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In addition to conservation of natural areas and incredible scenery, the trail offers a variety of experiences, depending on your hiking skill level and endurance. 

Consider one of these trails for your visit: 

Mesa Portales Trail

Featuring a moderate to difficult trek, the 7-mile trail near Cuba offers a challenging and exciting adventure for experienced hikers. 

CDT South

Approximately four miles from Cuba, the narrow footpath features a 6.2-mile roundtrip hike with a beautiful mid-point of from the sandstone saddle of Mesa Portales. 

Along the hike, capture views of badlands, cliffs, mountains, and mesas. 

CDT North

A difficult trail, featuring a significant climb of nearly 2,000 feet, the 6.2-mile roundtrip trail takes between 3 to 6 hours to complete, depending on skill level and conditions. 

Here, you’ll enjoy the sights of Los Piños Creek, wilderness trails, lush vegetation, and a climb to the top of the San Pedro Parks Wilderness. For a burst of spring beauty, consider visiting from May through September, when wildflowers are in bloom. 

Remember to always pack water, snacks, and sunscreen when hiking in New Mexico. Additionally, please be sure to pack out what you pack in and leave nothing but footprints. For more information and to plan your hike, visit https://continentaldividetrail.org/communities/cuba/. 

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This winter, you can find your wild in Sandoval County with these Wild Ways to Love Winter: 

1. Get back to nature and soak up relaxation at Jemez Hot Springs. The healing natural waters, accompanied by breathtaking scenery, offers a rejuvenating start to the year ahead. 
2. Explore one of the only super-volcanoes in the world at Valles Caldera National Preserve. Whether you’re planning an afternoon outing or a full day of adventures, gear up for beautiful New Mexico landscapes, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, and much more. Adventure awaits at Valles Caldera, and plan to stick around after dark to experience the night skies at the preserve, which is a newly designated International Dark Sky Park.  
3. Embark on an ice fishing adventure at Fenton Lake. Spend a day on the lake, taking in the serenity of nature, and try your hand at ice fishing. 
4. Brave the elements for a winter camping adventure. Be sure to bundle up and prepare for a memorable time spent in the great outdoors. 
5. Saddle up and experience stunning New Mexico landscapes while horseback. Book your adventure with Applewood Equestrian, Red Horse-Riding Company or The Stables at Tamaya. 
6. Enjoy winter weather while snowshoeing, snow tubing or hiking. Check out a list of incredible winter destinations here. 
7. Take an afternoon for fat tire biking on one of the many area trails. With options for all skill levels, you’re sure to find the perfect trail for any occasion. 

Wherever your travels take you in 2024, we wish you a wild 2024! 

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For the best experiences and the best family photos check out: 

Fenton Lake State Park – Located in the beautiful Jemez Mountains, the Rio Cebolla provides incredible options for fishing and canoeing, while park-goers often stick around for camping, hiking and time on the playground. With mountain and lake backdrops, you’re sure to capture the best views when the leaves are changing colors in early to mid-fall. 

San Pedro Parks Wilderness – With an elevation of 10,000 feet, the wilderness area boasts lush vegetation with spruce, conifer and aspen, as well as small streams and large herds of elk. Nine major trails and campsites make it a great destination for a day trip or a weekend stay with the family. 

Valles Caldera – One of only six super volcanos in the world, Valles Caldera National Preserve is a stunning sight any time of the year—but especially in the fall. Explore the vast areas for hiking, biking, camping, stargazing, wildlife viewing, and fishing, and don’t forget your camera for these unforgettable fall sights. 

Corrales Bosque Reserve – A scenic preserve with a cottonwood forest, the Corrales Bosque Reserve is a peaceful setting for a hike, photography, or simply getting back to nature. Trails offer options for travelers to explore via walking, hiking, horseback riding or biking. 

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Take in the rural, agricultural charm and learn about the traditions that have shaped the area’s agricultural contributions. Dive into the treasure trove of creativity and inspiration by strolling through the variety of Main Street art galleries, or find souvenirs to bring home at one of the diverse boutiques. 

Soak up the area’s history with a visit to the Historic San Ysidro Church—dating back to the 1860s—or the Old San Ysidro Museum. Drive through The Village and take in the sights of traditional Spanish Colonial architecture that still exist in the town today.

For nature lovers, spend the day along the Bosque Preserve, where birdwatching, wildlife viewing, hiking, and relaxing in beautiful surroundings are on the agenda. Stick around past dark and experience uninhibited views of the night sky, perfect for stargazing or tracing the constellations.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or food, a day spent in Corrales is never a day wasted. Explore this hidden gem in the Land of Enchantment on your next visit.

To plan your visit, go to https://seesandoval.org/communities/.

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Created by a volcanic eruption 1.25 million years ago, the Valles Caldera spans 89,000 acres and is a hotspot for history buffs, outdoor adventurers, and nature lovers.

Perfect for backcountry explorers, campers, fishing enthusiasts, and mountain bikers, a visit to Valles Caldera offers chances to enjoy being in the great outdoors, view wildlife—including the state’s second largest elk population—and find inspiration. Visiting in early fall ensures you’re in for a delightful experience, with the Valles Caldera painted in vibrant hues of aspens turning gold.

In addition to day-time activities, Valles Caldera is one of the nation’s newest designated International Dark Sky Parks and offers stunning views of the night sky.

To plan your adventure, visit https://seesandoval.org/national-parks/.

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Whether you’re a pro seeking an adrenaline rush or a beginner looking for a scenic adventure, you’ll find a variety of trails suited to your skill level. With over 187 different trails—ranging from cruising to cross-country loops, steep technical downhills, and long ascents—these six areas offer the best of mountain biking in Sandoval County:

• Jemez Mountains
• White Ridge, San Ysidro
• New Mexico Mountain Biking Trails in Rio Rancho
• New Mexico Mountain Biking Trails in Placitas
• Cuba Mountain Biking Trails
• Corrales Mountain Biking Trails

For an unforgettable memory, take a ride near sunset to experience the jaw-dropping colors of a northern New Mexico sunset, along with abundant wildlife viewing. Make the experience even more magical by packing a picnic and taking in the serene landscapes as you enjoy dinner outdoors.

For more information, visit https://seesandoval.org/outdoor-adventures/mountain-biking/?.

Relax and Rejuvenate in the Healing Waters of Jemez Springs

For busy parents and families, summer break offers a chance to reconnect with one another, explore new places, and enjoy downtime. With a new school year fast approaching, the end of summer break is the ideal time to focus on rejuvenating and preparing for the busy school year ahead.

A visit to the healing waters of Jemez Springs combines relaxation with scenic views, quality time, and hiking excursions. When planning your trip, be sure to account for time spent hiking, photographing, and site seeing, as well as plenty of time to enjoy your luxurious soak in the hot springs.

In addition to helping you feel relaxed, hot springs have a variety of health benefits, including pain relief, boosting circulation, reducing stress, and improving sleep. Whether you’re taking a vacation from work or taking one last family getaway before days are filled with class schedules, pickups and drop-offs, and juggling extracurriculars, a visit to Jemez Springs is the answer to refreshing your body, spirit and mind to prepare for all that lies ahead.

For more information, visit https://seesandoval.org/hot-springs-spas/.

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Valles Caldera National Preserve, located in Sandoval County, is one of the nation’s newest International Dark Sky Parks. The super volcano with expansive views is the perfect place to observe the night sky. From the preserve, you can view the Milky Way, constellations, planets, and meteor showers—all without light pollution. 

For those who prefer an in-town night sky experience, head up to Placitas. The environmentally-conscious community is small and surrounded by desert, making it a great location to view the night sky unobstructed by light pollution. 

To have the best night sky experience, follow these tips: 

• Get cozy – Since stargazing takes some time, be sure to bring blankets or reclining chairs to stay comfy while you’re looking up for long periods. 
• Bring a star map or download an app – Knowing what you’re looking at is half the fun, so consider an app or a map to help you find constellations and stars. 
• Limit your light – Whether you’re using your phone or a flashlight, any time of white light will limit your views of the night sky. Consider a red-light flashlight that can help your eyes better adjust in the darkness. 
• Come prepared – Research ahead of time to know the area you’re exploring, and be sure to pack any snacks, water, and necessary items to enjoy the entire experience. 

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