Plan your New Mexico adventure

Trail · North Central NM

Iron Gate Trailhead

Iron Gate Trailhead is a high-elevation trailhead in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains within Santa Fe National Forest's Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District, located 23 miles north of Pecos via NM 63 and rough Forest Road 223 (high-clearance vehicles recommended). Situated above 9,000 feet, it provides access to Hamilton Mesa Trail and panoramic Pecos Wilderness views. Day hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding are permitted; potable water is unavailable, and a vault toilet serves the area. Open seasonally May–November, weather permitting.

Hiking, Equestrian

Trail · North Central NM

Jacks Creek Trailhead

Jacks Creek Trailhead in north-central New Mexico lies approximately 21 miles up NM 63, providing access for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and horse camping. The trailhead is equipped with vault toilets and drinking water. Photography is permitted. Specific trail length, elevation, and difficulty are not listed; consult the recreation.gov listing or the managing agency for current conditions.

Hiking, Equestrian

Trail · North Central NM

La Lena Wilderness Study Area

La Lena Wilderness Study Area is located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, approximately 18 miles north of San Ysidro along Highway 550. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management's Rio Puerco Field Office, this landscape features deep arroyos, sculpted mesas, canyons, and sandstone/shale outcrops. Access is via the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which crosses the area and is marked by cairns rather than a formal trailhead. The terrain is described as easily traveled by horseback, with a 14-day maximum stay.

Hiking, Equestrian

Trail · North Central NM

Panchuela Trailhead

Panchuela Trailhead in north-central New Mexico sits at the end of Forest Road 305 off NM 63, approximately 22 miles north of Pecos. The trailhead is equipped with drinking water and a vault toilet, and accommodates hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Photography is permitted. Specific trail length, elevation, and difficulty are not listed; consult the recreation.gov listing or the managing agency for current conditions.

Hiking, Equestrian

Trail · North Central NM

Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway

A 13-mile paved loop road providing access to BLM's Wild Rivers Recreation Area within Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in Taos County, northern New Mexico, 26 miles north of Taos. Managed by the BLM, the byway features scenic canyon views of the Rio Grande gorge, an 800-foot-deep gorge carved through volcanic flows. Amenities include a visitor center, five campgrounds (El Aguaje, La Junta, Montoso, Little Arsenic, Big Arsenic), day-use parking areas, and scenic overlooks. The road is open year-round, though winter snow may temporarily restrict access. The area supports wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, and mule deer.

13.0 mi · Hiking, Equestrian

Trail · North Central NM

Winsor Ridge Trailhead

Winsor Ridge Trailhead in north-central New Mexico provides access to Winsor Ridge Trail #271 and the connector trail to Panchuela, located approximately 20 miles north of Pecos on NM 63. The trailhead supports hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and horse camping. Photography is permitted. Trail length, elevation, and difficulty are not listed; consult the recreation.gov listing for current conditions.

Hiking, Equestrian

Plan your New Mexico adventure

7 results

Iron Gate Trailhead

Jacks Creek Horse Camp

Jacks Creek Trailhead

La Lena Wilderness Study Area

Panchuela Trailhead

Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway

Winsor Ridge Trailhead