Fall is a spectacular time to enjoy northern New Mexico hikes. From the sprawling Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico to the Santa Fe National Forest and several places in between, there are plenty of fantastic northern New Mexico hikes to enjoy. One of our favorites each fall is the Aspen Vista Trail.
The Aspen Vista Trail is located in the Ski Santa Fe area just outside downtown Santa Fe. It’s a popular trail for both hiking and biking. Though it’s beautiful year-round, fall on the Aspen Vista Trail is sensational. As the name suggests, the Aspen Vista Trail affords breathtaking views over the ski basin, ablaze in the vibrant yellows of New Mexico’s aspen trees each fall. As astonishing as the journey is, it’s just one of the many great northern New Mexico hikes waiting for you this fall.
Enjoy this trail and more when you stay with us at our northern New Mexico Bed and Breakfast. Our charming Inn is located in the historic village of Chimayó, just minutes from the Santuario de Chimayó and the Rancho de Chimayó restaurant. We’re situated on the High Road to Taos and offer our guests easy access to some of the best hiking in this part of the Land of Enchantment. Don’t miss the best fall adventure this year. Book your room at our northern New Mexico Bed and Breakfast today!
Spectacular Foliage on the Aspen Vista Trail
If we had to choose one hike to send our guests on in the fall, it might just be the Aspen Vista Trail near Santa Fe. Though it’s beautiful any time of year (truly), it’s simply marvelous in the fall, when the stand of aspen trees here changes from green to bright yellow.
Given the Aspen Vista Trail’s proximity to downtown Santa Fe, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Add stunningly vibrant fall foliage to the mix, and this hike is truly a close-to-town gem you won’t want to miss. It’s even beautiful in the winter as you tackle the trail on snowshoes.
The Aspen Vista Trail is about a 7.4-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the peak of Tesuque Peak, which stands at an impressive 12,045 feet. The hike starts around 10,000 feet on Aspen Vista Road and then steadily climbs the next 2,000+ feet through a large stand of beautiful aspen and pine trees.
The Aspen Vista trail may be one of the area’s longest day hikes, but the views are more than worth the effort. However, if you’re short on time or don’t have the legs to hike that distance, this trail is also one of the more popular mountain biking trails in the Santa Fe area.
Foliage season in New Mexico starts at the highest peaks of northern New Mexico and gradually makes its way south. Though the season can be long, your best bet to see these aspens in full color is from Mid September through early October.
More Great Northern New Mexico Hikes
In addition to the Aspen Vista Trail, you’ll find plenty more gorgeous hikes just to the north of Santa Fe and closer to our northern New Mexico Bed and Breakfast in the Carson National Forest. In fact, the Carson National Fores is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in northern New Mexico, a true outdoor lover’s paradise.
As the temperatures fall and the colors begin to change this fall, it’s a wonderful time to get outside to enjoy some of the best northern New Mexico hikes – including the 330+ trails in the Carson National Forest. We’ve listed five of our favorites below.
- One of the most popular northern New Mexico hikes in the Carson National Forest is the Williams Lake Trail 62. Hikers will be rewarded with exceptional views of Wheeler Peak from here – a pinnacle you can reach if you’re so inclined!
- The Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area is one of the best parts of the Carson National Forest to hike in and is home to excellent northern New Mexico hikes like the Horseshoe Lake/East Fork Trail 56. At around 12,000 feet in elevation, this hike offers sweeping valley views that are stunning in the fall.
- Another excellent option for northern New Mexico hikes in the Carson National Forest is the Gold Hill Trail. This trail is part of Taos Skil Valley and can be combined with the Long Canyon Trail for an extended trip.
- Fans of Georgia O’Keeffe won’t want to miss the Rim Vista Trail in the Carson National Forest. Here, you’ll find some of the best views of the Abiquiu area and the landscapes that inspired this incredible artist.
- Wind your way to gorgeous mountain lakes and picturesque views on the Lake Fork Trail. It follows Cabresto Creek north to Heart Lake, Baldy Mountain, and Latir Mesa. In addition to the lake, this hike offers beautiful views of aspen groves and small meadows.
Whether you venture only to the Aspen Vistra Trail or put your legs to the test on these other northern New Mexico hikes in the Carson National Forest, there’s no better place to rest your tired legs and soothe your soul than our top-rated northern New Mexico Bed and Breakfast. Book your room today!
