Santa Fe National Forest is a stunning destination nestled in northern New Mexico, offering a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the forest provides an ideal setting for hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors. With trails that cater to all skill levels, Santa Fe National Forest is perfect for both seasoned adventurers and families looking for fun in the wilderness.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of services and facilities at Santa Fe National Forest. The park features numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, providing something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a challenging climb or a leisurely stroll through picturesque meadows, Santa Fe National Forest has it all. Additionally, the forest offers designated camping areas, including backcountry backpacking and car camping options, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature.
One of the standout features of Santa Fe National Forest is its pet-friendly trails, where dogs are welcome as long as they remain leashed. The park also provides basic facilities such as restrooms and trash receptacles at trailheads, ensuring a clean and comfortable experience for all visitors. The forest's elevation may be challenging for some, but the cool mountain air makes even the most strenuous hikes feel refreshing.
Customer feedback highlights the beauty of the area and the variety of trails available. Many visitors praise the stunning views, particularly the overlooks that provide panoramic vistas of Santa Fe. The backcountry camping sites are also highly commended for their seclusion and natural beauty. One visitor noted, "The scenery was wonderful, and although the temperature was in the upper 80s, the hike was cool," underscoring the forest's ability to offer a unique outdoor experience despite warmer conditions.
Santa Fe National Forest is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Weekends are closed for certain areas, so it's best to check ahead if planning to visit on Saturday or Sunday. For emergency assistance, visitors can contact the park directly at 1 505-438-5300.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Hiking
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
We hiked one of the shorter trails in the AM. The scenery was wonderful. The view looked out over Santa Fe and although the temperature was in the upper 80s the hike was cool. There were limited facilities at the trailhead. Restrooms were clean and trash receptacles were provided. This is a pet friendly area as long as your dog is on a leash. The altitude was a little rough on me but I made it.
Beautiful area. Lots of hiking trails. Some very beautiful places to camp in the back country by backpacking or car camping in distributed camping sites.
Beautiful views this was an excellent adventure for the family even with covid going on we had a great time. I would highly recommend taking this trip for anyone looking for an adventure while in Sante Fe. It’s not a long trip from the city and the views are second to none. It is a perfect view of New Mexico’s unique biodiversity
Very nice, quick getaway as it's close to Santa Fe and not too far from Albuquerque. Great place to get out of the heat, pack a lunch, fish, and hike. I also love to camp here in the Pecos. A must to take your kids, and dogs! *Please respect the land, too many dumb people leave trash here, it's a shame to ruin such a beautiful place
An amazing place for dispersed camping, hiking and exploration of the diverse terrain of this National Forest.. Eight great days immersed in nature, can't wait to return in 2024.