Field guide
Public trails for hiking and running near Santa Fe
Find practical details for hiking near Santa Fe. Information on the Dale Ball trail system, the Santa Fe Rail Trail, and routes in Hyde Memorial State Park.
Visitors to Santa Fe have several options for running and hiking. The Dale Ball Trails provide a system of paths within the city's parks and open spaces. For a different surface, the Santa Fe Rail Trail is a multi-use path following a historic railway line.
For a mountain setting, Hyde Memorial State Park is a short drive from the city. It offers trails in a pine forest at elevations between 8,300 and 9,400 feet. This park has set hours and limited connectivity.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dale Ball Trails | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Santa Fe Rail Trail | 12.5 miles (Santa Fe County manages the section south to Lamy) | Not listed | Not listed |
| Hyde Memorial State Park | 4.2 Miles | 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday – Sunday; May 1 – October 31st of each year, between 10 am to 10 pm | Not listed |
Dale Ball Trails
The Dale Ball Trails are a system of trails located within Santa Fe's parks and open space areas. This network offers routes for running or walking directly in the city.
- Type of place
- A system of parks, open space, and trails
- Location
- Santa Fe, NM
Source: City Maps (santafenm.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Santa Fe Rail Trail
The Santa Fe Rail Trail is a multi-use path that follows the historic Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line. The section managed by the City of Santa Fe starts at Railyard Park. The trail continues for 12.5 miles under county management, crossing the Arroyo Hondo south of the Rabbit Road Trailhead.
This trail connects to the Spur Trail, which leads to the Santa Fe Community College District. Dogs are permitted on the county section but must be on-leash or under voice control, and they must be leashed in all riparian areas.
- Management of first section
- City of Santa Fe manages the section from Railyard Park to the I-25 overpass near Rabbit Road.
- Type of trail
- Multi-use trail
- Route description
- Follows the historic Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line from Santa Fe Railyard Park to Lamy.
- County managed length
- 12.5 miles (Santa Fe County manages the section south to Lamy)
- Dog rules (County section)
- Dogs must remain on-leash or under voice control, unless signage indicates otherwise.
- Dog rules (riparian areas)
- Keep dogs leashed in all riparian areas and pick up and pack out dog poop.
- Notable feature
- Scenic train tours by Santa Fe Southern Railway train along this route.
- Connection to Spur Trail
- Connects to the Spur Trail 1.78 miles south of Rabbit Road Trailhead.
Source: Properties & Trails (santafecountynm.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Hyde Memorial State Park
Hyde Memorial State Park, New Mexico’s first state park, is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at an elevation between 8,300 and 9,400 feet. The park contains 4.2 miles of trails through a pine forest along Little Tesuque Creek. It is a short drive from Santa Fe.
Visitors should note the park's specific hours and limited services. Water is only available near the Ranger Station during set times, and restrooms are vault toilets. There is no cellular service in the park, though wifi is available at the Visitor Center.
- Park description
- New Mexico’s first State Park is set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains pine forest, along Little Tesuque Creek.
- Yurt accommodations
- home to three cozy yurts
- Proximity to city
- a short drive from Santa Fe
- Park address
- 740 Hyde Park Road Santa Fe, NM 87501
- Total trail length
- 4.2 Miles
- Park elevation
- 8,300 – 9,400 ft
- Park hours
- 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday – Sunday
- Lodge season and hours
- May 1 – October 31st of each year, between 10 am to 10 pm
Sources: Hyde Memorial State Park (emnrd.nm.gov), Hyde Park Lodge (emnrd.nm.gov), Yurts at Hyde Memorial State Park (emnrd.nm.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Before you go
- Check the operating hours for Hyde Memorial State Park, which are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
- Water at Hyde Memorial State Park is only available near the Ranger Station from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Expect no cellular service at Hyde Memorial State Park; wifi is available at the Visitor Center.
- On the Santa Fe Rail Trail, be aware that you will be sharing the path with other users.
- If you bring a dog on the Santa Fe Rail Trail, keep it leashed in riparian areas and follow on-leash or voice control rules elsewhere.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.