Santa Fe
National Forest
1474 Rodeo Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone:(505) 438-7840
Fax:(505) 438-7834

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Black Canyon
7 miles up Hyde Park-NM 475
Length: 3 miles roundtrip

This trail is relatively easy and short. It is an excellent place to begin cross-country skiing. It is also a good area for kids and snowplay.

Access this route from Black Canyon Campground. The campground is closed during the winter and the gate is locked, but is available as access to cross-country skiers.

Aspen Vista/Tesuque Peak Road
Forest Road 150
13 miles up Hyde Park-NM 475
Length: 10 miles

This is the most popular trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The gradual uphill climb and the width of the road make it ideal for skiers of all abilities and ages. The road is closed to motorized vehicles including snowmobiles.

Access this trail from Aspen Vista Picnic Area, just beyond the 13 mile marker. Ample parking is available.

Pacheco Canyon
Forest Road 102
13 miles up Hyde Park Rd-NM 475
Length: 6 miles roundtrip

The gentle grade and the width of the road make it a great trail for skiers of all ages and abilities. Skiers should be aware that the lower portion of Forest Road 102 is open to snowmibiles and other motorized vehicles.

Pacheco Canyon Road (Forest Road 102) is near the 13 mile marker of NM 475 on the left-hand side. Limited parking is available.

Aspen Basin to Puerto Nambe Loop
Forest Trails 254, 160, and 403
15 miles up Hyde Park Rd-NM 475
Length: 8.5 miles

Trail 254 crosses the Rio En Medio from the start at Aspen Basin Campground. From there it moves into the Pecos Wilderness where it intersects with Trail 160. For three miles, this trail runs parallel with the Rio Nambe to the junction with Trail 403. From here, the trail joins the Winsor Trail again where you can turn right back toward Aspen Basin Campground.

Access this route from Aspen Basin Campground. Trail 254 takes off from the north edge of the pavement, across a bridge and to the right.

Nambe Lake
Trails 254 and 400
15 miles up Hyde Park Rd-NM 475
Length: 6 miles roundtrip

This is a difficult trail, and only experienced skiers should attempt it. It is a relatively short route, and perfect for a half-day trip.

Access this route from the Aspen Vista Picnic Area. Be aware that downhill skiers may be present at the lower two miles of Aspen Vista Road.

Aspen Basin to Lake Katherine Loop
Forest Trails 254 and 251
15 miles up Hyde Park Rd-NM 475
Length: 10 miles

Any trip to Upper Winsor is difficult, but snow conditions are usually good until spring. This route will take skiers almost a day to complete.

Access this route from the Aspen Vista Picnic Area. Be aware that downhill skiers may be present at the lower two miles of Aspen Vista Road.

NORSKI Track Ski Trail
Ski Basin Road, 1/4 mile west of the Santa Fe Ski Basin
Hyde Park Rd-NM 475
Length: 2.4 miles

This is the only opportunity in the Santa Fe area for track skiing. Constructed, maintained, and operated by the NORSKI Racing Club, this trail has cross-country skiing for every level of ability. This is a one-way trail, but there are several cross-overs so that skiers do not have to finish the entire course. Neither dogs, snowshoes nor snowmobiles are permitted on the volunteer-maintained trail.

Access this route1/4 mile before the Santa Fe Ski Basin, and just east of Vista Grande.

Lower Winsor/Rio En Medio Loop
Forest Trails 254, 412 and 163
15 miles up Hyde Park Rd-NM 475
Length: 6 miles

This scenic, but difficult, trail is primarily designed for hikers. There is little room in the trees to turn. For this reason, it is more suited for snowshoing than skiing. The trail parallels a small stream and the remnants of an old cabin.

Access this route from Aspen Basin Campground. Trail 254 takes off from the north edge of the pavement, across a bridge and to the right.

Valle Canyon Trail
Los Alamos, West Jemez Road, the turnoff to Pajarito Ski Area
Length: 3 miles

This trail is on a scenic, steep-sided canyon. The snow conditions tend to stay good long after recent snowfall because the canyon is sheltered from wind and only recieves direct sunlight around noon. The trail recieves light use and is of moderate difficulty.

At the intersection of Trinity and Diamond Drive in Los Alamos, head south on Diamond Drive across the Omega Bridge. At the first traffic light after the bridge, turn right onto West Jemez Road. Follow West Jemez Road up to the turn off to Pajarito Ski Area. Continue 2.5 miles on West Jemez Road to the trailhead.