Santa Fe - Hiking

Visitors to Santa Fe may come first to explore the historic town, but will quickly find that there is excellent hiking and backpacking opportunity in the scenic landscapes that surround town. The Jemez Mountains to the west and Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the northeast of town and offer hundreds of miles of trail systems for avid hikers to choose from, with trail difficulties ranging from casual to challenging. The Jemez Mountains offer a variety of terrain for hikers to explore, but more interestingly has over 7000 archaeological ruins located within its rugged peaks and alpine forests.

Over 223,000 acres of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are incorporated in the Pecos Wilderness Area, an excellent place to spend a day or multiple days enjoying pristine alpine forests and sweeping vistas. Terrain of the Sangre de Cristos varies from river valleys and open meadows to the rugged peaks including Truchas Peak which crests out at 13,103 feet. Visitors looking to access high alpine hiking without the full trudge will find lift accessed hiking at Ski Santa Fe during the summer months. Visitors planning a hike in the Santa Fe vicinity are encouraged to check with a Forest Service ranger in Santa Fe for more information on specific trail systems, forest rules & regulations and for a list of outfitters that offer guided adventures on these lands.

Hiking guides and outfitters offering guided hiking trips in and near Santa Fe are listed below. Click on any name for more information. For information on hiking trails in the Santa Fe area select Hiking Trails.