New Mexico
Looking for the best backpacking in New Mexico? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around New Mexico. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near New Mexico
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Chamisal, New Mexico
Hike to the Trampas Lakes in Carson National Forest
4.911 mi / 2400 ft gainThis hike is worth its weight in gold. By far one of the most beautiful places in all of New Mexico. Located in the Carson National Forest, the options for camping are limitless. Did I mention this is ranked one of New Mexico's best hikes yet it rarely gets done. The potential for solitude is ver...Read more -
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Backpack to Lake Katherine in the Pecos Wilderness
5.016 mi / 1450 ft gainAccessible June through October, snow lingers on the trail late into the summer. This is a very popular, well-marked route so if it's solitude you're seeking, you'll probably be disappointed. At least on the weekend.The trailhead is at the parking lot for Ski Santa Fe. You'll climb from 10,250 to...Read more -
Questa, New Mexico
Camp at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
4.32.4 mi / 800 ft gainCreated in 2013 from partly existing public lands, The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument encompasses a large amount of land along the Rio Grande River from the Colorado border to south of Taos. Far from any major city, you'll likely enjoy trails to yourself in the morning and few other visit...Read more -
Rio Arriba County, New Mexico
Vacas Trail Loop
4.014.56 mi / 1581 ft gainYou start at the hiking at base of the the San Pedro Wilderness at the San Gregorio Lake Trailhead! This particular hike is called the Vacas Trail loop. For directions: Take US 550 to Cuba (north west of Albuquerque), turn east on NM 126 and go for about 9 miles. Just past the community of Deer ...Read more -
Catron County, New Mexico
Hike to Jordan Hot Springs via Little Bear Canyon Trail
13.5 mi / 1500 ft gainThe Gila Wilderness is the oldest wilderness area in The United States, and Jordan Hot Springs rests right in the heart of Canyon of the Middle Fork of the Gila River, along a stretch of the Continental Divide Trail and some 7 miles from the nearest road. The most direct road by either car or tra...Read more -
Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Camp at Bluff Springs
5.00 mi / 100 ft gainA mile up in elevation and only a few miles into Lincoln National Forest from Alamogordo, take off on the scenic Sunspot Highway that leads to the solar observation center before a short detour off a dirt road that arrives at Bluff Springs Waterfall (camping is free on all dirt roads). There you'...Read more -
Farmington, New Mexico
Camp in the Bisti Badlands
4 miAfter driving down some dirt roads to the marked location, park in the main parking area. Free car camping is allowed here. Look across the blank landscape to the east. A compass may help you keep your bearing while out hiking because there are no trails or trail markers. Exit the parking area by...Read more -
Red River, New Mexico
Hike Colombine Trail
8.5 mi / 1935 ft gainThis moderate trail is accessed from the Columbine campground on Highway 38. It will be on your right side when traveling east from Questa. Drive to the back end of the campground, where there are several spaces for parking. The moderate version of this hike will travel about 4 miles south into t...Read more -
Silver City, New Mexico
Mountain Bike the Picnic Loop
2 mi / 350 ft gainCalled the "Berg Trail" by Silver City locals in honor of Gary Berg who pioneered the extensive trail system around Gomez Peak, the Picnic Loop beginning at the Little Walnut Creek picnic area is a great way to be introduced to the incredible mountain biking trails to be found in the area. Beginn...Read more -
Pecos, New Mexico
Hike the South Pasture Loop Trail
3.8 mi / 196 ft gainThe South Pasture Loop trail, while part of the Pecos NHP, isn't in the main park. Currently, this trail is only open on the weekends and the road gate closes at 1pm. The trail itself closes at 3pm, and takes about 2-3 hours unless you plan on hiking for speed. No pets allowed. 0.7 miles down th...Read more