Areas
Seven areas to run around Santa Fe
Santa Fe sits at the intersection of alpine wilderness and high desert — the terrain around town ranges from 5,500-foot Juniper Savannah at the Rio Grande to treeless peaks over 12,000 feet. Here's how the running breaks down by area around Santa Fe.
La Tierra
Fast runs near town
The La Tierra trail system is right next to town and provides access to 25 miles of flatter (by Santa Fe standards) trails. A great trail system for newer trail runners and those looking for shorter, faster runs. All the trails provide views of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristos. The terrain is sandy, open Pinyon-Juniper Savannah with little shade. We suggest running in the Fall, Winter, and Spring to avoid the heat of summer.
Dale Ball
A trail for every runner, right in town.
Dale Ball trail system is just minutes from downtown with great well signed single-track. There are over 25 miles of trails with a myriad of possible loops. You can climb Atalaya and Picacho, go for a mild 3 mile cruise with 500 feet of gain, or put it all together for 20 miles of challenging terrain. The terrain is semi-shaded with pinyon and some ponderosa and trails can be quite rocky. Dale Ball is great for year-round running, but can be icy in winter.
Winsor Corridor
The heart of Santa Fe's montane trail system
The Winsor Trail is the heart of Santa Fe's montane forest trail. The Winsor is the trunk trail with a series of branching trails forming a steep trail system running from town up to Ski Santa Fe. Many runners' favorite routes are in this area. There are many trail heads along Hyde Park Road from which to start your runs. We suggest running in the Spring, Summer, and Fall to avoid winter snow and ice.
Pecos Wilderness
Alpine adventures in the Sangre de Cristos
The Pecos Wilderness is where real adventure begins. In summer it offers a vast playground for Santa Feans looking to escape summer heat and test themselves at altitude. Santa Feans almost exclusively access the wilderness from the Ski Basin trailhead. If you venture into the Wilderness expect a lot of elevation gain, incredible views, and ever changing weather.
Galisteo Basin
Great views, smooth runs
20 minutes South of Santa Fe is Galisteo Basin. This preserve is a popular recreation area for hikers, mountain bikers, and runners. The trails are rolling and fast without any major climbs. There are great ridge sections providing 360 degree views. The terrain is mostly open Juniper Savannah with little shade. We suggest running in the Fall, Winter, and Spring to avoid the heat of summer.
Nambe Badlands
Geology, Solitude, & Vistas
The Nambe Badlands, 30 minutes north of Santa Fe offer solitude, beautiful geological formations, and smooth runs. Very few crowds with incredible views of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristos. The terrain is sandy and open with little shade. We suggest running in the Fall, Winter, and Spring to avoid the heat of summer.
Caja del Rio
Little visited Volcanic plateau
Caja del Rio is Santa Fe's least-known running area--a broad volcanic plateau west of the city. Known for Diablo Canyon at its northern edge, the plateau also has a network of dirt roads. Very few people run here, but it's a great option for those looking for solitude and to explore less visited trail. The terrain is open Juniper Woodland. We suggest running in the Fall, Winter, and Spring to avoid the heat of summer.