From alpine mountain scenery along the southern stretches of the Rocky Mountains to natural hot springs spread out across the state, New Mexico offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country, many of which are best explored on foot. Here are just three of many spots to traverse this high desert terrain.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (New Mexico Atlas, Pg. 16, D3):
As one of the most stunning and unique natural formations in New Mexico, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a great early morning or afternoon adventure. Volcanic eruptions occurring 6 to 7 million years ago are responsible for the tent-shaped rock formations that give the monument its name. Don’t let the name fool you, however, as no camping – let alone tents – are allowed at the monument. In fact, Tent Rocks does not have a dedicated visitor effort (sorry, not even a snack bar) but it can be hiked in about an hour so there isn’t much of a need for one. There also isn’t a need to bring Fido along with you on this one – pups aren’t allowed. What you will find a need for while visiting: hiking shoes (there are a few tricky parts), a camera, some water and $5 to cover the parking fee. Pretty cheap bills for some pretty steep thrills. Tip: Consider pairing this quick hike with a daytrip to nearby Bandelier National Monument. Tents are welcome there.
Aguirre Springs: Pine Tree Loop Trail (Near Organ, NM – New Mexico Atlas, Pg. 77 F9)
If you want to do some high-country camping in southern New Mexico, Aguirre Spring Campground is your spot. The campground is nestled at the base of the Organ Mountains – named after their resemblance to the pipes of a pipe organ – and can be found by heading east on U.S. 70 (from the I-25/U.S. 70 interchange) for 14 miles and turning south on Aguirre Spring Road for six miles. The campground, nestled at 5700-ft, is also the start of two national recreation trails. My pick is the Pine Tree Loop Trail, the shorter of the two trails at just over four miles round trip (it ‘loops’ around). Both it and the Baylor Pass Trail (6 miles, one way) offer plenty of beautiful scenery including White Sands National Monument and White Sands Missile Base. The trails are in great shape and many first-timers find themselves wishing that they had planned ahead to camp. One-up them and pack your gear. Note: There is a reason this is called high-country camping. Be sure you’ve got the pipes for the hike – the Pine Tree Loop Trail climbs to 6800-ft.
Wheeler Peak: 13,161-ft, Highest point in NM (New Mexico Atlas, Pg. 18, B1)
End your trip through New Mexico on a literal high note at Wheeler Peak, the state’s highest point. Wheeler Peak is situated inside of Northern New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle, an 85-mile US Forest Scenic Byway. The peak is located Northeast of Taos, NM, and is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (the southernmost part – or subrange, if you will – of the Rocky Mountains). Note that while you can expect to see Big Horn Sheep along the hike up the mountain, they are wary of visitors. All W’s are not alike: Don’t confuse Wheeler Peak with either Wheeler Peak in Nevada, or Mount Walter, the second highest summit in New Mexico at 13,141-ft. Mount Walter is sometimes is mistaken for Wheeler as it lies in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along the standard route to Wheeler Peak. Keep trucking! Almost summiting New Mexico’s highest point doesn’t count.
There are hundreds of hikes in New Mexico – what’s your favorite?
Photo 1 – Hiking Philmont by red, white, and black eyes forever
Photo 2 – Tent Rocks National Monument by Jon Hurd
Photo 3 – Aguirre Springs by Jared Tarbell
Photo 4 – Wheeler Peak by Joshua Eckert
