Plans for the Santa Fe to Taos hike, summer 2026

01/24/26

Plans: 2026

Cold, horrible. Perfect indoor weather for planning the 2026 summer hike.

I’ll share what SF2T walk promoter Pam Neely wrote in her book and website about the walk:

«The Santa Fe to Taos hike runs from Santa Fe Plaza to Taos Plaza over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico. It is 132 miles long, spanning four counties (Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Mora and Taos) and crossing the Santa Fe National Forest, the Pecos Desert and the Carson National Forest. The entire route has 35,000 feet of cumulative ascent and descent, as both plazas are at 7,000 feet of elevation.»

His work website is: https://santafetotaos.org

Route map

I am including their recent map of the route below:

Plan

I plan to go about ten miles a day, slowly.

I find ten miles of altitude more logical for my 74-year-old body. Experience has told me that altitude is not my biological friend.

Vaccines

At a recent annual physical, I asked the doctor what vaccinations she recommended for hiking and what medications she could ethically prescribe.

He recommended preventive vaccines that are well known in North America and are covered by my insurance. I had many of them in stock; However, the more esoteric maybe available at county health points, had reactions, short immunity and only cash.

She prescribed me some antibiotics, antifungals, and other prescription medications that I could carry in case of emergency that would keep me potent.

We also talked about over-the-counter items that I should carry in my first aid kit.

New

This is a “new” trail and although shorter than most, at around 135 miles, it offers plenty of climbs, descents and water crossings.

The route is documented in: The Santa Fe to Taos Guide 2025 First Edition.

I can read a compass and acquired many topographic maps of that area.

Because

It’s simple.

Having experienced the famous national trails, I did NOT want crowds, sexual encounters, drugs or other activities.

I didn’t have to wait in line for a permit and this trail was unique.

Yes, it is riskier and lonelier; Years at NOLS taught us about safety. However, we are also It is recommended to do our own hike. Mine involves freedom and stopping when necessary or desired.

As shared above, the SF2T hike is a suitable altitude, wild, remote, safe place for my vehicle and on track.

I plan carefully knowing that things can get dangerous quickly!

When

Most of the snow will likely be gone by the first week of June 2026. Flexibility and safety are key.
It is impossible to predict the weather.

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