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High Desert Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Running trail in Gallup, New Mexico · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of High Desert Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

ScenicStroller / ADATrailhead parking

What runners say about High Desert Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (30 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

This is an amazing place. Just a few minutes off the highway so that’s a huge plus, that’s actually perfect for traveling. Better than a rest stop but not having a travel hours out-of-the-way. The hike is amazing, rugged. I’ll probably stop here anytime I come through!

★★★★★ — Mike , Mar 2022

This place is fantastic! Fun hiking trail. Beautiful views. Very fun, moderate trail. Took the dogs with and we had a blast!!! I think taking up biking out here would be so much fun!!

★★★★★ — Brea , Mar 2023

One of the best trails in gallup i perfer riding my bike but walking is just as fun make sure you don't leave your dogs at home!

★★★★★ — Dc2 , Apr 2018

It was a good walk. Nice breezy day. It made the Summer sun not seem so hot. I wish the online description of the trail was clearer. We didn't walk the whole thing. Apparently there's a new Trail that's not on the trail sign. Can't say for sure. The parking is very remote.

★★★★☆ — Wyatt , Jul 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“Beautiful place quiet parking lot”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“Parking lot is a little rustic no facilities.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“Not wide enough for a stroller or a wheelchair.”

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Plan your run at High Desert Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.

Where to find High Desert Trail

Gallup, New Mexico

Get directions

Running trails near Gallup

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

High Desert Trails East Trailhead

4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews

Gallup, NM

5.1 miles away

Gallup Sports Complex

4.3 ★★★★☆ 81 reviews

Gallup, NM

This baseball and football venue features a variety of sports fields alongside an obstacle course.

5.7 miles away

Route 66 loop statue

3.3 ★★★☆☆ 22 reviews

Gallup, NM

Loop

6.3 miles away

Gallup Brickyard Bike Park

4 ★★★★☆ 35 reviews

Gallup, NM

6.4 miles away

We The People Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 63 reviews

Gallup, NM

Sculptures and other artwork dot this park with benches and a trail that's suitable for walking, jogging, and running.

6.7 miles away

City of Gallup OHV Mx Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews

Gallup, NM

8.1 miles away

All running trails in Gallup, NM →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.