This trail, roughly eight miles roundtrip, is the longest in Chaco Culture National Historic Park. It winds its way past Pueblo and Navajo petroglyphs etched into a cliff face, the spectacular “Supernova” pictograph, the Penasco Blanco great house where you’ll see a number of great kivas, as well as remnants of an irrigation system that included canals, ditches, and storage ponds. At certain points in the ruins, there are lovely views of Chaco Canyon and Escavada and Chaco wash. It’s relatively level, but the sand along the way makes for some difficult hiking.

This trail takes hikers right across sections of a very rough lava flow, making trav-ersing strenuous but exciting. Along the way, the trail winds through a vibrant forest of aspen, ponderosa pine, piñon and juniper, and areas of beautiful wildflowers. The trail also crosses a lava bridge as you wind your way around the lava tubes, one of which is the longest in North America. Be sure to get a permit to explore the caves in this same area. Not a super long hike, but one that takes you over some rugged terrain.

Views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, Sandia, San Pedro and Ortiz mountains greet you when you finally make your way up this, at times, steep climb. The trail follows the Tesuque Creek for awhile before making its way up and into the San-gre de Cristo Mountains. The three-mile roundtrip loop is challenging and makes for a good workout.  

In the desert, the length of a trail doesn’t define its difficulty—conditions do. This trail is primitive and the surrounding area is desolate so the almost four-mile out-and-back can be exhausting. However, the landscape it takes you through is spec-tacular: sweeping views of the New Mexican terrain for miles, views of chaparral covered canyons, an occasional cactus in bloom, and plenty of lizards and other reptiles (watch your step!). 

This day hike takes you through a thick forest wilderness to a crest of the Manzano Mountains. The seven-mile trail traverses through a wilderness area that features a waterfall, multiple creek crossings, occasional wildlife spotting, and beautiful scenery filled with wildflowers, giant ferns, and striking aspen trees. This high elevation, out-and-back trail is best done from April through November.

The ride along many of these desert single-track trails overlooks the Pecos River, providing beautiful scenic vistas, if you take the time to look. There are three square miles of mostly hard pack terrain to crisscross that take you up some hills, along sandy washes and over loose, rocky sections. No trees along the way means no shade so take plenty of water. Camping available with restroom facilities but there’s no potable water. Open year-round. Entrance fee is $3 and an OHV permit required. Youth, under 18, must wear a helmet.

There’s some big air that can happen on the 14 square-miles of trails through desert scrub brush west of town at this 8,700-acre off road area. The 50 trails are fast and sandy with plenty of exciting terrain features. It’s free to ride out here, but an OHV permit is required. Open year-round. Helmets are required for anyone under 18. Primitive camping is available.

This small trail system is great for those dual-sport motorcycle enthusiasts who love to ride both on and off-road. There are three miles of single track trails through this part of the spectacular Lincoln National Forest. The trail loop begins at Silverwood Campground and ends at the Silver Overflow Campground. An OHV permit is required but there are no entrance fees, only campground fees. Open year-round. Helmets a must for those under 18.

Gordy's Hill is one of the most thrilling places for a dirt biking adventure in the whole state. Situated on 6,000 acres, this scenic spot overlooks the Rio Grande Valley. The best part? It's accessible to a variety of skill levels. Enjoy picturesque routes with immaculate canyons and limestone bluffs on trails that can offer a little bit of a challenge no matter how exerpienced you are.  

With 20 square miles of open riding, you can really ride at full throttle. The landscape is relatively flat and sandy, with a smattering of hard pack. You will reach some fenced boundaries, since the area is bordered by a bombing range and some private property, but there is so much space it can’t curb your enthusiasm. Safety flags are recommended. No fees, but an OHV permit is required. Opened year-round with very primitive camping. Under 18, helmets required.

The Rio Grande Gorge is a 50-mile-long canyon teeming with a diversity of plant and animal life. The river, itself, is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The views from the top are magnificent panoramas of sage-brush dotted high desert mesas. The hike takes you down into this rift valley where you’ll pass stands of ancient juniper and ponderosa pine trees. As part of the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, you might happen upon big horn sheep or mule deer. Look up for spottings of red-tailed hawks and migratory birds. The moderate to difficult hike has a 1,300-foot elevation gain. Take plenty of water … and a camera.

This 3,100-mile trail traverses 770 miles of magnificent New Mexican landscape. An eight-mile, well-marked loop of it passes right through the beautiful San Pedro Parks Wilderness, a vibrant area marked with crystal clear streams, lush, grassy meadows dotted with wildflowers and dense stands of spruce, conifers and aspens. The man-made San Gregorio Reservoir is along the way for a peaceful resting point. In the fall, you might see deer, elk and bear. Although the elevation is about 10,000 feet, the trail is moderate trek through stunning scenery in the peace and quiet of the mountains. Lots of snow in winter.

The Pecos Wilderness, where this trail is located, is home to the highest number of 12,000 foot-plus peaks in the state. It is a true mountain wilderness complete with invigorating alpine lakes, thickets of fir and pine trees on steep rugged ridges, broad mesas, and gorgeous wildflower-laden meadows. This 12-mile out-and-back trail is a comfortable and moderate trek along a well-maintained path. It climbs steadily to the picture-perfect goal of Stewart Lake in the shadow of Santa Fe Baldy Mountain, the highest peak in the Santa Fe County. If you take your dog, be sure it’s leashed.

This is not a strenuous hike, but it’s covered with all manner of eye-catching rock art that makes it a dramatic one. With more than 21,000 petroglyphs to look at the mile-and-a-half out-and-back trail could be an exhaustive walk. Carved by the Jornada Mogollon people, the sunbursts and animals and geometric designs carved more than 1,000 years ago are evidence of another culture’s form of communication. The trail winds through the basalt rock on the ridge of the Three Rivers Valley and through desert landscape. Who really knows what all those horned beings and crazy-haired figures mean, but it’s a fun place to let your imagination go wild.

Dripping Springs Natural Area is a desert terrain dotted with mesquite trees, creosote bushes and native grasses. This three-mile loop trail provides breathtaking views of the Organ Mountains, named for the pointed pinnacle shapes reminiscent of the pipes of an organ. The area is noted for its weeping walls—there’s a waterfall along the way. The hike is moderate, through desert scrub and oak woodlands. It has about a 500-foot elevation gain, but since you start at 5,500 feet it’s a noticeable difference. There are historic ruins of an old hotel and a sanatorium to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for a golden eagle, mule deer or even the elusive mountain lion.

The Gila Wilderness was the first to be designated as such in the world and con-tinues to be one of the largest uninhabited backcountry in the U.S. This 20-mile loop is an awe-inspiring hike that takes you through narrow pine-covered canyons up 8,600 feet to the top of the mesa. Along the way, you’ll see impressive geological features, as well as remnants of indigenous people’s culture. This is a rugged and difficult hike that can be done in a day, but is more fun as a two-day camping overnighter. Don’t miss the Gila Cliff dwellings! 

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The Wheeler Peak Wilderness is in the Carson National Forest, which encom-passes more than 1.5 million acres of mixed-use land. It is one of six wilderness areas within forest’s boundaries. This 10 mile out-and-back hike takes you through mature pine, fir and aspen trees, past Horseshoe Lake and along the ridgeline between Wheeler Peak and Simpson Peak. Plan for a full day of hiking along easy to moderate trail. Elevation gain is about 2,000 feet. Best done between May and October. Great for birding and nature walks.

Fun backpacking trip in NM. @ridley_holmes thought the load distribution a little unfair. #wheelerpeak #eastforkredriver

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The trailhead for this hike begins at Battleship Rock, looks just like it sounds. The midway point for this six-mile hike is McCauley Hot Springs, where a relaxing foot soak makes the return down the mountain all the more enjoyable. Along the way, you’ll see impressive obsidian rocks from the caldera, groves of Ponderosa pine, stunning red sandstone mountains, and a breathtaking waterfall. The winding trail is a series of switchbacks up the mountain, with some very steep sections. Be sure to follow the trail signs. 

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This loop trail is about five miles roundtrip, which will likely take 3-4 hours to trav-erse. With only 270 feet of elevation, and a relatively short distance, this moderate trail is kid-friendly. Take in the scenic overlook views of beautiful Chacoan buildings. The trail is also dog-friendly (but make sure to have a leash for your four-legged friend!). This is an excellent, beautiful hike the whole family will enjoy. 

This trail may be 16 miles, but it’s easily navigable because it’s paved. The trail passes through the Rio Grande Valley State Park, and is accessible for hikers, runners, and bicyclists. The area is even wheelchair accessible. Have a baby in a stroller? No problem. This trail can accommodate. Guests can access the trail from one of the following areas: Alameda Boulevard, Paseo del Norte, Montaño Road, Campbell Road, and several other locations. Enjoy scenic views of Albuquerque along the Paseo del Bosque Trail. 

Hot Spots To Fish: Rock Creek, which empties into the Clark Fork River southeast of Missoula, Mt., has become a prime destination for brown trout in recent years. The creek has tons of 16- or 18-inch fish and is known more for numbers than size. Contact John Herzer at Blackfoot River Outfitters (406-542-7411, blackfootriver.com), or Blue Damsel Lodge, (406-825-3077, bluedamsel.com), for information about guide services or information regarding accommodations.

Find the best fishing spots near you:

• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Utah

If you’re more interested in going after a behemoth of a brown trout, contact Joe Gilsnyder at Trout Stalkers on the Madison in Ennis, Mt.. Joe and his crew of guides know of some fishing holes off the beaten path that harbor bigger fish (406-682-5150).

Tackle You’ll Need: Wherever you wind up fishing, tackle Rocky Mountain browns with a 9 1/2-foot, 6-weight rod such as an Orvis Helios 3. A 5-weight will work if you’re an experienced caster, but a 6-weight handles big streamers better.

Find the best bait and tackle shops near you: 

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Utah
• Wyoming

Best Patterns: Fall browns will take nymphs and small dries such as the Blue-Winged Olive, but more likely the bigger fish will go after Size 2 Sparkle Minnows, Wooly Buggers, Clouser Minnows, Zonkers and Bighorn Specials fished on short leaders with no tippets.

If you’re fishing from a drift boat with a guide, regular weight-forward floating line will suffice. If you’re wading, a sinking-tip line probably is a better choice, depending on depth.

This paved urban trail wanders along the banks of the Rio Grande River for 16 miles through the center of town and the Rio Grande Valley State Park. It was put in place as part of an open land initiative and is just lovely— beautiful, lush vegetation, flowing water, wildlife and birds of all types and sizes help make the environment a pastoral oasis. Most of the trail is away from streets so there are no cars to contend with. If you run the whole trail you’ll pass the Rio Grande Conservation Center, Albuquerque Bio Park and the Zoo. Bosque translates to forest, so it’s shaded, mostly by cottonwoods. 

Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp, this trail is still in good shape. Under the oversight of the Cibola National Forest for the past 75 years, it’s a wide smooth multi-use trail that’s been well-maintained. It’s basically a run up the mountain and then a loop back down. Along the way, you’ll experience the heady aroma of ponderosa pine, junipers, and piñon pine. At the top, is the historic McGaffey Fire Lookout Tower. Take a moment to enjoy the panoramic view of the landscape below. Switchbacks to the top of the ridge make this run a little easier on the uphill—the downhill is just fun.

For most of the year, spring through fall, this multi-use trail is a must-run. On a mesa above the Rio Grande and Red River, it traverses the Wild Rivers Recreation Area. As you run along the canyon rim, at just about any point, there are panoramic views of the 800-foot canyon below, snowcapped peaks in the distance and the breathtaking desert plains laid out before you. It’s about a five-mile loop with a 400-foot elevation gain—all gravel, packed and smooth.

Part of a mosaic of trails that wander through the Gila National Forest, this 11-mile network is accessible year-round. Running the entire network would give you an invigorating workout. The Continental Divide cuts right through the entire running maze and connects trails to other sections of the forest. This largely unspoiled area is an outdoor tableau of majestic mountain scenery. The area is also home to lots of wildlife, including black bear and timber wolf—be on the lookout. Elevation is about 6,500 feet.

There are a number of trails in this area that actually overlook the Rio Grande River Gorge and provide stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Most of the terrain is fairly level, no huge ascents or descents. As you cross the mesa, you’ll run along the gorge, into forested areas and wide-open meadows, all the while surrounded by sagebrush, piñon, Junipers, rocks and arroyos. Accessible year-round.

Birds flock to this area because of the diverse habitat of the Rio Grande Gorge. There’s the river, of course, plus cottonwood groves, willows, tamarisk, piñon trees, and springs along the canyon walls. The Las Minas Trail takes you to several overlooks above the gorge with views of the river and surrounding cliffs. Be on the lookout for golden eagles and peregrine falcons, it’s a breeding area for both species. You might also spy piñon jay, canyon wren, rock wren, bushtit and the common American dipper. 

This is a birder’s paradise. As a designated Important Bird Area, there are hundreds of birds that live and migrate through this region just north of Santa Fe. Access is free. There are miles of trails in this 135-acre sanctuary, bordered by the Santa Fe National Forest and the Santa Fe River Watershed. Popular sightings include the spotted and canyon towhee, hairy woodpecker, black-headed grosbeak and hummingbirds, nuthatches, juncos, and chickadees. It’s a beautiful tribute to ornithologist John James Audubon and his love for his feathered friends.

This small natural oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert is inside Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The number of birds spotted in this arid region is considerable. Stands of cottonwood trees, desert scrub, and a damp marsh bring an eclectic assortment. The trail makes a circle around the springs. At any given time, you might see yellow-billed cuckoo, black phoebe, vermilion flycatcher, bell’s vireo, painted bunting, and even a red cardinal. Migratory birds laying over include Williamson’s sapsucker and the worm-eating warbler. Nesting gray hawks inhabit the area as do many wild turkeys. Bird spotters post sightings at the visitor’s center bulletin board.

Established in 1937, this significant wetland area is home to a winter layover for more than 350 birds. There are four short hikes in and around the refuge headquarters, plus trails that take you into the adjacent wilderness area. One trail to a loop of the Pecos River is particularly good for viewing. Thousands of geese and ducks, from a variety of species, winter here, as do sandhill cranes in large numbers. Shorebirds, like greater yellowlegs, western sandpiper, long-billed dowitcher and the snowy plover rest and feed here before heading back to coastal homes. Quite often flocks of American white pelicans are present, as well as osprey. Nesting birds include white-faced ibis, Virginia rail, Wilson’s phalarope and scaled quail. The visitor center has maps and birding information.

The Sandia Mountains are situated in southwestern New Mexico, with its highest peak reaching 10,679 feet. Its high elevation provides a unique opportunity to view wildlife you might not otherwise see in lower areas of New Mexico. From pinyon-juniper to coniferous forest, the diversity of natural space in the Sandia Mountains is captivating. This is a great place to see gray-crowned rosy finch, black rosy finch, and brown-capped rosy finch. Birders may also get a look at band-tailed pigeons, white-throated swifts, American three-toed woodpeckers, cordilleran flycatchers, mountain chickadees, ruby-crowned kinglets, and much more. 

Box Canyon has a little something for every climber. Every style of climbing isrepresented—bouldering, sport, traditional and nail-up aid climbing—with just a few multi-pitch climbs. Take Box Canyon Trail, a 15-mile out-and-back route, toget to climbing and bouldering spots. Hot in summer, comfortable in spring and fall, manageable in winter.

Little Horse Mesa, a 40 to 50-foot cliff of basalt rock with vertical cracks and face climbs, is found at about 8,000 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The climbs are relatively short, but the rock is a fun adventure. Take Little Horse Mesa Trail toget out to the climbing area. Check inat the visitors center before. 

Named for a generous chunk of limestone in the middle of the climbing area, the names sounds imposing ...it’s not. It’s considered a good spot for easy climbing and training with a few tough spots thrown in just to keep things interesting. There’s a short hike down into the canyon to the climbing site—trail is marked. The can-yon gets little sunlight soitcan get cold. Go prepared!

Smack dab in the middle of a grama grass plain and desert meadow land is a group of giant rocks, sculpted formations that look like pinnacles rising as high as 40 feet. With paths through these vertical boulders reminiscent of a “city,” thus the name, these thumbs of monolithic rock are just made for bouldering—you’ll also find overhangs and a few slabs. The Hydra Trail takes you around the perimeter of the rocks—you’ll find a way to the rock climbing area from anywhere along the trail.

On the east side of the Sandia Mountain, Palomas Peak has about 100, mainly bolted, sport climbs on 70-foot, high quality limestone. At 8,000 feet, the south-west facing cliff isin full sun most of the year, making this a favorite spot for climbers in every season. Pick upLa Luz Trail, a strenuous and challenging hike that takes at least a half-hour, from an upper parking area to get the climbing area.

Located on the banks of the Pecos River with native cottonwood trees that create a canopy of shade, this lovely and somewhat remote park is the perfect getaway for hiking, camping, fishing, birding, swimming, picking wildflowers or just relaxing. The view from the bluff overlooking the Pecos, which flows through the valley below, is a color palette of red and yellow sandstone. At 5,600 feet, you can experience the seasonal changes—it gets cold in winter, warm in summer, and beautiful in spring and fall. With 1,600 acres, it’s a great place to wander.

Although the road into the park can be a little daunting, depending on your vehicle, once you reach the park there are two camping areas to choose from. There are 33 total camp sites, a dozen of which have electricity. Reservations are taken for some of the larger sites with hookups and those that are few pull-through. Tent camping areas near the river have adobe shelters over the picnic area. Restrooms with showers and electricity are nearby. There’s a fun playground for kids but keep in mind the mesa campground is closed in winter.

There are three miles of hiking trails with a few moderate climbs at Villanueva. The Viewpoint Loop Trail is an up-and-down that takes you along the river and up to the mesa through some sand and hard-scrabble and then loops back down to the river. Along the way there are Spanish ruins and an old grain threshing pit. El Cerro is shorter, but steeper at some points until you reach a gentle climb to an overlook. Finally, the River Trail is just that. From the lower campground, you head across a bridge for about a quarter of a mile along the banks of the Pecos, under the cottonwoods, around a couple of bends, and then turn around and head back to camp. 

From the mesa campground, or if you hike to the top of the Viewpoint Loop Trail from the lower campground, there’s an overlook that provides a panoramic view of the picturesque Pecos Valley.  The town of Villanueva was first named La Cuesta, which means hill in Spanish, and from this vista you’ll see the steep slopes of the hills that gave the town its name. Agriculture dominates the valley and you might spot pecan trees in the distance or rows of the famous New Mexico green chiles.

The nearby town of Villanueva, founded in the 1790s is worth spending some time in. Most of the buildings were made of adobe and many are still in fairly good shape. The first Mexican set-tlers built miles of irrigation ditches to help with farming which are still in use today. In town, stop by the Lady of Guadalupe Church built of local rock in the early 1800s, an impressive edi-fice for such a small town. Step through the hand-carved double front doors to see the 275-foot colcha, or tapestry, 41 panels hand-stitched by local women that capture the history and religious life of the community.

While in town, check out the old-fashioned general store. It’s one of those places where time seems to have stopped, a small-town, homey, neighborly mercantile where you can find things you need, and some you don’t, but you’ll always find a friendly face behind the counter. Grab a cup of hot coffee for the road. The local owners also make their own smoked beef sausage and applesauce. Be sure to ask.

The days are just starting to cool down in fall as the first aspen trees begin the seasonal change here, a gradual metamorphosis from green leaves to every shade of yellow and gold imaginable. This is a long day hike at 16 miles along the Chama River and up into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. At 7,000 feet above sea level, the crisp, cool air is a portend that winter is not too far off.

A fall mosaic of colors dot the Mogollon Mountain hillsides as the aspen, cottonwood and syca-mores leaves change from green to various golden hues. It’s a 24-mile out-and-back moderate level hike—traversing all of it takes about three to four days, but day-hike options are also possi-ble. The trailhead begins at 9,000 feet. Catch magnificent views of Whitewater, Center, and Mogollon peaks, the three highest in the Gila Wilderness.

This system is a network of 24 miles of trails just outside of town in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The magic of fall is all around as the aspen trees start the process of getting ready for winter with a leaf-color changing show that’s breathtaking. With so many miles of trails in this system, there is a path for every level of hiker to enjoy this show.

A picture-perfect setting awaits along this trail … the golden reflection of trees turning colors in the pristine waters found along this trail. All along the way, trails take you past and under the golden glory of changing foliage. The hike is a six-mile-long out-and-back day hike. The well-maintained trail ends at Trampas Lake and with a spectacular view of Truchas Peaks, the second highest point in the state.

Named one of the “Top 10 State Parks” by Camping Life magazine, this area explodes with color in autumn. There are a number of trails, from short to long and moderate to strenuous. Trails ascend through a variety of forested areas, take you to the shores of high mountain lakes, and bring you to mountain ridges that offer spectacular views of golden rivers of trees in the canyons below. 

There is a lot to see here at any time of year, but fall brings with it dramatic color in the 800-foot deep canyon created by the Rio Grande River, as well as sightings of migrating mule deer, elk, and the occasional black bear. As part of the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument, there are five developed campgrounds, 22 developed campsites along the Gorge Rim, and 16 designated primitive river campsites that you have to hike to. Trails take you through ancient piñon and juniper forests, some as old as 500 years and along the Rio Grande River. 

The Gila Wilderness, more than 500,000 acres, was the world’s first designated wilderness in 1924. Quemado Lake, in the northern section of this area, sits in a piñon-juniper woodland dotted with ponderosa pine, aspen and fir. The fall colors are impressive. At an elevation of more than 6,000 feet, the crisp autumn air makes this a cool respite from the hot New Mexican summers. There are multiple campgrounds around the lake, including sites for RVs. Amenities include picnic tables, drinking water, and toilets. There’s a 14-day stay limit.

This smaller park, along the Rio Grande, is rural and remote—a quiet spot to sit under the dazzling colors of changing Cottonwood trees and drop a line in for some fishing and do a little bird watching. With grassy lawns and shady campsites, a kid’s playground, barbecue grills and hiking trails, it’s just the place for a weekend away. There are 50 campsites, some with shelters and some more primitive. 

The high plains of Kiowa National Grasslands are a short grass prairie covered in native grasses like buffalo and blue grama. But all that ends as you approach the edge of Mills Canyon, cut by the Canadian River 1,000 feet below. The canyon is striking, covered in pine, oak, junipers, and cottonwoods, as well as remnants of old orchards planted by the first settler, Melvin Mills. The canyon is covered in history and full of areas to explore. The rim campground has six campsites and a view that you just won’t find anywhere else. It’s accessible to RVs and trailers. No fee and no permit necessary. Campsites are also found near the river at the bottom of the canyon. 

As the weather starts to cool down, an overnight at Chaco Canyon is so much more enjoyable. With little shade or trees, it’s quite often too hot to really enjoy exploring the ruins, but temperatures drop dramatically in fall. The best part about Chaco, though, is that it’s an International Dark Sky Park, plus it has an observatory with ongoing programs that focus on as-tronomy and the Chacoan people. In fall, there’s special emphasis on the autumn equinox. This remote area has clear, dark skies with little light pollution. Stargazing is beyond belief. Daytime exploration of the ruins is remarkable, too. 

At 8,200 acres and 13 miles in length, Ute Lake is one of the longest in the state. It’s fed by the Canadian River and Ute Creek. With lots of coves and inlets, it’s great fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. You can fish round-the-clock every day of the year. It’s worth noting that several state-record game fish have been caught here. There are paved ramps on both the north and south side for launching.

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The translucent blue-green water here is impressive. As is the fishing. Locals know that, traditionally, this lake is notorious for being one of the best for walleye and smallmouth bass. But at 25 miles-long and with 60 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of room for other fish. You’ll find bass, crappie, and bluegill at the end of your line too. Night fishing is popular but beware of shallow water and sandbars in the river channels. There are two modern marinas for launching and a store just in case you forgot your bait.

The elusive tiger muskie has been known to make an appearance at the end of a fishing line here. They were introduced by the Department of Fish and Game to help control invasive species. It worked. You’ll find some of the biggest here, making for a great catching experience. The lake is also stocked with rainbow trout, native and cutthroat trout, and catfish. Access to popular fishing spots can be reached by car without difficulty. In winter months, this is a popular spot for ice fishing. There are no marinas, but two paved ramps provide boat access.

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The headwaters of this river are located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range north of town. It flows for 926 miles, eventually connecting with the Rio Grande, and offers plenty of access along its banks. It has populations of wild brown trout and is stocked with rainbow trout. In some of the smaller tributaries that feed the river you’ll also find the state fish, the Rio Grande cutthroat trout. There’s public access at the Dalton Day-Use area. Before you head to the river, stop in at Tererro General Store, which is the “last top for campers and fishermen along the Pecos River.” The store boasts any last-minute fishing supplies you might need.  

Trout fishermen know that this world-renowned river is the place to go for both rainbow and brown trout. Some studies indicate there may be 15,000 fish per mile and average between 16 and 18 inches, if not bigger for the lucky angler. The section of river below the Navajo Dam is known for its trophy-sized fish. If you’re looking for a fish fight, this is the place to go. There are areas that are catch-and-release only, as well as some that are limited to barbless flies and lures and a catch limit. The river is a popular fishing destination…so, the fish are wary! If you need supplies before you go, stop in at Abe’s Motel & Fly Shop, which has been “outfitting fishermen for the San Juan River since 1958.” Now that’s reliable. After your trip, grab a bite to eat at Abe’s and book a room to stay the night. 

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Put your paddle tires on your ATV because these 20 miles of trails across 800 acres of Bureau of Land Management land are full of sand, sand, and more sand. It’s a typical desert environment where you traverse sandy arroyo bottoms, climb sand dunes, and scoot between towering sandstone walls. The area is open year-round, weather permitting. Primitive camping available, but there are no services and no water. A permit is required, as are helmets for those under 18 years-old.

If you’re looking for a little night riding adventure, this is the place. It’s 6,000 acres with trails that run through predominately sandy washes and dry, barren desert. At 5,000 feet, there are trails along sandstone and limestone bluffs and into deep canyons. Views of the Rio Grande Valley are impressive during daylight hours. Permit required. Open year-round. Camping is primitive but allowable and free.

The lightly-maintained desert trails in the hills and mountains northwest of town are rocky, steep in spots, with little or no shade on mostly hard-pack terrain. There are, however, lots of diversions into rugged canyons, through desert chaparral and across craggy ridges. Great views of Las Cruces in the distance. It’s free and open year-round. Permit is required. Come prepared. Youth, under 18, must wear a helmet.

Covering 8,700 acres of Chihuahuan Desert, Aden Hills is a great spot for an off-roading adventure. According to the Bureau of Land Management, the area is “characterized by low mesquite or creosote-stabilized coppice dunes, and a variety of dropseed grasses, yucca, and cacti.” Aden Hills has been a designated off-roading area since 1993.

With a 1.2-mile track and 10 miles of ATV trails, this is an off-roader’s dream! The park covers 300 acres of land and is maintained by the Red Rock Motorsports Club. Events are regularly held in the area, bringing the off-roading community together. 

*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.

If you try nothing else, get the big-as-a-dinner plate homemade cinnamon roll, filled with nuts and raisins and slathered in icing. It’s the way to kick-start a day of off-roading. Comfort food is what the menu is all about: biscuits and gravy, country scrambles, pancakes and fried egg sandwiches. A cozy place that’s just like home. Only open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch.

There are some iconic oddities in this country that shouldn’t be missed. This is one of them. Ham, short for Holloman Aeromedical which was the lab where he was trained, was the first chimpanzee in space. He was trained to do a few simple tasks as a test to determine if humans would be able to perform the same tasks. He came through with flying colors in his 16-minute flight aboard a Mercury Redstone rocket. His reward? An apple. After that, they retired his space suit and he lived out his life in a zoo. He’s buried here, memorialized by a bronze plaque. 

Flying across desert terrain, racing up-and-over sandy dunes across more than 100 miles of trails is just plain fun. This large open-ride area, which covers more than 12,000 acres, is a playground of hard-packed trails and sandy play sections. There are no fees, but a Mexico OHV permit is required. There are no facilities on-site, but the area accommodates primitive camping.

This park was named in honor of a local rancher who settled here in the 19th century. His homestead near Dog Canyon consisted of a ranch house, barns, corrals, reservoir and irrigation system. The ranch house is well-preserved and offers a glimpse of what life was like in the hot, arid desert more than 100 years ago. There are bits and pieces of the irrigation system still visible. 

Get out of the desert and into the cool mountain air of for some dinner. Cowboy heritage and good grub greet you at this family-owned restaurant. Getting here on Highway 82 takes you along a scenic highway through the Sacramento Mountains and through the only road tunnel in the state. The menu highlight is the famous mesquite wood cooked barbecue, but there are plenty of other mouthwatering choices. Depending on the day, there are some all-you-can-eat specials…catfish seems to be the local favorite.

Located right smack dab in the center of town, this historic building has only eight rooms available, just enough for the ghost who hangs out here to greet every guest. It was built in the 1930s and still has much of that era’s distinctive flair. Rooms are large with rustic furniture, claw foot tubs and a few have kitchenettes and a balcony overlooking the town’s main street. The cozy beds are welcome comfort at the end of a long day. 

Located midway between Capital Reef and Canyonlands National Parks, Utah’s Goblin Valley State Park offers much of the same type of desert-hoodoo landscape formations, as well as incredible canyoning opportunities, as its neighbors. The campground is not particularly secluded or tree-lined, but it is an excellent gateway to all that the park has to offer. 

Campsite 12 is a tent-only site that is set back a little away from RVs and other campers. The site includes your own shaded picnic table and a brilliant, uninterrupted view of the rock formations that Goblin Valley is known for. Not feeling like setting up and taking down your own shelter? Grab one of the yurts available for rent in the park.

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If you’ve ever been to Hawaii—or planned a trip to Hawaii—you know lodging is not cheap. A great way to avoid exorbitant lodging costs in the Aloha State is to camp. Many of the state’s parks offer excellent camping options and facilities. Those visiting the Garden Isle of Kauai will appreciate the picturesque beauty of Koke’e State Park.

Perched 4,000 feet above the lush vegetation of the Kalalau Valley, with sweeping views out to the Pacific, Koke’e offers several tent camping opportunities in campsites that have been minimally developed. In addition, several cabins are available for rental in the park if you’re hoping for a break from tent camping.

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Lake Cascade State Park in west-central Idaho comprises 86 miles of shoreline along the edge of the eponymous lake. The park is tucked into the region’s wooded mountains near the Payette National Forest. Popular with anglers, Lake Cascade is known as a prime spot for trout and salmon fishing. The surrounding area offers miles of trails for hiking, cycling and birding. The park’s 41 square miles of surface water are ideal for paddling or boating.

Dispersed primitive camping is available at several locations throughout the park. But if you’d like a few more amenities (restrooms, for example), the Blue Heron Campground is tent-only and located on a peninsula that juts out into the lack. Site G is a lakefront site that is set back an away from the other sites, so you have your own little slice of heaven.

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Big Basin Redwoods State Park is just west of—and a world away from—the Bay Area megalopolis in California. It is the state’s first and oldest state park. The park’s main feature, as the name implies, is the ancient, coast redwood trees marching up and down the slopes. Blooms Creek Campground in the park affords the opportunity to sleep among these beautiful giants, which are up to 1,800 years old.

Site 153 is a hike-in site that is away from the main campground but close to a water source. It connects to the Blooms Creek Trail, which in turn, connects to many of the other trails in the park.

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Oregon’s Ainsworth State Park lies within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and encompasses spectacular natural features like Horsetail Falls and 620-ft. Multnomah Falls. There are many hiking trails in the park, itself, that take advantage of the fantastic beauty of the Gorge. The park also connects to several trails that lead to other points of interest like the majestic St. Peter’s Dome, which rises 2,000 feet over the river.

The campground at Ainsworth offers six walk-in tent sites that are set back and away from the main campground and connect to trails that allow you to avoid walking through the main part of the camping area. Any one of the sites puts you in the midst of all that the park has to offer but provides the illusion of a secluded site away from civilization.

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