Hike across the bridge and turn left along the Red River.  Soon the Goose Creek Trail  is on the  right.  Hike along the rushing stream. The trail crosses the river twice, then traverses the north side of the canyon, through small open meadows and large stands of aspen. Continue on the trail, as it starts its' moderately steep climb through beautiful aspen, spruce and fir.    Distance:  10.6 miles RT    Elevation Gain: 2700 ft.

GUADALUPE VOLCANO TRAIL – Class 1 – From Questa to Cerro then Hwy. 378 to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area.  Hike the trail of this 3 million-year-old volcano that formed the Rio Grande.  The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are spectacular.  Elevation gain is 800 ft. and distance is 4.2 miles roundtrip.

HORSESHOE LAKE via EAST FORK – Class 3 – From RR, travel south about 6 miles on Hwy. 578 to the Middle Fork and East Fork Junction where pavement ends.  Turn left, cross bridge onto Forest Rd. 58A; stay to the left on the new forest road to the parking lot trailhead.  Trail follows Red River for about 3 miles, then continues up through scenic openings to the junction of Lost Lake Trail #91.  Hike south to Horseshoe Lake.  Elevation gain is 2,630 ft. and distance is 12 miles roundtrip.  See Wheeler Peak Wilderness  brochure.

LAKE & LADY SLIPPER GREEN BELT TRAILS – Class 1 – Park in parking lot at Monte Verde Lake.  Hike past the picnic tables and BBQ grills following near the shore of the lake till reaching Alpine Lake Way.  Look straight ahead on Alpine Lake Way & about 100 yards “up” the road you will see the trailhead sign for the Lady Slipper Trail.  Follow markers.  Trail crosses into the Carson National Forest.  There is a side loop to the Big Tree.  Then follow markers and colored “diamonds” on the trees. The trail makes a loop at an overlook viewing pastures and mountains.  Trail is not as well marked for the return, so be watchful.  Once back on Alpine Lake Way, you can return over the same trail on the west side of the lake or complete the circle around the lake.  If the marsh at the south end of the lake is wet, stay on Alpine Lake Way and pick the trail up past the marsh.  Total distance 3.75 miles.  See Hiking Trails Around Angel Fire brochure for map & more details. 

LA JARA CANYON – Class 1 – Very gentle climb on a forest road along stream to a meadow.  Park at hairpin turn on Hwy. 64 west and down from Palo Flechado Pass.  Distance is 2 miles.  See Carson National Forest Trails brochure.

LA JUNTA POINT TO ARSENIC SPRINGS – Class 1-2 – Take Hwy. 522 north from Questa to Cerro and turn left on Hwy. 978 to La Junta Point Trail.  Hike down steep switchbacks to the confluence of the Red River and the Rio Grand to Big Arsenic Springs.  Take Big Arsenic Trail as it switchbacks steeply up to the trailhead.  Walk back to La Junta.  Elevation gain is 800 ft. in less than one mile and total distance is about 4 miles.  Take water and wear a hat.

LA VISTA VERDE TRAIL ORILLA VERDE REC AREA – Class 1.  Take Hwy 68 SW of Taos to Co. Rd. 570 at Pilar,  Drive along the Rio Grande River to Taos Junction campground, cross the bridge, continue for one mile to parking area "Nature Trail".  Easy trail 1 1/2 mile long.  Spectacular views of the Rio Grande canyon and archaeological sites are seen along the hike including petroglyphs.

LOBO PEAK, VIA ITALIANOS TRAIL 59 – Class 3 - Take Hwy 64 thru Taos, turn right on Hwy 150 toward Taos Ski Valley.  Find trailhead for 59 n the right 1 mile east of Upper Chuchilla Campground.  Enjoy spectacular views of Wheeler and Taos Ski Valley from 12,160 ft.  Elevation gain is 3,800 ft and distance is 10 miles roundtrip. 

MAXWELL WILDLIFE REFUGEE – Class 1 – Day trip to wildlife and bird sanctuary near the town of Maxwell to view migratory birds.  Many varieties of waterfowl present in the three lakes, with pronghorns in the fields and occasionally burrowing owls.  Visitors Center.  This is a real nature tour so bring your binoculars and insect repellent.

NORTH BOUNDARY TRAIL #162 – Class 3 – Drive towards Taos on Hwy. 64 and exit at Capulin Canyon (Forest Rd. 10) on the right. (It’s after La Sombra campground which is on the left).  Drive up the canyon to the trailhead and hike North Boundary Trail to Las Petacas Campground..

NORTH TRUCHAS PEAK – Class 3 - Drive to town of Truchas.  Begin hike along the Rio Quemado, passing falls as you proceed to North Truchas Peak in the Pecos Wilderness.

OLD PASS OVERLOOK – Class 1 – See ditch built in 1868 to supply water to Elizabethtown.  From Eagle Nest, take Hwy. 38 over Bobcat Pass and turn off at The Enchanted Forest Cross-country Ski Area.  Begin hike at sign for Forest Rd. 488.  Views of Wheeler and Gold Hill.  Elevation gain is 300 ft. and distance is 6 miles roundtrip.

OESTE VISTA GREEN BELT TRAIL – Class 1 – Trail head is across Hwy 434 from entrance to Angel Fire Resort Golf Course.  Park in the telephone substation parking lot.  3 miles long, elevation gain 500 ft.  Trail is designed/marked for using the lower trail going south and the upper trail going north.  Hike through deep forest with grand views towards the West of Monte Verde Lake the Golf Course and surrounding hills & Wheeler Wilderness, and past large rock outcroppings.  See Hiking Trails Around Angel Fire brochure. 

PALO FLECHADO PASS LOOP – Class 2.  Distance: 4.9 miles.  Elevation Gain 850 feet.  From the Elliot Barker parking area walk through the gate, continue straight ahead on dirt road through the rustic fence and past a small pond.  The trail continues South West gaining elevation, and generally following a very small stream until reaching the top of the pass with Hwy 64.  Pass through the People Gate, turn left and follow the trail over rolling terrain until intersecting Elliot Barker trail.  Take the trail going North, generally going down hill returning to the trailhead. 

PARADISE PARK – Class 1 – Drive Hwy. 64 west to Valle Escondido, turn left on Forest Rd. 437 and drive seven winding/uphill miles.  Park at Forest Rd. 445, hike two miles to Sierra Don Fernando Peak.  The hike is a gentle ascent to Paradise Park.  Elevation gain is 165 ft. and distance is 4 miles roundtrip.  It is a great lunch spot.  See Carson National Forest Trails

PIONEER CANYON – Class 2 – Explore old mines and the history of mining in Red River.  Take 4WD from Red River ski area parking lot behind Arrowhead Lodge to pioneer Jeep Trail and go 2.75 miles to Inferno Mines where there is a turnaround.  Elevation gain is 1,400 ft. and distance is 6 miles roundtrip. 

PONIL CREEK – Class 1-2 – Drive through Cimarron 4.5 miles to FR 1950.  Drive 28 miles to the trailhead in Valle Vidal.  Explore the old 1879 mining town of Ponil with its old ruins and remains of railroads, cabins, and a cemetery.  Elevation gain is 300 ft. and distance is 6-8 miles round. Trip 

PUYE RUINS – Class 1 - Take this day trip to the Puye Indian Ruins located on the Santa Clara Indian Reservation located outside Espanola.  Climb and explore this fascinating evidence of a prior civilization.

RED RIVER PASS via Forest Road # 488 4th of July Canyon via Forest Road #490 – Class: 2  Good FALL COLOR HIKE    From Red River, drive south on State Highway 38 and continue on State Road 578.  Turn left on Forest Road 488. Drive 1/2 miles and 6 switchbacks to the top of Red River Pass, at 9,854 feet.  This road was built in 1916 by the National Forest, as a road to Eagle Nest.  It is steep and narrow with panoramic views of Wheeler Peak, Gold Hill and Red River.  There is a knoll on the pass, which gives views of Red River. (left is Forest Road 488 to Enchanted Ski Area and Bobcat Pass, 3 miles). Notice the Big Ditch, which was built in 1868, to provide water for mining, in Elizabethtown. Turn right on Forest Road 490, to Foster Park. Look for the remains of an old saloon. Hike for another mile to Fourth of July Canyon.  The hike is excellent in the fall with the golden aspen groves.  Length: 6 miles round trip.  Elevation gain: 900 feet.

RIO GRANDE GORGE – Class 1-2 – Take Hwy 522 north from Questa to Cerro and turn left on Hwy 978 to Little Arsenic Springs Trail.  Hike down switchbacks and along Rio Grande River to Big arsenic Springs.  Take Big Arsenic Trail as it switchbacks up to the trailhead.  Look for petroglyphs.  Elevation gain is 800 ft. in less than one mile and total distance is 3 miles.  Take 2 quarts of water and wear a hat. 

SANTA BARBARA CANYON – Class 2+ - Take Hwy. 64 through Taos; then Hwy. 518 S from Taos to junction with Hwy. 75.  Go to Penasco and turn left on Hwy. 73 for 1 mile; then left on Forest Rd 116 to Santa Barbara Campground.  Hike along the West Fork of the Rio Santa Barbara through meadows and colorful aspen forests.  Elevation gain is 1,000 ft. and distance is 8+ miles roundtrip.

SAWMILL PARK/TAOS CONE – Class 3 – Take Hwy 578 from Red River to end of road.  Take Forest Rd. 48A, cross bridge and turn right.  Follow main dirt road past sign “entering private land, dead end” and continue through fence to parking area for East Fork Tr. 56.  Hike 2 miles past Ditch Cabin Site to trailhead for Sawmill Park Trl. 55.  Easy hike through forest along Sawmill Creek.  Continue on and ascend for 2 ¼ miles on old, very steep and sometimes obscure trail for 1200 ft. to Taos Cone (12,227 ft.)  Elevation gain 2,635 ft. and distance is 14 miles roundtrip.

STRAUROLITE PEAK – Class 1 – Just south of Taos and into Piedra Lumbre Canyon.  Hike around the canyon area and look for the Straurolite crystals shaped like a cross.  These “fairy crosses” are found in only three places in the world.  Very little elevation change and distance is ½ mile.

TENT ROCKS CANYON – Class 1 – Drive south on 1-25 past Santa Fe to Cochiti Exit (#264).  Follow directions to Tent Rocks Canyon Trail on BLM land.  Walk 1.5 miles on an interesting trail through banded volcanic deposits.  Trail will alternate between narrow and open sections.  Some climbing over and around boulders is necessary.  Views of unusual towers of volcanic tuff capped with harder rock forming conical spires shaped like teepees.  Elevation gain is 400 ft.

TOUCH-ME-NOT TRAIL – Closed by NM Fish & Game in 2008

WHEELER PEAK/MIDDLE FORK/LA CAL BASIN – Class 3 – Take Hwy 64 to Eagle Nest, then Hwy 38 to Red River.  Turn right on Hwy 578 to road’s end, then continue 1.5 miles on dirt road to parking area.  Hike along the stream in the trees and through marmot territory above the tree line on your way to the highest peak in NM.  The trail is long but less steep than most routes; around 18 miles roundtrip, 3800 ft elevation gain.  Roughly 8 hours with lunch.  See Wheeler Peak Wilderness brochure.

WILD RIVERS LA JUNTA TRAIL – BIG ARSENIC— Class: 3.  From Questa, drive north on State Highway 522 to Cerro,  turn west on State Road 378 to the Recreation area. The trail descends 800 feet down a rock staircase with switchbacks, through a pinon and rock garden. The views of the confluence of the Red River and the Rio Grande below are spectacular!  It is 1 ¼  miles in length. Hike along the  Rio Grande for 3 miles to  Big Arsenic Springs.  This trail ascends 680 feet in .8 mile.  There are many rocky switchbacks and great views of the river canyon. 

WILLIAMS LAKE TRAIL 62 – Class 2 – Go north of Taos on Hwy 64, turn right on Hwy 150 to Taos Ski Valley.  Continue thorough the ski area parking lot and drive around the back of the ski area to the Phoenix Restaurant.  Hike along stream to a small lake with a view of Wheeler Peak and wildflowers.  See waterfall to the right of the lake.  Distance is 4 miles roundtrip.  See Wheeler Peak Wilderness brochure.