Dale Ball Trails

Hiking area · Santa Fe

Dale Ball Trails

Hiking area · Santa Fe

3

Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA

Photos

Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by Photo courtesy of Kate Donnelly
Dale Ball Trails by Photo courtesy of Kate Donnelly
Dale Ball Trails by Photo courtesy of Kate Donnelly
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null
Dale Ball Trails by null

Highlights

A stunning 22-mile network of well-marked mountain trails in Santa Fe, perfect for a scenic hike, bike, or run, all with beautiful views and ample shade.  

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Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA Get directions

sfct.org

Information

Static Map

Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA Get directions

+1 505 955 6977
sfct.org

Features

parking private lot

Last updated

Jul 15, 2025

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@afar

"The popular Dale Ball Trails system offers 23.4 miles of interconnected high-altitude desert trailsin the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where piñon and juniper forest greet sturdy ponderosa trees as you ascend to higheraltitudes. The systempassespretty close to town, and navigation is simplethanks to clear trail markers.If you're so inclined, follow the steepest path along the ridge to the top of Picacho Peak.The rewardfor your hike is a breathtaking 360-degree view."

New Mexico's Dramatic Natural Scenery
View Postcard for Dale Ball Trails
@afar

"The popular Dale Ball Trails system offers 23.4 miles of interconnected high-altitude desert trailsin the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where piñon and juniper forest greet sturdy ponderosa trees as you ascend to higheraltitudes. The systempassespretty close to town, and navigation is simplethanks to clear trail markers.If you're so inclined, follow the steepest path along the ridge to the top of Picacho Peak.The rewardfor your hike is a breathtaking 360-degree view."

The Best Trails and Hikes Around Santa Fe
View Postcard for Dale Ball Trails
@afar

"The popular Dale Ball Trails system offers 23.4 miles of interconnected high-altitude desert trailsin the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where piñon and juniper forest greet sturdy ponderosa trees as you ascend to higheraltitudes. The systempassespretty close to town, and navigation is simplethanks to clear trail markers.If you're so inclined, follow the steepest path along the ridge to the top of Picacho Peak.The rewardfor your hike is a breathtaking 360-degree view."

A Perfect Weekend in Santa Fe
View Postcard for Dale Ball Trails

M Shenoy

Google
A water shed and an ecotone rich with plant & animal species. Beware of many ant piles all over the trail! Beautiful stream along one side of the trail. This reserve is very close to the plaza in downtown santa fe. I give it 3 stars because it's not much of a hike and has too many plants/ tall grass on narrow walking paths full of red ants.

Linda Valentine

Google
Nice views. Perfect late afternoon hike and easy parking.

Catherine Meyler

Google
Well marked trails with lovely scenery and many choices in terms of distance. Parking is adequate. Many shady spots during early to mid morning. Was able to do a big loop fairly easily with poles, despite arthritic knees.

Tracy Torbett

Google
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. Everyone we encountered on the trail was courteous and friendly. Highly recommend.

Richard Treitel

Google
I used the Cerro Gordo trailhead.  On a Thursday afternoon it was nearly deserted; I hiked up to, umm, Point 31, and met exactly one person, though I did hear more voices. The trail is steep but easy to follow, and at one place between 30 and 31 there is a panoramic view of Santa Fe. Also plenty of attractive plants and rocks. This part of the trail system is OK if you have a mild to moderate fear of heights.

Brian Ballard

Google
My wife and I hiked this trail in the morning and it was a perfect distance. A very beautiful trail and doable for many people. The biggest disappointment for us was seeing all of the people that did not have their dogs on a leash. Of the 5 people that we came across with dogs. 4 of them were not on a leash. Apparently this is not enforced at all. It is well posted though. The city really needs to enforce this....

Jackie G

Google
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 😊

Desiree Heniff

Google
The hike we went on was very challenging but worth it! The views were breathtakingly beautiful!

Jeremy H.

Yelp
This is a nice easy to moderate trail. Plenty of trees and great views to be had. It is not far from the plaza and many other great Santa Fe destinations. There is a good sized parking lot. The markings and posting are great and the trail is easy to follow. It is definitely recommended if you are looking for a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in nature.

Scott L.

Yelp
This is the closest trail to Downtown Santa Fe. It is amazingly well marked, allowing hikers of many different abilities to plan a short or long hike which will include extraordinary vistas, natural beauty with flora and fauna.

Lydia K.

Yelp
Too much snow for hiking in March but beautiful drive and location look forward to rerunning after snow melts

Melissa C.

Yelp
Best trails we've hiked in years. The trails are marked incredibly well. They crisscross so you can hike tons of variations for long or short hikes. The trails are well maintained. The views are gorgeous and the way the trails wind around gives you a of variety of views.