Best running trails in New Mexico
Ranked by the runners who actually run there — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 80,791 reviews of New Mexico trails. A trail needs at least 25 reviews to qualify (66 in New Mexico do) and each name appears once. Nobody pays for a place. Updated 2026.
The 20 below run across 9 cities, 4 of them natural surface, 4 loops, 8 shaded, and 1 with a stated distance. This is a popularity ranking, not a difficulty score — for what a trail is actually like underfoot, open its page for surface, loop distance, shade, lighting, restrooms and parking.
A Park Above
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,527 reviews
Green space with ample playground equipment, plus a splash pad, wheelchair swings & covered tables.
Mariposa Basin Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,164 reviews
3 walking trail loops around ponds, a draw for bird watchers, plus playgrounds & sports fields.
Cabezon Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 997 reviews
City park with an outdoor swimming pool, community center, football field, playgrounds & gazebos.
Cahoon Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 974 reviews
Public green space with tennis and basketball courts, a playground, and a picnic area.
Berg Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 823 reviews
Charming public park in verdant, tranquil surrounds featuring open play areas, trails & a river.
Hillcrest Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 753 reviews
Park with a playground, picnic tables, and aquatic center, plus a dog park, splash pad, and zoo.
Greene Acres Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 754 reviews
Family-friendly, clean park, offering a playground and fishing as well as a lake and a pond.
Alameda / Rio Grande Open Space
4.7 ★★★★★ 579 reviews
Popular riverside park offering trails, birding and horseback riding.
Menaul Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 496 reviews
Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are available at this park with trails and picnic tables.
Frenchy's Field/Santa Fe River Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 518 reviews
Labyrinth and meadow featuring walking trails, dog-walking opportunities and a river trail.
Alameda Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 491 reviews
Relaxed public park featuring a playground and a zoo with native Southwestern animals.
Dale Ball Trails
4.7 ★★★★★ 429 reviews
Scenic 22-mi. network of mountain trails with a variety of terrain for hiking, running & biking.
Kiwanis Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 410 reviews
Relaxed recreational area with playgrounds, volleyball courts, picnic tables and horseshoe pits.
Ned Houk Memorial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 389 reviews
Tranquil open space with kids' play areas, fishing ponds, picnic areas & multi-use trails.
Michael Emery Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 356 reviews
Popular with hikers & mountain bikers, this trail offers rugged scenery, shrubs & diverse wildlife.
Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space
4.8 ★★★★★ 314 reviews
Kid-friendly open-space area featuring wooded areas, trails and spots for dog walkers.
Los Poblanos Fields Open Space
4.8 ★★★★★ 306 reviews
Open space & an active farming area featuring dog-friendly hiking/biking trails & wildlife habitats.
Where these trails are
The cities in this ranking, if you'd rather start from where you live.
All 183 trails in New Mexico → Best trails in other states →