How to Hike the Santa Fe to Taos Trail

Ed note: Lauren was selected to hike the Santa Fe to Taos Trail this year on behalf of The Trek. Keep an eye on our YouTube and social channels for more content from Lauren on this exciting new trail.

YesThe Santa Fe to Taos Trail (SF2T), which extends 132 miles from Santa Fe Plaza to Taos Plaza, links two of New Mexico’s most iconic mountain towns along the spine of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Passing alpine lakes, river valleys, and causeways above 12,000 feet, this route connects nature and solitude with vibrant, art-filled cities. Expect backcountry camping, well-graded climbs, wildflowers, and abundant water sources.

Basic information

• Length: 132 miles (212 kilometers)
• Expected completion time: 7 to 14 days (10 to 20 miles/day)
• Location: Northern New Mexico: From Santa Fe to Taos through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It spans four counties (Santa Fe, Río Arriba, Mora and Taos) and crosses the Santa Fe National Forest, Pecos Wilderness and Carson National Forest.
• Best season: Mid-June to early October (best conditions August to September)
• Trail type: Point-to-point walk (shuttle, hitchhike or bus return via NCRTD “Blue Bus”)
• Scenery: Aspen forests, alpine meadows, rocky ridges, crystal-clear lakes, winding rivers and pine forests
• Land: Moderate to Strenuous: Daily gain/loss 2,000 to 4,500 feet at 9,000 to 12,000 feet elevation
• Navigation: Documented in the Guide from Santa Fe to Taos and with GPX files. The trails are not marked specifically for this route and are poorly maintained; Expect occasional purges and razed sections.

Hike through lakes and forests on the SF2T.

Get there

Fly to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and take the Groome Transport Service (formerly Sandia Shuttle) directly to downtown Santa Fe – a convenient 75-minute ride that runs regularly throughout the day. You can reserve online or by phone (505-474-5696). At ABQ, the pickup location is in the ferry waiting area, located after carousel 8 in the baggage claim area. The bus typically drops off passengers at most major hotels or downtown Santa Fe locations.

The trail begins at the granite. Old Santa Fe Trail Marker at the southeast corner of Santa Fe Plaza (7,000 feet / 35.6876° N, -105.9389° W) and ends at Taos Plaza (6,970 feet / 36.4074° N, -105.5730° W).

The return trip is simple through the NCRTD blue bus, which runs between Taos and Santa Fe. Check the website for dates and times.

Starting SF2T at the south end, the Old Santa Fe Trail marker at Santa Fe Plaza.

Address

Most hikers head north (Santa Fe → Taos) to start in cooler forests and gradually acclimatize before reaching the highest passes above 12,000 feet. It is possible to go south (Taos → Santa Fe), but it starts with a steep climb from Taos.

Why walk this path?

The Santa Fe to Taos Trail is a self-contained hike that offers lush streams, alpine lakes, and ridges of the Pecos Wilderness without crowds or permits. connect two UNESCO Creative Cities – Santa Fe and Taos, making for a rare combination of countryside immersion and Southwestern culture. Expect elk and deer, panoramic skyline views, and nights under a star-filled sky without city lights.

If you’re looking for a trail that reminds you of the simple pleasure of moving slowly through wild spaces and you need just under two weeks, then this is the trail for you.

Quiet forest walking along the SF2T.

Climate and weather

At an altitude of 7,000 to 12,000 feet, days are warm (65 to 75°F / 18 to 24°C) and nights can reach near-freezing levels even in August. Mornings are cooler and best for big climbs.

The area experiences 280 days of sunshine year-round, but monsoon season peaks from mid-July to early September, bringing afternoon thunderstorms. Snow can remain on north-facing slopes until June, and fire restrictions typically occur in May or June. Winds and hail can appear without warning above the tree line.

Water sources abound in SF2T.

Equipment Suggestions

• Sun protection: UPF shirt, sun hat, and high SPF sunscreen
• Gea Rainr: Rain cape for monsoon gusts
• Warm sleep system: 20-30°F bag plus a sleeping pad with an R-value of 2+
• Trekking poles: For navigating loose scree and rocky terrain
• Water Filter + Electrolytes: Important to stay hydrated in the sun and at altitude.
• Proper Food Storage: It is recommended to store lightweight, bear-resistant food or use paracord to hang it.

Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed in the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests, except where posted. Campgrounds developed near the route include Aspen Basin, Panchuela Campground, Santa Barbara, and Agua Piedra. Permits are not required for backcountry camping. Sites abound near rivers and meadows; always follow Principles of Leave No Trace.

Remote and beautiful section through the Alps on the SF2T.

Highlights

• Lake Katherine (11,742 feet): Iconic clear alpine lake below Santa Fe Baldy
• Pecos Baldy Lake and Trout Peaks: Alpine basins and the second highest summit in New Mexico
• Santa Barbara Division: Panoramic views of the Pecos Desert
• Poplar and pine forests: Agua Piedra and Tres Ritos valleys
• Cultural finish: Walk directly into historic Taos Plaza for a well-deserved celebratory meal and coffee.

water sources

Water is plentiful, about every 3 to 4 miles for most of the trail. You will pass nine lakes (Lake Katherine, Stewart, Pecos Baldy, Truchas, No Fish, Los Esteros, La Cueva, Bernardin and Stewart Pond) and countless streams.

Longer dry segments:

• 9 miles without reliable water between Ojitos Maes Trail and Rio Grande del Rancho and FR439
• 10 miles between FR 437/Drake Canyon and El Nogal or 11.6 to Taos Cows

Hikers should carry between 1 and 3 liters, depending on the temperature, and always filter the water, no matter how «clean» it may seem.

Looking down a cannon in the SF2T.

Replenishment options

Two main mid-route options:

1. Three Rites Resupply Locker: The storage locker is for members of the Santa Fe to Taos Thru-Hike Association and is located in the small town of Tres Ritos, near the Agua Piedra campground and the entrance to La Cueva Canyon. If you are a member of the Santa Fe to Taos Thru-Hike Association ($100/year), you can mail a package to Pam, and she will drop it off at the Tres Ritos resupply locker. This is also a great lounging space with power banks, refreshments, and chairs to relax.
2. Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort (Vadito, NM): 2.3 km off trail on NM-518; accepts mail deliveries (5224 NM-518, Vadito, NM 87579; 575-587-2240).

SF2T Highlight: Passing Lake Katherine.

Trail conditions and navigation

The trail overall is very well maintained and easy to follow. It is not officially signed, but with the GPX file, It was extremely easy to navigate. There are small stretches made up of old, disused Forest Service roads and some unmaintained stretches, but overall the quality is high.

The route follows existing Forest Service trails, but sections of the Skyline, Indian Creek and Middle Fork Trails may be obstructed by drops or overgrown. Use updated GPX files and expect slower miles after storms.

The trail is divided into six sections, ranging from 18 to 26 miles each, with clear entry and exit points for weekend hikes or backpacking trips. Detailed itineraries are described in the SF2T guide.

About the Santa Fe to Taos Thru-Hike Association

The Santa Fe to Taos Thru-Hike Association maintains this route and publishes the official guide and GPX files. Membership helps fund volunteer work on the trails, update GPX files, and maintain the mid-trail resupply station.

Members also have access to the member resupply point at Tres Ritos, which can be a resupply point about halfway down the road. You can join or donate online at Santa Fe to Taos Thru-Hike Association Website.

Completing SF2T at the northern terminal, Taos Plaza.

Final thoughts

The Santa Fe to Taos Trail is a hidden gem in the mountains of the American West: challenging enough to feel wild but short enough for a two-week adventure. With plenty of water, easy logistics, and the cultural contrast between the arts scene of Santa Fe and the bohemian energy of Taos, it’s a journey that unites the soul of New Mexico from one historic plaza to another.

Complete resources, maps and GPX downloads are available at SantaFeToTaos.org.

Featured Image: Photo by Lauren Roerick; graphic design by Zack Goldman.

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