One of my favorite ways to spend quality time with my family is being outdoors, particularly hiking.
There is nothing better than a fall hike in New Mexico. The weather starts to cool down, the smell of roasting green chile is in the air, and the leaves start to change colors.
While my family may be more experienced hikers, you don’t have to be to enjoy the changing of the seasons with your loved ones. Here are a few of my favorite easy, family-friendly trails to view the fall leaves.
Two Mile Pond Loop
This is one of those trails that you’ll want to check out at least once every season. It offers opportunities for bird watching, beautiful wildflowers, and golden aspens once fall hits.
This is an easy, shorter trail near Santa Fe that makes it approachable for beginning hikers. The trail can be a little overgrown in spots, but if your kids are anything like mine, they’re always up for a little “bushwacking.”
Best For: All Ages
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 Miles
Trees: Cottonwood, Willow, Pine
Distance from ABQ: approximately 1 hour
Bear Wallow Trail Loop
Tucked away in Santa Fe National Forest is a shady balloon loop trail that winds through the pine and aspen forest. The parking lot is small and fills up fast, so plan to arrive early.
This hike is particularly special to me, as there is a memory embedded in my brain that I will never forget: when looping back through the aspens, the gentle breeze caused the leaves to fall in the most magical way around my daughters. I caught a video of them from behind, walking through the leaves that seemed to glitter as they swirled around them and caught the sunlight.
Best For: Kids 8 and up
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4 Miles
Trees: Aspen, Pine, Fir
Distance from ABQ: 1 hour, 15 min
Rio Grande Bosque
When the cottonwoods start to create a golden canopy along the Rio Grande, the best times to experience the Bosque are either early morning when it’s still cool or golden hour.
Grab your walking shoes, your bikes, or your dogs, and wander wherever your heart (or your toddler!) takes you.
Whether you stop at the Rio Grande Nature Center, hang out with the ducks at Tingley Beach, or head further north to the Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space, you will be immersed in a quintessential New Mexican environment.
Whenever we have family visiting from out of town, we enjoy taking them to explore the flat trails along the river, no matter the season. With a plethora of shade and easy terrain, the Bosque is a “can’t miss” on your fall foliage checklist.
Best For: All Ages
Difficulty: Easy
Length: Varies
Trees: Cottonwood and Willow
Fourth of July Canyon
No list would be complete without including this area. There’s a reason it’s a favorite spot: the leaves put on a show throughout October, changing from greens to stunning reds, pinks, and oranges.
This one is a bit of a drive from the city, and the last ten miles or so are a gravel road, so plan accordingly when driving out. There are bathrooms, picnic tables, and free parking, but it fills up fast, so plan to be there early before it gets crowded, or go on a weekday if you can.
If you have younger kids (or adults who don’t want to trek out!), stick to the picnic area and you’ll still have plenty of photo ops. For older kids and those seeking a bit of a hike, take the Cerro Blanco Loop, which has a moderate incline. The leaves will vary in color as you gain elevation, so don’t forget your camera to take pictures along the way.
Best For: All Ages
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 4.6 Miles (If you do the whole loop)
Trees: Maple and Oak
Distance from ABQ: 1 hour, 30 min
Albuquerque and the surrounding areas provide so many opportunities to get out and enjoy this time of year. Be sure to check out this list as well for more locations to check out fall leaves.
