New Mexico
Nature|National & State Parks

The Marvelous 2-Mile Trail In New Mexico Leads Adventurers To A Little-Known Overlook

The Pueblo Alto Trail in Chaco Culture National Historical Park offers breathtaking views and a unique hiking experience in New Mexico.

Updated Feb 20, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

The Land of Enchantment and its wide open spaces are meant for exploring. And there's so much of New Mexico to explore! From mountains to valleys, lakes, and rivers, we have countless trails that lead to breathtaking scenery and the best views in New Mexico. If you're looking for a hike that takes you to one of the most stunning overlooks, look no further than the Pueblo Alto Trail in San Juan County. We can almost guarantee its beauty will take your breath away.

The Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a remote preserve in Nageezi, New Mexico. Its mission is to preserve "ancestral Puebloan culture dating between 850 and 1250 CE."

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Robert Neal/AllTrails

There are a total of four backcountry trails that meander through this nearly 34,000-acre park. There's the Wijiji Trail, the South Mesa Trail, the Peñasco Blanco Trail, and the Pueblo Alto Trail. Today we are going to focus on the Pueblo Alto Trail.

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Elizabeth LaBreeck/AllTrails

The trailhead for the Pueblo Alto Trail can be found at the Pueblo de Arroyo Parking Area. While this trail is 3.2 miles round trip, you can add an additional two miles in order to take in the views from a little-known overlook.

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Todd Bradley/AllTrails

The roundtrip to the overlook and back should take approximately 3-4 hours with an elevation gain of 270 feet. Come prepared with plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots to trek along the rugged terrain.

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Dick Dalton/AllTrails

Once you get to the overlook, the views are just spectacular! No wonder it's one of the best overlooks in New Mexico! Not only will you see the San Juan Basin but also numerous Chacoan buildings that are important to the Chaco culture.

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Lloyd Levy/AllTrails

There's truly no other hike quite like this with views overlooking an ancient historical site, and it's one worth adding to your bucket list.

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Megan Deemer/AllTrails

Have you ever taken this hike to the Pueblo Bonito Overlook in New Mexico? Do you agree that it has one of the best views in New Mexico? Share your experience in the comment section below. We always love to hear from you! To learn more about the Pueblo Alto Trail at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, as well as the other park offerings, visit the National Park Service website. Also be sure to check out AllTrails+, where you can find detailed maps as well as other helpful information from other hikers.

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Do you enjoy exploring the great outdoors? Check out these underrated New Mexico state parks.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/underrated-state-parks-nm/

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Nature|Hiking

Hike Hyde Memorial State Park’s Hyde Waterfall Trail in New Mexico for an Unforgettable Adventure

Tucked away in the incredible Hyde Memorial State Park, Hyde Waterfall Trail is just over half a mile long, yet it manages to offer some of the most spectacular views in the state.

Published Oct 7, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Waterfall hikes in New Mexico are always a good time, but a short-and-sweet waterfall hike that all ages and skill levels can enjoy? Now we’re talking! Tucked away in the incredible Hyde Memorial State Park, Hyde Waterfall Trail is just over half a mile long, yet it manages to offer some of the most spectacular views in the state. What are you waiting for? Hop in the car and come with me to check it out!

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AllTrails Melissa Schneider

The trail begins near Group Shelter #2 in the park. It consists of a rocky path that leads through a narrow canyon, running alongside a small stream. The first part of the trail features woodland terrain, and then it shifts into a more rugged landscape from there. I would recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots instead of shoes (especially after a good rain!) because there are several water crossings. If you have dogs, they’ll love drinking from the creek!

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AllTrails Terry Folmar

Upon reaching the waterfall (which only takes about 10 minutes), you’ll be in awe of the scene before you. It’s certainly not the tallest waterfall in New Mexico, but it isn’t the smallest one, either! The canyon walls are surrounded by lush greenery, and the falls cascade down their jagged edges with a powerful might. I find hikes like this to be very meditative; I love taking some time to just sit and listen to the rushing water, allowing it to purify my mind and rinse away any unwanted thoughts.

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AllTrails Kesh Govinder

You can hike this trail all year long — even in the winter! I’d argue that the waterfall is potentially even more breathtaking when it’s frozen over. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the park erupts with brilliant displays of autumn foliage. In the spring, you can expect to see lots of colorful wildflowers, and during summer, the landscape is so green, it’s almost blinding.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Hyde Waterfall Trail. I would also suggest signing up for AllTrails+ if you spend lots of time outside! You can also visit the website for Hyde Memorial State Park for information such as park hours and entrance fees.

Have you ever taken this lovely little hike? If so, do you think it’s one of the best waterfall hikes in New Mexico? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and check out our previous article for a fun way to spend the day in nearby Santa Fe.

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Nature|National & State Parks

Explore One of New Mexico’s Cleanest Lakes at Brantley Lake State Park

Published Sep 27, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

Throughout New Mexico, lakes and reservoirs dot the landscape like oases in the desert. Because that is exactly what they are — oases. These slices of paradise provide a way to escape the heat and participate in recreation that can only be done in or on the water. Located just to the north of Carlsbad, you can find a lake that is one of the cleanest lakes in New Mexico. This is Brantley Lake, and it's one you may want to visit for some outdoor fun and relaxation.

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Home to Brantley Lake, the southernmost lake in New Mexico, Brantley Lake State Park provides a wide range of outdoor activities for you outdoor enthusiasts out there! With two boat ramps, you can launch your motorized or non-motorized vessel like a canoe, kayak, or sailboat. Waterskiing is a popular activity here as well.

Then, of course, you can go swimming. In a clean body of water like Brantley Lake, this lake found along the Pecos River is certainly inviting! Don't forget to bring a swimsuit with you.

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David Warner/AllTrails

For those of you looking to camp, there are 51 developed campsites, three of which have hookups. And if you're looking for a lakeside campsite, well, you're in luck because there is primitive shoreline camping available! How incredible would it be to wake up right next to the pristine Brantley Lake and jump right in for a swim first thing in the morning? Or how about casting a line to catch some fish? Sounds like heaven to me!

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Brantley Lake

Of course, you don't have to jump in the lake or take a boat ride to enjoy it. For one, there are 2.6 miles of trails for scenic hiking. Picnicking is another wonderful option for those looking for a relaxing place to eat with a view. And who wouldn't want to take in views of a lovely lake like Brantley Lake?

For those of you who love wildlife and birdwatching, grab your binoculars and your camera and head out to Brantley Lake State Park and see what you can find. Different bird species can be found throughout the year so multiple trips may be in order!

For outdoor recreation and one of the cleanest lakes in New Mexico, you must visit Brantley Lake State Park. To learn more and to make a camping reservation, visit the New Mexico EMNRD website.

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