I'm planning a trip to New Mexico mid January for ~5 days and was hoping for suggestions of recommended trails or nature to check out, lookout points, fun outdoor activities, etc.

We are a group of 4 in our 30's flying in from out of state. We are pretty active and accustomed to moderate day hikes (~6-8 mi / 2500 ft. gain) with the occasional longer one. We enjoy car camping and have gear but assume it'll be too cold for our comfort in January. We will rent an SUV and don't have advanced offroad or wilderness skills, so we'd like to stick to areas where we won't get into trouble. We will probably poke around some of the cities and towns that we pass through in between hikes and nature activities.

We have almost no itinerary so far - the only logistical constraints are that we have 5 days, starting and ending in Albuquerque.

Appreciate your advice in advance!

Hello, I am looking to camp with a group of 5 or 6 at Heron Lake in about ten days. We will be tent camping but hoping not to have to walk far from our car. What is the best spot around Heron Lake to hopefully avoid crowds? We would like some tree coverage/wind shelter if possible. Also, does anyone know what the situation is like at the Westside Primitive Campground?

I’m heading to Taos in mid October and would like to hike to the top of Wheeler peak weather permitting. What’s the snow situation usually like at the top in mid October?

Hi Everyone,

If you're interested in trailwork or other volunteer projects on New Mexico public lands, check us out! (New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors)

https://nmvfo.org/projects-and-events-list/

Just want to know if it’s actually cool to use this trailhead? USFS website says the first mile of the trail goes through private land and I don’t want to piss off locals. Thanks!

I want to go hiking or walking but most trails don't do strollers very well. Any stroller friendly trails around the Albuquerque area?

Went for a ride today and saw some cool jerseys. Where’s the best place to get a New Mexico kit?

Me and my bf are going camping around Taos and red river next weekend ! Look for good camp spots blm or private only prefer to be on the river !

Thinking of spending an overnight doing Santa Fe badly + lake Katherine. Mosquitoes in Albuquerque have been unbearable - how are they up at the alpine lakes in the pecos? Recent AllTrails reports didn’t mention much which is encouraging. Just want to know how much anti-bug gear is worth hauling up there.

Is there a shortcut trail to Wheeler Peak? I have read about the standard Williams lake to wheeler peak trail, with the switchbacks, and a distance of about 7.9 miles. Is there a shortcut trail that cuts off the switchbacks?

Also has anyone been up there in the past week? What are the conditions like? Muddy? Trail sneakers or boots needed?

Thanks!

We are travelling to NM for the first time this August (for a week), and are looking for day hikes, moderate to hard within 1 hour or so from the city. I'm wondering if there are hikes with unusual geology, lots of wildlife that are lightly trafficked within the Sandia Mountains. Or are we better off going South to Manzano Mountain wilderness, or NW to the Ojito wilderness? Where are your favorite hikes? El Malpais looks awesome, but that is a bit too far. Same with Bisti-De-Na-Zin and Ah-shi-sle-pah. Tent Rocks looks awesome, too, but I'm sure that won't be reopened before August. Thanks!

I made a goal to summit the tallest 20 mountains in NM this summer - and I’m about halfway through so doing well! I’m going based off the list on peakbagger that have “clean prominence” just to make it more straightforward since there are a lot of variations between lists. Just a fun goal for myself

Anyways, has anyone climbed Big Costilla or Vintrero Benchmark? I only see a few trip reports online that are vague and pretty old. On CalTopo it seems that they may even be on private land. Does anyone have experience in this area that they could share or routes that they’ve taken? I don’t mind hiking them without a trail, but I don’t want to get in trouble!

I’m planning on doing Little Costilla soon and will scout around a little when I’m up there.

Thanks for any help!

I’m trying to find a place where I can legally eat what I catch but I can’t find anything concrete online. Preferably near Cimarron. The Dept. of game and fish won’t answer the phone and I have a current fishing license. Any ideas?

Looking to take my pups outdoors more this summer and am requesting recommendations for less populated trails that are dog friendly.

I got two pups, both can sometimes be reactive, and while I understand how to handle them (managing their anxiety), those around us can sometimes get nervous and frustrated. This only escalates the amount of anxiety we're already working through, not only the pups, but the humans as well. I don't want this to keep us from exploring and getting used to being outdoors more often.

I'd also like to take em to places that have water - lakes, streams, rivers. They really love to play in water.

I appreciate you all in advance. Ty.

Hey y’all, just curious if anyone has a bead on when people typically show up to claim the limited camping spots available at Diablo? It’s probably pretty random, but just thought I’d ask!

I’m in the market for a dirtbike but I can’t find one reasonably priced that has a title, I can’t find anywhere online that says if I need one or not

Hello. Has anyone gotten a site at Holy Ghost Campground (for your car basically) and then backpacked in and camped along the Holy Ghost Trail? Or is it best just to do the trail as a day hike and then camp at the campground? Thank you!

Which trails/parks are good?

I should’ve asked this earlier, but I am driving out to Colorado/New Mexico tomorrow night from Houston. I plan to make on stop in Texas and that’s to spend the night somewhere in the middle of my drive. I would love to visit Ouray/Silverton as I have been there before and loved it. I would like to only tent camp and do a few trails or passes that are open. It’ll just be me in my 2019 forester with 2” ironman lift, Nitto Nomad Grapplers, and full size spare. I’ve had a hell of a year so far with the death of my mom and a relationship ending, so I would greatly appreciate any positive feedback and suggestions. The outdoors has always been a great escape for me so I feel as though I need this trip. TIA.

Hi! I am from the east coast and searching for Andrognathus grubbsi. There is little to no information out there about this millipede, but it was found in Glenwood, NM. I am asking if anyone has seen anything similar recently. As I am trying to plan a trip to come collect them. I am assuming they will look similar to andrognathus corticarius, shown here. Any help will be greatly appreciated!!

https://preview.redd.it/qs07nigz81yc1.png?width=508&format=png&auto=webp&s=d7c2ccb53fb7220371e8aade5891459a3630e433

https://preview.redd.it/34gickgz81yc1.png?width=1049&format=png&auto=webp&s=73774a66e83e93ccdb2c5f004f5460ffffd7ae49

I'm located in Southern CO and was thinking about trying to hike the Sandia Crest Trail the weekend of May 11th. I was hoping to get some insight from locals about trail conditions. Is it realistic to think about hiking the Crest Trail in 1-2 weeks? How much snow should I expect on the crest trail in 1-2 weeks? Thank you in advance for any insight!

Looking for a spot for next week, don’t want snow or cold weather, was thinking maybe Manzanos? Haven’t tried Forth of July yet…want a good training hike 6-8 miles out of or near campground.

Tree Spring still has snow patches but mostly dry fyi.

Hey everyone! I am looking to get out to wheelers peak in mid May, we are also looking to camp up there around Toas / Red River area. Anyone have a good spot up there that’s perfect & I can still get being so close to May.

Thanks in advance !