The world's largest gypsum dune field isn't just a wonder of the natural world—it's a great place to hike, too.

This 11-mile out-and-back climbs to two high-altitude lakes in New Mexico's Carson National Forest.

Discover true quiet in this uncrowded forest.

Giant gypsum dunes and winter temperatures in the sixties are only some of the draws for this preserve.

Wander through the world's largest gypsum dune field in New Mexico.

Yapashi Pueblo Loop, Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

Walking in this gypsum dunefield is hard—but it's worth the trouble.

Leave the desert heat and hike along side Lanphier Canyon Blue River Loop, take a dip in the cool Arizona water when the sun gets too hot.

This 11.2-mile trek runs through a sweet high-desert canyon, connecting stark cactus country and pretty fir highlands. Pack extra water for this dry hike.

This challenging 5.8-mile hike climbs through pinon scrub and rust-red ponderosa pine before topping out 2,000 feet above Santa Fe's adobe sprawl.

This 6-mile out-and-back adventure serves up mountain forests, a peaceful creek, and an unbeatable lunch spot on the banks of a small alpine lake.

A lung-burning 2,000-foot gain in 2.5 miles rewards with sweet ridgeline views of the Taos Mountains and Wheeler Peak. This dayhike runs 6.6 miles round-trip.

Knock off two Santa Fe must-dos--Lake Katherine, the most beautiful lake in NM, and illustrious Santa Fe Baldy—in one long day on this strenuous 15.4-mile out-and-back.

Save this 5.5-mile loop in the city foothills for after work and see for yourself the watermelon-pink sun- sets that nearby Sandia Mountain is named after.

Thanks to an abandoned highway plan, this close-to-town 6.3-mile loop remains rugged and wild--a perfect quick escape for summer evenings and Saturday mornings.

Move from scrubby desert to forested foothills on this 9.5-mile loop just minutes from downtown. Pack ample water and a raptor ID book.

Trek 14.4 miles on less-traveled trails to a 10,000-foot summit over the Valles Caldera, a giant volcanic bowl in the shadow of the Jemez Mountains.

Seeking solitude? Test your compass skills as you venture 9.4 miles into a canyon of recovering burn zones and trickling springs in the San Mateo Mountains.

Climb through the sandy canyons and shrubby ridgelines of the Sandia Mountain Wilderness on this 5-mile out-and-back outside Albuquerque.

Lush river canyons meet high desert mesas on this 23.7-mile, 3-day loop in the Gila Wilderness.

This 11.2-mile, high-country dayhike crisscrosses rolling mountain meadows with stellar views of the tallest peaks in the Pecos Wilderness.

Water is abundant here, compared to the arid high desert below. This 15.2-miler links fish-filled creeks with the forested hills of San Pedro Parks Wilderness.

This 11.4-mile out-and-back tours deep forests and a high saddle filled with wildflowers. Pack lunch and a good book to take full advantage of Spirit's scenic shoreline.

This 10.4-mile out-and-back surveys a sunbleached mesa en route to a backcountry camp in the Jemez Mountains of Bandelier National Monument.

This 15-mile riverside hike is located in the southern tip of New Mexico's highest range, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Hike 11.2 miles and learn some local place names on this out-and-back to a secluded meadow high in the Sandia Mountains.

Dayhike 5 to 15 miles through the golden hills above the city. The longer haul leads to a peak with fine views of the Sandias.

Set a weekend aside for this challenging 19.7-mile lasso loop (with numerous campsites) that connects two pinched gorges with suspended bridges.

The snow-draped Enchanted Forest is the backdrop for this 5.3-mile ski or snowshoe trip that offers several overlooks and route options outside Taos.

Sample the mesas and meadows of the Gila Wilderness.

Ride the Sandia Crest on this 5.8-mile loop that connects a scenic ridgetop, fragrant evergreens, and postcard views above Albuquerque.

Balance this 13.5-mile hinterland hike up the southern spine of the Sandia Mountains with a civilized finish--microbrews at the High Finance Restaurant.

Wander by petroglyphs and fossils on this 6-mile high-desert adventure through the rugged canyons Ojito Wilderness.

Ride the tram to the top of the Sandia Crest, then tackle a 4,000-foot descent past aspen groves and juniper-dotted landscapes on this 12-mile shuttle hike.

Wind past parched arroyo and panoramic views on this 3.2-mile out-and-back that leads to a seasonal bird-watching Mecca in Albuquerque’s Sandia Mountains.

Venture deep into the Pecos Wilderness on this 23.7-mile, three-day hike into a cirque of high peaks in the Sangre de Cristos.

This 9.8-mile out-and-back connects old-growth evergreens and the Mogollon Mountains, a series of 10,000-foot peaks in Gila National Forest.

Winding past steep canyon walls and ancient fossil beds, this 6.6-mile out-and-back in the Sandia Mountains rewards with an overlook across the Rio Puerco Valley.

This 42-mile trek through the picturesque Pecos Wilderness high country features towering peaks, alpine lakes, and lots of wildlife.

Dip into river-cut canyons and explore the homeland of the Ancestral Pueblo on this 19.8-mile trip in New Mexico's Bandelier National Monument.

Introducing the Pecos: this 15.5-miler, cruises classic trails in the Sangre De Cristo range for a peek at 12,000-foot peaks, alpine lakes, and an intro to the 223,667-acre wilderness in Santa Fe’s backyard.

Wind through wildflowers and climb more than 2,000 feet on this 12-mile out-and-back in the Pecos Wilderness that visits an alpine lake below Santa Fe Baldy.

Be prepared, you might spend all day exploring tubes and cave entrances in this cairn-laden route in El Malpais National Monument's Bandara Lava Flow.

There aren't any trails in the De-na-zin Wilderness, but this 3.9-mile route scours northwest New Mexico's wash bottoms in search of petrified wood caches and hoodoo-filled ravines.

Pack a suit and soak in the soothing waters of Spence Hot Springs on this one mile out-and-back in the secluded Jemez Valley.

Wander ponderosa pines through the Sangre de Cristo foothills to a serene river scene just outside Santa Fe.

A perfect spring getaway just northwest of Albuquerque, this 4.3-mile loop cruises the base of a towering mesa, follows a classic desert arroyo, and hits a hoodoo hot spot in the Ojito.

Explore the "Yellowstone of the Southwest" on this 28.4-mile loop that links a series of meadows, creek crossings, and a canyon in New Mexico's Valle Vidal.

Connect alpine lakes and tag three summits on this wildflower- and wildlife-packed loop.

Follow a primitive trail--and keep an eye out for alpine-loving marmots and big horn--on this 11.5-mile overnight to Horseshoe Lake in the Carson National Forest's Pecos Wilderness.

Climb to the crown of the Sangre de Cristo Range outside Taos, New Mexico.

Hit three 13,000-foot peaks in the Pecos Wilderness, the wildest wilderness south of Glacier.

Drop 750 feet underground through the bat-cave entrance of Carlsbad Cavern on this 2.4-mile hike that combines hundreds of impressive displays: stalactite-dripping nooks and crannies, massive domes, gypsum deposits, and fanciful rock formations.

Get your feet wet on this 11.5-miler that loops through a canyon carved by the Middle Fork Gila River. You’ll cross the river several times and land at a hot springs before loop end.

Escape Sandia crowds on this often empty hike past wildflowers and berries, and keep an eye out for wildlife like bears.

This is a nice well traveled loop in the less traveled Manzano Mountains. You can do the loop in either direction and great views, diverse vegetation, and maybe a few wild animals await!

On this 7.6-miler ideal for a leisurely overnight or longer day trip, trek through a high-desert wonderland en route to spectacular western panoramas from a meadow-topped mesa.

Climb across mesas and up canyon walls to a cave full of pictographs.

Push from the depths of Agua Sarca Canyon to sky-scraping vistas atop North Sandia Rim on this 7-mile loop east of Albuquerque.

Summit the Southwest's most European mountain.

Summit a peak via open slopes and a wooded canyon on this hike with 5.5- or 13.7-mile options.

Get four easy escapes outside of Santa Fe with this PRO bundle and savor the high-mountain air and alpine vistas over secluded lakes.

Four prime backpacking trips will lead you to solitude and backcountry camping with this PRO Bundle of hikes near Santa Fe.

Snag a taste of some of the country's darkest skies on this 14.6 miles overnight shuttle hike in the Gila National Forest.

Want the ultimate challenge? Traverse the entire Sandia in one marathon day on this 27.1-mile point-to-point that runs across the Sandia spine, racking up nearly 12,000 feet of elevation change.

Irresistible to trail runners and hikers from all over the world, this classic, 7.1-mile climb to the Sandia Crest features sweeping vistas and challenging terrain.

Explore a slot canyon and soak in a warm backcountry pool in the country's first designated wilderness.

Explore Albuquerque's backyard mountain range.

Navigate a long-lost trail to a remote alpine lake.

Climb across mesas and up canyon walls to a cave full of pictographs.

Connect alpine lakes and tag three summits on this wildflower- and wildlife-packed loop.

The threat to this 1.2 million acre wilderness? Oil Drilling. Hike to the top of 6,660-foot Alamo Mountain to see what's at stake.

Bighorn sheep and golden eagles await you at this high point.