Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in New Mexico

Pecos National Historical Park is a dog-friendly attraction in Pecos, NM. In addition to the well-known pueblo and mission, the park offers many other connections to Southwestern history and culture: a stage stop on the Santa Fe Trail, Civil War battle sites, New Mexico ranch history, Route 66 history, and more. Pets are allowed on the trails throughout the park on a leash. Be sure to stop in the Visitor Center to get Fido's BARK Ranger tag!

Fido is welcome to explore the extremely rare gypsum sand dunes at White Sands National Park in Alamogordo, NM. Dogs are permitted as long as they're on a leash no longer than 6', cleaned up after, given lots of water, and never left unattended. Dogs aren't permitted inside the visitor center. Admire the expanse of sparkling sand and panoramic mountain views by hiking the pet-friendly Alkali Flat Trail. This sandy trail is well-marked but does not have any shade. Visitors should plan to hike the trail in Spring, Autumn, or in the early morning and evening if visiting in summertime. Carry plenty of water for yourself and Fido.

Visit the Land of Fire and Ice at the Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano in Grants, NM. This dog-friendly trail follows an ancient lava trail amidst old-growth trees to an ice cave. The cool air inside the cave is a welcome respite after the hike. The trail is wide and paved and about 1.5-miles long. Be prepared for a 150-foot elevation gain as you ascend. The trail returns to the Trading Post., but someone will need to wait with Fido because only service dogs are allowed inside the store.

Located within Gila National Forest n Glenwood, NM, the Catwalk Recreation Area is a dog-friendly public area that contains five miles of boardwalk to explore that cut through an old mill area. Take a walk through the rocks with your leashed pup and admire the natural beauty of the once popular gold mining area. Be sure to check the Area Status on the website before your trip.

Leashed pets are welcome throughout many of the areas within Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, NM. The park offers multiple, dog-friendly hiking trails varying in length with ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks. Dogs can join you as you explore Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, and the Volcanoes Day Use Area. The only areas where dogs are not allowed are the Boca Negra Canyon and inside any public buildings. There is no fee to enter the National Park; there is one trail that has a parking fee, but that trail does not allow dogs. Watch out for snakes and bring plenty of water!

City of Rocks State Park is a dog-friendly park in Faywood, NM, and gets its name from volcanic rock formations. The park is one square mile and is located in the scenic Chihuahuan desert region of southwestern New Mexico. Dogs are welcome on the trails that weave around the park, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them.

Clayton Lake State Park is a pet-friendly state park in Clayton, NM. It features a 170-acre recreational reservoir and a fossil trackway with dinosaur footprints. You and your pooch can enjoy the rolling grasslands, volcanic rocks, and sandstone bluffs that make up the landscape. The park area was a stopover point for travelers along the Cimarron Cutoff of the Santa Fe Trail.

Nambe Waterfalls and State Recreation Area in Santa Fe, NM is a pet-friendly outdoor destination. Located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this spectacular waterfall is the result of a dam being built to supply drinking water to locals. The short trail to the falls is only half a mile in length. Along the way, pause to take in mountain views and cool down in creek crossings. Leashed dogs are welcome on trails in the recreation area.

The Paseo del Bosque Trail is a multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Albuquerque! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Paseo del Bosque Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Rinconada Canyon Trail is a pet-friendly activity in Albuquerque, NM. This 2.2-mile round-trip trail offers easy to moderately strenuous hiking. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Bring plenty of water for you and your canine companion. Please note that leashed pets are only allowed in the middle section, which does not feature petroglyphs.

Leashed dogs are welcome in the State Capitol Grounds of Santa Fe, NM. They're located near Old Santa Fe Trail and Paseo de Peralta. Plenty of green space is available to walk Fido, just keep him leashed.

Cerrillos Hills State Park is a dog-friendly recreation area in Santa Fe, NM. Bring Fido off the beaten path to one of the five miles of hiking trails with loops and expansive views. There are also several areas and tables for a picnic with your pup! Just keep them leashed at all times. Please note that a cash entrance fee is required.

Soledad Canyon Loop is a 3.4-mile hiking trail located in Las Cruces, NM that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, horses, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

Rockhound State Park is set in the rugged slopes of the Little Florida Mountains in Deming, NM. The park features trails, wildflowers, unique geology, and a peaceful campground. Bring Fido to the Spring Canyon unit of the park for a hike and a picnic. Dog owners should clean up after their pet, keep them on a short leash to avoid cacti, and watch out for snakes during snake season. Visitors should check the weather before planning their outing, as it can get very hot. The welcome center has dog bowls on the front patio where Fido can refuel.

Bring Fido along as you explore the beautiful grounds of Hyde Memorial State Park in Santa Fe, NM. This is New Mexico's first State Park, and it is set along Little Tesuque Creek in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains forest. Your leashed pup can accompany you on the 4.2 miles of hiking trails, join you for a relaxing picnic, or spend the night at a campsite.

Railyard Park Conservancy in Santa Fe, NM, is pet friendly. The Railyard Park is a new 12-acre stretch of parks and the Railyard Plaza in the heart of Santa Fe. Bring your pooch along to explore the open space, community gathering place, Rail Line corridor, trail corridor, and plaza area. Check out the cool trains along the way with your leashed pooch by your side. Dog owners are reminded to keep their pups leashed and clean up any mess that is left behind.

El Malpais Visitor Center Trail is a dog-friendly hiking trail located at the El Malpais National Monument in Grants, NM. The National Park Service lists it as one of its "paw-friendly" trails. Leashed dogs will enjoy this 0.7-mile trail that affords excellent views of the sandstone bluffs. Be sure that Fido is leashed, because the path directs you to steep cliffs.

Located in Petroglyph National Monument, bring Fido to this beautiful, pet-friendly hiking trail among Albuquerque's inactive volcanoes. Dog-friendly with a view of the city of Albuquerque!

Nambe Badlands Trail is a scenic hike near Nambe, NM, with great views and dog-friendly terrain. The trail features two loops totalling about five miles with steep, rocky sections and uneven dirt paths. No water or facilities on site — bring plenty of water for you and your pups!

Leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy Cabezon Park with their humans in Rio Rancho, NM. Features include BBQ grills, picnic tables, playground, a walking path, and 13 acres of space to enjoy.