Search hiking, mountain-bike and equestrian trails, campsites, fishing and water access, hunting units, farmers markets, and hidden gems across New Mexico — with fees, access rules, and cultural-protocol guidance.
Showing 361–408 of 408
Snow Lake is a small reservoir in the Reserve area of the Gila region of southwestern New Mexico, approximately 30 miles from Reserve via Forest Road 142. Open for fishing; photography is permitted. Stocking status, species, and license requirements are not specified for this listing; check the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for current regulations.
Snow Lake #142 Trailhead provides hiking access to Snow Lake Trail #142 within the Gila area of southwestern New Mexico. Photography is permitted. Trail length, elevation, and difficulty details are not currently specified; check the recreation.gov listing or contact the managing agency for conditions before your visit.
Snow Lake Boat Launch in southwestern New Mexico provides water access at Snow Lake near Dipping Vat Campground, accommodating non-motorized boats and electric motors only. The site is open for fishing and boating. Photography is permitted. License requirements and stocking details are not specified; check the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for current regulations.
A 120-acre environmental education area managed by the BLM in the Rio Grande Bosque (a riparian forest along the Rio Grande) near Socorro in Socorro County, south-central New Mexico. The site features a 1.5-mile network of two trail loops with dirt and gravel surfaces, interpretive signage, and basic facilities including an amphitheater, picnic tables, and group shelter.
The Soledad Canyon Day Use Area is located at the junction of Bar Canyon and Soledad Canyon in the western foothills of the Organ Mountains, 10 miles east of Las Cruces in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. The area is managed by the BLM's Las Cruces Field Office and features the Bar Canyon Trail, a three-mile loop offering scenic views of the central Organ Mountains and Mesilla Valley. Open year-round with no fees; horseback riding and wildlife viewing also permitted.
South Area Campground is one of the camping areas within the Conchas Lake recreation area in northeastern New Mexico. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Photography is permitted. Specific site count, amenities, and seasonal dates are not listed; contact the managing agency or check the park for current conditions.
South Fork Rio Hondo in north-central New Mexico carries a Special Trout Water (Red chile) designation from its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters, managed by the USFS Questa Ranger District. Non-native suppression is in effect; catch-and-release applies to native fish, with unlimited harvest of non-native fish, using only an artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook. A New Mexico fishing license is required. Photography is permitted.
Spence Hot Spring Trailhead in north-central New Mexico lies approximately five miles north of the Jemez Ranger District office and is the starting point for a short hike to the hot spring. Parking accommodates up to seven vehicles; note that there is no on-site signage. Open for hiking; photography is permitted. Trail distance and difficulty are not specified; check the recreation.gov listing for current conditions.
Stallion Wilderness Study Area is a BLM-managed wilderness study area near San Antonio in Socorro County, south-central New Mexico, situated east of the Rio Grande and south of Interstate 25. Managed by the BLM Socorro Field Office, the area is open for hiking. Photography is permitted. Contact the BLM Socorro Field Office for current access conditions and trail details.
Strawberry Canyon Trailhead in southwestern New Mexico is situated just east of the entrance to McGaffey Campground in the Zuni Mountains. Open for hiking; photography is permitted. Trail length, elevation, and difficulty details are not specified; consult the recreation.gov listing or the managing agency for current conditions before visiting.
Tanques Creek in north-central New Mexico is a Special Trout Water (Red chile designation) from the USFS Road 93 crossing upstream to its headwaters, managed by the USFS Tres Piedras Ranger District. Non-native suppression is active; catch-and-release applies to native fish, with unlimited harvest of non-native fish allowed, using only an artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook. A New Mexico fishing license is required. Photography is permitted.
A living Native community inhabited for over 1,000 years — multi-storied adobe dwellings at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taos Valley Overlook Trails is a multi-use trail system of single-track loops and two-track dirt trails totaling approximately 16 miles, located 6 miles south of Ranchos de Taos on NM 68 in Taos County, northern New Mexico. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the system serves hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians on narrow dirt trails ranging from 4–6 feet wide. Open year-round, the area provides minimal shade and no facilities. Trails become impassable when muddy following heavy rain or snow melt. Pets must remain on a 6-foot leash; no overnight camping or firearms are permitted. Wildlife present includes snakes, lizards, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and raptors.
Tetilla Peak Recreation Area is situated on the east side of Cochiti Lake in north-central New Mexico, within the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Reservation — visitors are expected to observe Pueblo protocols while in this area. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov. Photography is permitted. Contact the managing agency for current conditions, fees, and any specific protocol requirements before visiting.
The Box Recreation Area is a 640-acre BLM-managed public lands recreation site located 6 miles southwest of Socorro in Socorro County, south-central New Mexico. Managed by the BLM Socorro Field Office, the area features a scenic box canyon with five prominent rock cliffs popular for technical rock climbing and bouldering. Facilities include a developed parking area with vault toilet, kiosk, and trailhead; however, there is no drinking water available. Primitive camping is permitted in designated sites only.
One of the oldest and largest farmers markets in the country, anchoring the Santa Fe Railyard. Growers from across northern New Mexico bring produce, chile, eggs, meat, honey, and prepared foods; everything sold is grown or made by the vendor in northern New Mexico.
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) protected archaeological area in Otero County, New Mexico, located 17 miles north of Tularosa on U.S. Highway 54. The site protects over 21,000 petroglyphs carved into basaltic ridge rock by the Jornada Mogollon people between approximately 200-1450 AD, depicting birds, humans, animals, fish, insects, plants, and geometric designs. The site covers 50 acres and is managed by the BLM Las Cruces District Office, which operates a visitor center (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Tuesday-Wednesday) and offers day-use and camping facilities. Visitors should respect that petroglyphs and artifacts are protected cultural resources and must not be touched or removed.
The Three Rivers Petroglyphs are outstanding examples of prehistoric Jornada Mogollon rock art. A basaltic ridge contains over 21,000 petroglyphs. A rugged 0.5-mile Petroglyph Trail links many of the most interesting glyphs, and a short Village Trail leads to a partially excavated prehistoric village.
Tingley Beach's southernmost pond in central New Mexico carries a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile) and is stocked with catchable rainbow trout. The pond is catch-and-release only; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by city Bosque land and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.
Ross Ward's 40-year folk-art fever dream on the Turquoise Trail: 22 rooms of hand-carved miniature circuses and animated Western towns, walled in more than 50,000 glass bottles. Seasonal and cash-friendly — pocket change for admission.
Tortugas Mountain Recreation Area is a small, hump-backed mountain rising to 4,928 feet above sea level near Las Cruces in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Managed jointly by the Bureau of Land Management (eastern side) and New Mexico State University (western side), the area is named for its resemblance to turtles when viewed from the south, though locally called "A" Mountain for the university's large "A" marking on the western slope. The area offers multiple trails suitable for beginners through experienced riders, with picnic areas and facilities at Monte Vista (BLM) and Sunset (NMSU) parking areas. Historical significance includes mining, ranching, tribal ceremonies, and astronomical research activities on the summit.
Trail Canyon Trailhead is a hiking access point in the Manzano Mountains of central New Mexico. Photography is permitted at this location. Trail length, elevation gain, difficulty, and duration are not currently specified; consult the recreation.gov listing or the managing agency for conditions before visiting.
Trampas Lakes in the Pecos Wilderness of north-central New Mexico are backcountry fishing waters reached by traveling Highway 76 to Forest Road 207, then hiking Trail 36 to the lake. Open for fishing; photography is permitted. Stocking status, species, and license requirements are not specified; check the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for current regulations before visiting.
Trigo Trailhead is a hiking access point in the Manzano Mountains of central New Mexico. Photography is permitted. Trail length, elevation gain, difficulty, and duration details are not currently specified; consult the recreation.gov listing or the managing agency for conditions before visiting.
Tularosa Cabin is a historic structure along the Walk in the Past Interpretive Trail #616 in southwestern New Mexico, offering hikers a tangible connection to the region's past. Open for hiking; photography is permitted. Trail length, difficulty, and other details are not specified; consult the recreation.gov listing or the managing agency for current conditions.
NM-14 between Albuquerque and Santa Fe through Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos — coal and turquoise mining towns turned galleries, saloons, and film sets — with the Sandia Crest spur (NM-536) climbing to 10,678 feet for a hundred-mile view.
Valle Vidal in northeastern New Mexico encompasses all streams within the Valle Vidal unit under a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile). The waters support Rio Grande cutthroat trout, brook trout, and brown trout and are strictly catch-and-release; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Questa Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.
All streams within Valles Caldera National Preserve in north-central New Mexico carry a Special Trout Water (Green chile) designation, managed by the NPS Valles Caldera National Preserve. The waters support brown trout and allow a keep limit of 2 trout of any length; only an artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A New Mexico fishing license is required. Photography is permitted.
Valles Caldera National Preserve in north-central New Mexico encompasses a vast volcanic caldera of sweeping grassy meadows and large elk herds in the Jemez Mountains. Hiking is the permitted recreational use, with backcountry vehicle access managed through timed-entry reservations; entry fees apply. Photography is permitted. Reservations are required — check the NPS website for current availability and seasonal access details.
A vast grassy supervolcano caldera in the Jemez Mountains — home to elk herds, trout streams, and miles of hiking, biking, and backcountry trails.
One of the youngest lava flows in the continental US — the Carrizozo Malpais, a 40-mile river of black basalt poured out about 5,000 years ago. The paved Malpais Nature Trail loops right over the flow from the BLM campground off US-380; go at golden hour when the rock glows and the Sierra Blanca rises beyond.
Veranito Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is an undulating landscape in central New Mexico approximately 5 miles east of Socorro, managed by the BLM's Socorro Field Office. The terrain features parallel ridges cut by arroyos and low-lying hills with an east-facing escarpment, situated in the upper Chihuahuan Desert. The site is accessible via NM 408 from I-25 (Escondida exit) through Pueblito and Johnson Hill Road, which forms the eastern border. Allowed uses include hiking, birding, dispersed camping, photography, and stargazing. This is an undesignated wilderness study area under federal protection.
Twenty-seven 230-ton dish antennas striding across the Plains of San Agustin on US-60 — the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. Self-guided walking tour and visitor center; switch phones to airplane mode near the dishes, it's an active radio-quiet zone.
Water Canyon Campground sits at approximately 6,800 feet in the Magdalena Mountains of south-central New Mexico. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Photography is permitted. Specific site count, amenities, and seasonal dates are not listed; contact the managing agency for current conditions before visiting.
Water Canyon Group Campground is a group-use camping facility in the Magdalena Mountains of south-central New Mexico. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Photography is permitted. Site capacity, amenities, elevation, and seasonal dates are not specified; contact the managing agency for current conditions and group reservation availability.
Water Canyon Trailhead provides access to hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking in the Mount Taylor area of the Cibola National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service Mt. Taylor Ranger District. Located at 10,570 feet elevation in Cibola County, accessed via Forest Road 453 near Grants, New Mexico. Mount Taylor (11,305 ft) is a dormant stratovolcano and holds significant sacred value for Navajo, Acoma, Laguna, Zuni, and Hopi peoples. No potable water or restrooms are available at the trailhead.
West Fork Luna Creek in north-central New Mexico is a Special Trout Water (Red chile designation) from the Carson National Forest boundary upstream to its headwaters, managed by the USFS Camino Real Ranger District. Non-native suppression is active; catch-and-release applies to native fish, with unlimited harvest of non-native fish allowed, using only an artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook. A New Mexico fishing license is required. Photography is permitted.
West Malpais Wilderness Area in southwestern New Mexico is a largely flat volcanic landscape of lava flows encompassing three distinct ecotypes. Managed by the BLM Rio Puerco Field Office, the area is open for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. A fee may apply; confirm current requirements with the BLM Rio Puerco Field Office before visiting.
White Ridge Bike Trails is a 12-mile mountain biking system managed by the BLM Rio Puerco Field Office, located southwest of San Ysidro in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Two concentric loops wind across gypsum-rich mesa ridgelines with fast, flowing singletrack, steep climbs, and technical descents featuring approximately 1,000 feet of total elevation gain. Hikers are welcome on all trails; one segment is designated for equestrian use. The site is accessible via Cabezon Road (County Road 906) approximately 4.4 miles from the trailhead; high-clearance vehicles are preferred but the road is passable when dry. No water, toilets, or cell service are available on-site. Primitive dispersed camping is permitted on adjacent BLM lands with a 14-day stay limit.
The world's largest gypsum dunefield — 275 square miles of white sand, sunset strolls, and ranger-led full-moon nights near Alamogordo.
White Sands National Park rises from the heart of New Mexico's southeastern Tularosa Basin, showcasing one of the world's great natural wonders — vast fields of glistening white gypsum sand dunes. Hiking is the permitted use, and photography is allowed throughout. Trail length, difficulty, and duration details are not specified in this listing; visit the park website for current route information and entry requirements.
Whitewater Creek in southwestern New Mexico holds a Special Trout Water designation (X-mas chile) from the Catwalk National Recreational Trail parking area upstream to the headwaters, including all tributaries. The creek currently supports rainbow trout and is slated for Gila trout restoration; anglers may keep up to 2 trout of any length using any legal bait and tackle. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Glenwood Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.
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.
Wild Rivers Recreation Area lies within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in north-central New Mexico along the Rio Grande and Red River Wild and Scenic Rivers. Fishing access is available, and self-service pay stations operate at campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads: day use is $3 per vehicle, an annual day-use pass is $20, and camping runs $7–$10 per night; group shelters are available by reservation through the BLM Taos Field Office. Photography is permitted.
Winsor Creek Fishing Area and Trailhead in north-central New Mexico is reached approximately 20 miles north of Pecos on NM 63, then 1.5 miles on Forest Road 121. Open for fishing, hiking, and backpacking; note that camping, potable water, and horse trailer access are not available at this site. Photography is permitted. Consult the recreation.gov listing for current conditions.
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.
Winsor Trailhead #254 in north-central New Mexico is a well-used gateway into the Pecos Wilderness, located at the Santa Fe Ski Basin parking lot. Open for hiking; photography is permitted. Trail length, elevation, and difficulty details are not listed; consult the recreation.gov listing or the managing agency for current conditions before heading out.
Yerba Creek in north-central New Mexico holds a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile, non-native suppression) from the NM Highway 150 crossing upstream to its headwaters. The creek supports Rio Grande cutthroat trout and brown trout under split regulations: native cutthroat are catch-and-release only, while non-native trout may be kept without limit; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Questa Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.