Guided Day Hikes
Get out of town! Hiking rejuvenates and restores, and lets you see a different side of New Mexico. With a variety of terrain and elevations, hiking is a year-round activity here.
It's your choice: private hiking tours may be leisurely and educational, or energetic treks to surrounding peaks. Choose easier trails, or more rugged and remote areas. Trail time (exclusive of travel) may vary from 2 - 7 hours for adventures ranging from half-day jaunts to seriously full-day tours. Even a short walk can give you lots of information that you won't get from a guidebook or likely see on your own.
Your Outspire hiking guide will work with you to plan the perfect hiking tour for your interests and needs. With Outspire, you dictate the pace. We take care of all the details, so you you don't have to worry about schedules or equipment. We'll provide the use of a day pack stocked with water, rain poncho, and adjustable trekking poles. Your hiking guide will carry maps, snacks, and emergency supplies. Hikers need only bring appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, and a desire for fun!
Add-ons: simple or gourmet box lunches can make a welcome addition to longer outings. Just ask!
It's your choice: private hiking tours may be leisurely and educational, or energetic treks to surrounding peaks. Choose easier trails, or more rugged and remote areas. Trail time (exclusive of travel) may vary from 2 - 7 hours for adventures ranging from half-day jaunts to seriously full-day tours. Even a short walk can give you lots of information that you won't get from a guidebook or likely see on your own.
Your Outspire hiking guide will work with you to plan the perfect hiking tour for your interests and needs. With Outspire, you dictate the pace. We take care of all the details, so you you don't have to worry about schedules or equipment. We'll provide the use of a day pack stocked with water, rain poncho, and adjustable trekking poles. Your hiking guide will carry maps, snacks, and emergency supplies. Hikers need only bring appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, and a desire for fun!
Add-ons: simple or gourmet box lunches can make a welcome addition to longer outings. Just ask!
All our hiking tours are customized and there are many more destinations available. These are only a few itineraries to give you some ideas. Don't forget to look at our "Special Tours" page also.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains:
Hike among the aspens and Ponderosa Pines in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains just east of Santa Fe.
Although many trails are available, an easy favorite winds among the trees past a small stream, and through a meadow and Ponderosa groves for a round-trip of approximately four miles with less than 300 feet total climb.
Native wildflowers and characteristic plants in season. Under trees for most of the time for cool, green comfort in summer and especially gorgeous colors during fall.
Travel time: 30 min. Typically on trail: 2-4 hours.
Although many trails are available, an easy favorite winds among the trees past a small stream, and through a meadow and Ponderosa groves for a round-trip of approximately four miles with less than 300 feet total climb.
Native wildflowers and characteristic plants in season. Under trees for most of the time for cool, green comfort in summer and especially gorgeous colors during fall.
Travel time: 30 min. Typically on trail: 2-4 hours.
La Bajada historic area:
The old road at La Bajada traverses a geologic oddity and traces human history in our area. Petroglyphs (Native American rock carvings), the remnants of the Camino Real (Royal Road) from Mexico City, and part of the original Route 66 all pass this way. It seems remote now, but was once a flourishing area.
A fairly easy walk approximately four miles with a moderate climb on the old road bed.
Fabulous views and typical New Mexican high desert native plants. Best fall through spring, or early day in summer.
Travel time: 45 min. Typically on trail: 3-4 hours.
A fairly easy walk approximately four miles with a moderate climb on the old road bed.
Fabulous views and typical New Mexican high desert native plants. Best fall through spring, or early day in summer.
Travel time: 45 min. Typically on trail: 3-4 hours.
Pecos Wilderness:
Mountain ridge lines, towering pines and aspens, and lush stream valleys characterize the Pecos Wilderness. Several trail heads and routes are available.
Although it can be hiked at more moderate length, a favorite route leads through a high-mountain stream valley approximately 8 miles round trip with a 1700-foot ascent to the watershed boundary ridge for a well-deserved rest and views.
Rocky Mountain wildflowers are spectacular in the stream side areas. Late spring through fall only.
Travel time: 1 hour Typically on trail: 4-6 hours (with lunch break).
Although it can be hiked at more moderate length, a favorite route leads through a high-mountain stream valley approximately 8 miles round trip with a 1700-foot ascent to the watershed boundary ridge for a well-deserved rest and views.
Rocky Mountain wildflowers are spectacular in the stream side areas. Late spring through fall only.
Travel time: 1 hour Typically on trail: 4-6 hours (with lunch break).
White Rock Canyon:
Descend into a canyon carved by the Rio Grande among volcanic boulders marked with petroglyphs (rock carvings) from the 1300's. Pause by a natural spring creek to refresh under the shade before continuing to the banks of the river.
A moderate distance of approximately 4 miles with 900 foot descent. Not considered the easiest route because of rocky, uneven footing in places. Our trekking poles are a welcome help. Enjoy greater solitude as a result of the challenge.
Marvelous views, petroglyphs and native ecology. Best hiked fall through late spring.
Travel time: 1 hour Typically on trail: 4-6 hours (with lunch break).
A moderate distance of approximately 4 miles with 900 foot descent. Not considered the easiest route because of rocky, uneven footing in places. Our trekking poles are a welcome help. Enjoy greater solitude as a result of the challenge.
Marvelous views, petroglyphs and native ecology. Best hiked fall through late spring.
Travel time: 1 hour Typically on trail: 4-6 hours (with lunch break).
Private Santa Fe Sunset Hike:
Enjoy a private evening walk to enjoy one of the very best places from which to view our magnificent sunsets. Minutes from downtown, an easy trail beckons you to stroll so you don't miss any of the marvelous views as you pass between piñon and juniper trees.
We'll keep track of the time, so you arrive at the best vantage point for the sunset. Bring your camera!
Travel time: 15 minutes Typically on trail: 1 hour. Special reduced pricing applies for this short tour; please ask.
We'll keep track of the time, so you arrive at the best vantage point for the sunset. Bring your camera!
Travel time: 15 minutes Typically on trail: 1 hour. Special reduced pricing applies for this short tour; please ask.
Please note : We can design an outing or workshop around a particular activity like photography, hiking navigation, wildflower identification or other interest. See the About Us page for more details.

