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Desert Plants

New Mexico

19

Remote Backpacking in New Mexico

There is a reason New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment. With elevations between 2,800 and 13,160 ft. and an incredible mix of geographical diversity, there is something for every skill level. Looking for the best remote backpacking and hiking trails in New Mexico? We’ve got you covered! Find your trail for 2-day wilderness backpacking trips in New Mexico or gritty expeditions and experience the landscape first-hand.

*Our information may not always be current and should be used for trip planning / selection purposes only. Always call ahead for the most current information before setting out on your trip.

Weekend Getaway

Weekend Getaways

Latir Peak Wilderness.jpg

Latir Peak Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 14+

Group Size Limit: 15

Best For: 1-2 nights

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

Wheeler Peak Wilderness.jpg

Wheeler Peak Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 20

Group Size Limit: 15

Best For: 1-2 nights

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

Anchor 2

 Week-Long Adventures

Carlsbad Caverns National Park.jpg

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Number of Miles of Trail: 40

Group Size Limit: 10

Best For: 1-5 nights

Permit/Reservation: Required 

Image by Rashel Ochoa

Manzano Mountain Wilderness Area 

Number of Miles of Trail: 64+

Group Size Limit: 10

Best For: 1-7 nights

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

Chama River Canyon Wilderness.jpg

Chama River Canyon Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 42*

Group Size Limit: 15

Best For: 1-5 nights

Permit/Reservation: Not required
*Estimate 

Image by Michael Herren

Columbine-Hondo Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 40+

Group Size Limit: 15

Best For: 1-5 nights

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

Gritty Expeditions

Anchor 1
Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area.jpg

Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area

Number of Miles of Trail: 98*

Group Size Limit: 25

Best For: 1-13 nights (hard limit)

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

*Estimate 

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Image by William Daigneault

Apache Kid Wilderness Area 

Number of Miles of Trail: 68

Group Size Limit: 10

Best For: 1-9 nights

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

Bandelier National Monument.jpg

Bandelier National Monument

Number of Miles of Trail: 70

Group Size Limit: N/A

Best For: 1-9 nights

Permit/Reservation: Required 

Carson National Forest.jpg

Carson National Forest 

Number of Miles of Trail: 330

Group Size Limit: 15

Best For: 1-13 nights (hard limit)

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

Image by Jake Weirick

Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands

Number of Miles of Trail: 300+

Group Size Limit: 10

Best For: 1-13 nights (hard limit)

Permit/Reservation: Not required

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Gila National Forest .jpg

Gila National Forest

Number of Miles of Trail: 1,927

Group Size Limit: 25

Best For: 1-13 nights (hard limit)

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

Gila Wilderness Area.jpg

Gila Wilderness Area

Number of Miles of Trail: 700+

Group Size Limit: 25

Best For: 1-13 nights (hard limit)

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

Lincoln National Forest.jpg

Lincoln National Forest

Number of Miles of Trail: 513

Group Size Limit: N/A

Best For: 1-∞ nights

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

Pecos Wilderness.jpg

Pecos Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 400+

Group Size Limit: 15

Best For: 1-13 nights (hard limit)

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

Forest Landscape

San Pedro Parks Wilderness 

Number of Miles of Trail: 100

Group Size Limit: 15

Best For: 1-13 nights (hard limit)

Permit/Reservation: Not required

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Sandia Mountain Wilderness Area.jpg

Sandia Mountain Wilderness Area 

Number of Miles of Trail: 120

Group Size Limit: 25

Best For: 1-13 nights (hard limit)

Permit/Reservation: Not required

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Santa Fe National Forest.jpg

Santa Fe National Forest

Number of Miles of Trail: 1,002

Group Size Limit: 15

Best For: 1-13 nights (hard limit)

Permit/Reservation: Not required

 

White Mountain Wilderness .jpg

White Mountain Wilderness 

Number of Miles of Trail: 70+

Group Size Limit: N/A

Best For: 1-9 nights

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

Find more wilderness backpacking adventures near New Mexico on our Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Utah state pages!

Don't see your favorite place? Found an error on the site? Let us know and help backpackers everywhere!

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