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Picacho Peak
4.6 ★★★★★ 74 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Picacho Peak's 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.
Hiking area featuring well-marked trails leading to views from the peak.
What runners say about Picacho Peak
“Great views of town and quite accessible even in the winter (esp the southern trail).”
“Well marked trails on the Dale Ball Trail system.”
Located at the edge of town next to the Audubon Center, this hike is one of Santa Fe's best. Yes, it is a climb, but the views from the trail as well as from the top are spectacular. The trail goes all the way to the top. No rock climbing required. And one more plus.
Great hike about 90 min. up with rests. Nice views and natural Santa Fe native plants. Trail is mostly easily to follow but I used All Trails map. Started trail at 9am and there was parking available. There was about 20 people total I saw on my way up and down on a mid-week October day.
Beautiful 2+ hr hike that starts easy but finishes with a lot of climbing. This trail will give you spectacular scenic views of Santa Fe and the mountains in the distance. Well marked trails on the Dale Ball Trail system. Highly recommend!
Solid short hike i would say not hard but upper level moderate. Suggestion- use all trails to guide you through- not google maps. There are many unmarked off-chute trails not on google maps but are on all trails.
Trail conditions & character
“A proud little peak at the edge of town with great 360 degree views and wonderful trails heading up its south and west sides.”
“The closest parking areas are the lot near the top of upper Canyon Road and the upper Atalaya parking lot near the top of Camino Cruz Blanca.”
“Yes, it is a climb, but the views from the trail as well as from the top are spectacular.”
“Well marked trails on the Dale Ball Trail system.”
“Around 1,300 ft of gain to get you at about 8,500 ft above sea level.”
“It is muddy at the bottom once it gets warmer in the day.”
Plan your run at Picacho Peak
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesfct.org
- Phone+1 505-989-7019
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
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Dorothy Stewart Trailhead
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Dale Ball Trails - Sierra del Norte Trailhead
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Sun Mountain Trailhead
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Mountain hiking area offering scenic views and well-marked trails.