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Dale Ball Trails
4.7 ★★★★★ 429 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Dale Ball Trails' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic 22-mi. network of mountain trails with a variety of terrain for hiking, running & biking.
What runners say about Dale Ball Trails
“All trail access points have great topo maps, are easy to follow, and are very well maintained.”
“Offers fantastic views of the town and the gorgeous landscapes around it.”
“Not difficult, plenty of shade, clear routes.”
“All trail access points have great topo maps, are easy to follow, and are very well maintained.”
What a boon to the people of Santa Fe to have this trail system right in their own backyard! Very well marked trails suitable for hiking, mountain bikes or horses. Pet friendly. Bring water, sunscreen and snacks if you want to do a longer hike. Parking is ample.
Ample parking, great trail signs & appreciate the trails peaks which allowed for a nice heart rate jump. This trail was great for a winter hike.
Best place to hike close to Santa Fe with some flat areas and peaks that give great expansive views of the surrounding area. It is a large network of trails with three separate parking lots along the foothills. There is a wide variety of terrain good for hiking, running, and mountain biking.
Took me a while to find the trailhead. What a fabulous trail. History and beauty and a great getaway in the midst of the city. I didn't walk the entire trail yet. But I'll be back 😊
Trail conditions & character
“3 mile Loop trail with distant views, large granite boulders, steam crossings and historical signage about the water diversion piping.”
“Strenuous climb from the parking area on Upper Canyon Road to marker 30, but from there things level out a bit.”
“Strenuous climb from the parking area on Upper Canyon Road to marker 30, but from there things level out a bit.”
“Not difficult, plenty of shade, clear routes.”
“Best place to hike close to Santa Fe with some flat areas and peaks that give great expansive views of the surrounding area.”
Plan your run at Dale Ball Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesfct.org
- Phone+1 505-955-6977
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Santa Fe
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cerro Gordo Trailhead (Dale Ball Trails)
4.7 ★★★★★ 89 reviews
Hiking area with a variety of trails, from easy to more challenging, and scenic views.
Picacho Peak
4.6 ★★★★★ 74 reviews
Hiking area featuring well-marked trails leading to views from the peak.
Dale Ball Trails - Sierra del Norte Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 125 reviews
Easy and moderate trails (some gently inclined) through pine forests and rocky parts of the hills, with views over Santa Fe.
Dorothy Stewart Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
Easy to moderate hiking area featuring several trails with city and valley views.
Amelia White Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 106 reviews
Serene park featuring benches and picnic tables and a memorial to Korea War vets.