Spring in northern New Mexico is nothing short of spectacular, with longer days, bright sunshine, and trails lined with colorful wildflowers. It’s the perfect time to get outside and explore the vast expanses of Northern New Mexico! If you’re ready to shake off winter and soak up the beauty of the season, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip for some of the best hiking in New Mexico.
Our Bed and Breakfast in New Mexico sits in the heart of Chimayó, ideally positioned between Santa Fe and Taos. Surrounded by the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains, we offer easy access to some of the most scenic hiking in New Mexico. From the diverse network of Santa Fe hiking trails to the winding mountainous terrain of the Carson National Forest, you’ll find endless options to explore and stretch your legs. Trails range in difficulty and terrain, but many of the best trails feature wide-open vistas, fragrant piñon pines, and the chance to spot wildlife.
After a hearty homemade breakfast at our Bed and Breakfast in New Mexico, set out on the trails to experience the high desert in full bloom. Whether you prefer leisurely walks through vibrant meadows or rugged climbs with panoramic mountain views, you’ll find something here for everyone. As the sun warms the landscape, take in the scent of sagebrush on the breeze and the bright pops of Indian paintbrush and desert marigolds along the way.
Finish out your day with some of the most delicious and authentic New Mexican cuisine at Rancho de Chimayó before retiring to the comfortable accommodations at our Inn. With its traditional adobe charm, inviting atmosphere, and warm hospitality, our Bed and Breakfast in New Mexico is the perfect home base for your springtime adventures. Book your spring adventure today!
The Best Spring Hiking in New Mexico
Northern New Mexico has long been a magnet for artists, drawn to its rich culture, deep history, and stunning landscapes. The dramatic light, rugged mountains, and vast desert skies have inspired countless works of art—but there’s no better way to experience this beauty firsthand than by getting outside and hiking in New Mexico.
Hiking in New Mexico offers an up-close look at the region’s striking terrain, from red rock canyons to high alpine forests. Whether you’re chasing wildflower-lined paths in the spring, shaded river trails in the summer, or golden aspens in the fall, there’s no shortage of unforgettable routes to explore. The real challenge isn’t finding a great trail—it’s deciding which one to tackle first. To help you plan, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite spots for hiking in New Mexico, all within easy reach of our bed and breakfast in Chimayó.
- One of the best wildflower hikes in New Mexico is Wheeler Peak via the Williams Lake Trail. This trail is north of our Bed and Breakfast and starts from the Taos Ski Valley. It stretches just under 9 miles, ending on the tallest peak in New Mexico. Head there in June, and you’ll be rewarded with sensational wildflowers and epic views!
- Another one of our favorite spots for hiking in New Mexico is the Nambe Lake Trail at the Santa Fe Ski Area. You’ll enjoy views of Mount Baldy before eventually reaching Nambe Lake and a picture-perfect alpine paradise.
- If you’re looking for great hiking near Santa Fe, it’s hard to go wrong with the Dale Ball Trail Network. One of our favorite trails there is the Picacho Peak Trail, which offers 360-degree views from the top.
- The La Piedra Trail in Santa Fe is connected to the Dale Ball system and winds through the Santa Fe National Forest, offering hikers access to one of the prettiest parts of northern New Mexico.
- If you want to see and experience the Rio Grande River Gorge, head to the La Vista Verde Trail. Unlike the rim trail of the Rio Grande Gorge, this one takes you deep into the heart of the gorge for a colorful adventure filled with wildflowers and gorgeous scenery.
- Another popular area for spring wildflower hiking in New Mexico is Bandelier National Monument. Our favorite hike here is the Tsankawi Ruins hike, which takes you through the ancestral home of the San Ildefonso Pueblo people. Aside from the incredible history of this area, the views you get as you travel across the mesa are magnificent.
- Hyde Memorial State Park in Santa Fe is popular among wildflower lovers and is the perfect spot for easy, accessible hiking in New Mexico.
- If you’re looking for a great wildflower hike in New Mexico, then you’ll want to take the Long Canyon Hike to Gold Mountain. The fields of blue columbine blooming during June and July are nothing short of stunning.
- One of the best trails for hiking in New Mexico during the fall is the Aspen Vista Trail near Santa Fe – but it’s also magnificent in the spring! There, you’ll find a wide variety of natural features, including wildflower fields, a river, a waterfall, and a lake.
- Finally, don’t miss your chance to head into the Valles Caldera National Preserve, one of our favorite places to go hiking in New Mexico. The sweeping meadows are filled with wildflowers, wildlife, and exceptionally beautiful scenery.
There’s Also Great New Mexico Mountain Biking!
Northern New Mexico is packed with adventure, but it’s not limited just to hiking. For our guests who love the thrill of two wheels on dirt, New Mexico mountain biking is an experience like no other. With rugged desert landscapes, high-altitude forests, and an ever-growing network of trails, this region has become a top-tier destination for riders of all skill levels.
From technical singletrack winding through piñon and juniper to fast, flowy descents with mountain views stretching for miles, the variety here is unbeatable. Many New Mexico mountain biking trails are rideable year-round, thanks to the mild climate. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite New Mexico mountain biking trails in Santa Fe, Taos, and beyond—each offering its own mix of terrain, scenery, and excitement. No matter where you ride, one thing’s for sure: once you experience mountain biking in New Mexico, you’ll be hooked.
- One of our favorite places to send people for mountain biking is also a popular spot for hiking: the Dale Ball Trail network. You can ride up to these trails from downtown Santa Fe and have access to 25 incredible miles of mountain biking through the scenic high deserts of Santa Fe.
- The La Tierra trails are also a pretty popular place for New Mexico mountain biking.
- If you’re looking for adrenaline-packed fun, then you’ll love the downhill descents at Glorieta Camps. These trails have hosted national championships in the past and will present you with a serious challenge.
- If you’re looking for lift-served New Mexico mountain biking trails, head to Pajarito Mountain. There are more than 30 trails to explore here, and the vertical drop you’ll experience is an astounding 1,200 feet.
- Another excellent place for lift-served mountain biking trails is the Bike Park in the Taos Ski Valley.
- For epic views and big adventure, head to the South Boundary Trail near Taos. This trail takes you on a magnificent journey across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and offers some of the best views of northern New Mexico.
- If you’re looking for a more leisurely mountain biking adventure in the Taos area, head to the Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail.
- If you still have spring wildflowers on your mind and have exhausted your options for hiking in New Mexico, consider hopping on two wheels and heading out in search of even more wildflowers on the Rito de la Olla/Bernardin Lake trail.
From hiking and biking to fantastic restaurants, museums, cultural attractions, and more, there’s no shortage of things to do in northern New Mexico – and our Bed and Breakfast places you right in the heart of this enchanting area. Start planning your spring adventures, and book your room at our Bed and Breakfast in New Mexico today!
