Contact Info
1710 N. Riverside Drive
Española, NM 87532
- Phone:
- 505-753-7331
Basics
- Length:
- 2.5 miles
- Difficulty:
- Easy
- Time:
- 1 hour
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 10000 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 10000 feet to 10080 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 80 feet
- Usage:
- Heavy
- Season:
- Year Round
Description
The trail begins to the right of the kiosk, and generally follows the contours of a gentle ridge in a series of serpentine loops that eventually lead you to a short section of old road and then back to the trailhead and parking lot. In the interest of safety, visitors are asked to follow the directional arrows, and follow the trail in a counterclockwise direction. There are many opportunities to shorten or lengthen your experience by using one of the several cutoffs and skipping some of the loops, or repeating others. Although there is some uphill and downhill, the trail is fairly level for the most part, and is well suited to beginning skiers.
The trail is a nice single track that wind around the ridge, through a forest of aspen and spruce, and is well marked by small blue diamonds tacked to the trees. In the summer and fall it makes a very pleasant hike, and is perfect for aspen viewing in the autumn.
Tour Companies
Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing
- Santa Fe Area
- Snowshoeing, Hiking
- 505-660-0394
From alpine to desert, Outspire guides enrich your experience by giving context to your hike. So that your destination is not only what you see, but a sense of where the area fits in New Mexico's history, geology and natural world. Our hiking guides are experienced, enthusiastic, and motivated to share the joy of being outside! Day hikes and winter snowshoe outings are planned to suit your interests and fitness.Helpful Links
Tour Companies
Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing
- Santa Fe Area
- Snowshoeing, Hiking
- 505-660-0394
Details
Length:
Difficulty:
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
Usage:
Season:
Useful Map(s):
Additional Details:
Due to the topography and the elevation, this trail is one of the few trails in this part of the Santa Fe National Forest that is truly suited to Nordic skiing, and is managed primarily for that activity. There is an active volunteer club, the Norski de Santa Fe, that performs regular grooming of the snow for skiing, and other trail maintenance as well. Because of the efforts and hard work of the volunteers, it is requested that visitors please refrain from walking on or exercising dogs on the Norski Trail. The Norski Trail offers the only Nordic skiing on a groomed track that is available in the general Santa Fe area.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
This popular trail, designed and managed for Nordic or cross country skiing, is located along State Highway 475, also known as Hyde Park Road, and the road to the Santa Fe Ski Area. Follow the highway past Hyde Park (a New Mexico State Park), past Big Tesuque Campground, and past Aspen Vista Picnic Area. About ¼ mile before the Santa Fe Ski Area, you will see the trailhead at a small parking lot on your left, or the west side of the highway. A Forest Service informational kiosk marks the beginning of the trail and offers further information.
