DISTANCE (round-trip)
396mi (637.3km)
DIFFICULTY
TIME
20-30 days
ALTERNATIVE TO
The Continental Divide Trail
SOLITUDE
Through the Land of Enchantment
Ending or beginning in Albuquerque, the New Mexico section of the Grand Enchantment Trail stays in the remote reaches of America’s southwest, climbing high altitude mountains.
The majority of New Mexico hiking takes place through Gila National Forest. The highlight of the trail is hiking through the Gila Wilderness Area, America’s first public land to be designated as such. If you are into history, the great Aldo Leopold was instrumental in its designation.
The Gila Wilderness and Blue mountains in western New Mexico are home to the Mexican Wolf reintroduction program. One of the world’s most endangered species, only about 50 currently exist in the wild. Hiking through this remote stretch and listening to the wolf’s howl is one of the coolest parts of the hike.
High altitude, endangered wildlife, and large wilderness areas await the intrepid hiker. New Mexico is a relatively unexplored state and the Grand Enchantment Trail is named after her beauty. This half and the Arizona half combined make for a rare backcountry treat.
When to go
If only hiking the New Mexico half, begin in late spring, in June. Being in higher altitudes the weather will be cooler and by that time most of the snow will have melted.
It is also possible to start in Albuquerque during late summer, July or August but be warned, the low altitude deserts will be scorching.
Getting there
To the trailhead in Albuquerque, follow 25N to 556E, taking a left on Tramway rd, only about 24 minutes from the city center. Tramway trail is the beginning point and climbing Sandia crest will be your first challenge!
Know before you go
- The Gila Wilderness Area is one of the largest in the the United States
- Be aware of snow in the higher altitudes
- Washes and streams are prone to flash floods
For more information:
- Visit Simblissity for everything you need to know about planning your hike.
The trail cuts through open grassland
Staring into the wooded wilderness of New Mexico
Gear Recommendations for this trail:
- Sawyer Squeeze (to clean all that cattle water)
- Smart Wool Merino Base Layer (for high altitude nights)
