In The Know

New Mexico’s trails are a mix of everything ranging from soft dirt single track to rocky and technical. You will pass through various terrain and see various flora ranging from cactus in the lower high desert mountain foothills to pine trees as you go up in elevation. There are stunning views in every direction on every run. You will not be disappointed. Always be aware of your surroundings and enjoy every minute out there!

Most trails are shared by hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and sometime horses. Hikers should give deference to runners, runners to mountain bikers, and mountain bikers to horses. Be sure to wave, smile, and/or say hi because this is the New Mexico way!

All mountains and deserts in New Mexico can get really rough really quickly. Please do not underestimate what can go wrong off trail. From rattlesnake encounters to fields of cactus to steep drop offs, things can go sideways quickly. If you find yourself off trail, do not panic, and re-trace your steps back to the trail.

As a rural western state high up in the mountains, New Mexico has abundant wildlife ranging from birds to rabbits to deer. There are also coyotes, wild cats, mountain lions, bears, and rattlesnakes. While encounters with dangerous wildlife are very uncommon, they do happen. The best way to avoid encounters is to stay on trail and familiarize yourself with this guide from the US Forest Service.

We recommend a few things in no particular order… Water because the mountain elevation and heat can be taxing on the body making hydration essential. A mobile phone because we guarantee you will want to take at least one picture. Its also a good safety tool in the event you get injured or lost. Tightly sealed nutrition for longer excursions (you don’t wand to attract wildlife with the smell of food). Study a map of the general vicinity to familiarize yourself with area.

The New Mexico sun sets the stage for incredible sunrises, daytime skies, and sunsets. It also has an energizing factor that is hard to beat. That said, it can burn you quickly. Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen especially if you are prone to burning. You should also stay hydrated to the extent possible.

Late Spring/Summer: The early mornings are nice and crisp and the sunrises are always beautiful. We advise starting no later than 9:00. The longer the run, the earlier the start. If you are not used to altitude and heat avoid mid day through early evening. Evenings are warm but gorgeous. It’s one of our favorite times to be out because the western sky views are amazing.

Fall/Early Winter: Pretty much any time of the day is great for running. Mornings can be cold so you may need gloves and warmer gear (make sure its layered because the sun can warm things up quickly).

Winter: Winter is so pretty in New Mexico. The mornings are cold but the dry climate makes the cold manageable. Be sure to dress appropriately because the temperatures can feel deceptively warm. Afternoons and early evenings are generally really great. Be aware that the sun sets really fast and the skies here are really dark. We strongly advise getting off the trails before sundown during this season. Do pay attention to the weather because there are occasional snow storms and cold fronts that come through. One of the neat things about running in Albuquerque is that there can be a snow on the ground in the morning and it’s mostly melted by the afternoon making everything runnable.

Early Spring/Spring: It’s a really great time of the year for running. If you look closely you’ll see all sorts of spring flora. Be aware that the afternoons can get windy but usually nothing that is a deal breaker. Do pay attention to the weather for Red Flag Advisories because there are occasional wind storms and you will want to plan your runs around these if possible.

It’s no secret that the west is prone to wild fires. Even though there is an ongoing drought throughout the west, the outdoors can still be enjoyed with the right precautions. Please familiarize yourself with this guide from the US Forest Service.

New Mexico is incredibly gorgeous and we want to keep it that way for generations to come. Please be sure to carry out what you carry in and dispose of all waste appropriately.