Ask most people to describe New Mexico, and they’ll probably envision the sparsely inhabited desert scenes from the tv show Breaking Bad. Nothing but tumbleweeds blowing across miles upon miles of dirt roads and flat terrain as far as the eye can see.

But head to the northern part of the state and you’ll see the its real defining feature – the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. This southernmost section of the Rockies straddles Colorado and New Mexico rising up to touch the sky.

To truly appreciate the beauty these mountains offer, you need to get out and hike them. These five hikes near Taos showcase Land of Enchantment’s unique terrain and some of the best scenery in the Southwest.

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Hike #1 – West Rim Trail

SKILL LEVEL: Easy. This trail is mostly flat, with only slight elevation changes.

LOCATION: The trailhead is located near the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, approximately 11 miles west of Taos.

DISTANCE: 3.5 miles roundtrip (with options to extend for many more miles)

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This trail follows the western rim of the Rio Grande River Gorge, and provides spectacular canyon views down to the river below. It’s perfect for trail running, or for an easy walk during sunrise with some Mexican hot chocolate to keep you warm. This section of easy trail is also part of the larger Rio Grande Trail, New Mexico’s 500-mile cross-state recreation trail that’s still in its infancy. The gorge may not be quite as deep as the Grand Canyon, but the terrain is reminiscent of the same contours and topography that make us all love that national park. And there’s far fewer tourists to contend with!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: There are no barricades running along the canyon rim to obstruct your views. As you approach the ledge, the canyon walls drop sharply down to the river thousands of feet below. So, while the easy terrain makes this is a family-friendly hike, keep a very close eye on any children who might wander off into a potentially perilous situation.

PARKING: A large, paved visitor parking lot is available on the west side of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. The trailhead is well marked and extends from the south side of the parking lot. There are also men’s and women’s bathrooms with flush toilets located near the trailhead.

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Hike #2 – Devisadero Peak

SKILL LEVEL: Moderate. This popular trail climbs steadily, but the well-designed switchbacks keep it from getting too difficult.

LOCATION: The trailhead is located off Highway 64, less than three miles from downtown Taos.

DISTANCE: 5.7 miles roundtrip. Follow the markers for Trail #108

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: It’s easy to understand why this trail is a local favorite. The panoramic views showcase Taos Mountain to the north and Picuris Peak to the south. As you climb higher and higher, you’ll be able to see the entire city of Taos and the Rio Grande River Gorge beyond it to the west. Instead of climbing straight to the summit, the trail follows switchbacks, which provide an ever-changing bird’s eye view of your surroundings. Once you reach the Devisadero Peak, simply turn around and return to the trailhead using the same path. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, follow Trail #108 forward as it loops around the north side of the mountain, making the Devisadero Loop. Both options will take you back to your original trailhead.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: The trailhead and parking area are on the opposing sides of the Highway 64. Traffic moving along this road tends to be fairly light, but cars are often moving quickly as they approach the crossing area. Use extreme caution when attempting to cross.

PARKING: The El Nogal Trailhead parking area is a large dirt parking lot off Highway 64. It can accommodate several dozen cars, and provides access to multiple nearby hiking and mountain biking trails. The parking lot is well-marked and there is a pit toilet available near the entrance.

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Hike #3 – The Ojitos Canyon Trail

SKILL LEVEL: Moderate. While it may appear flat in some sections, this trail can still be difficult because it’s frequently punctuated by whoop-de-doos (tall earth berms built into the path to slow mountain bikers down).

LOCATION: This hike is locate approximately 3 miles east of downtown Taos. Hikers have the option to access the trail from two different trailheads. The first is the El Nogal Trailhead parking area (the same one used for Devisadero Peak above) or via a smaller trailhead off Paseo del Cañon.

DISTANCE: 11.2-mile loop. The Ojitos Canyon Trail (#166) is 6.8 miles long and makes a loop when combined with the South Boundary Trail (#164).

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This lengthy loop takes you deep into Ojitos Canyon, where piñon pines, aspens, and juniper trees dwarf you on either side of the trail. On this hike, you can experience the fall colors up close, instead of just observing them on far away neighboring peaks. And on those exceptionally warm days, it’s simply delightful to retreat into the cool shade provided by the canyon walls. If you’re looking for a longer hike that will work up a good sweat, this loop doesn’t disappoint.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: This trail is popular among mountain bikers. Although I didn’t encounter them during my middle of the week visit, there were plenty of tire tracks evidencing their frequency on the trail. If you opt to go on the weekend, consider leaving your earbuds at home so you’re better prepared for any last minute encounters with fast moving bikes.

PARKING: The El Nogal Trailhead parking area is located off Highway 64, approximately three miles from downtown Taos. The lot is large enough for several dozen cars, and there is a pit toilet available near the entrance. The alternate trailhead is located off Paseo del Cañon, but it only has room for a handful of cars along the shoulder of the road.

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Hike #4 – Williams Lake Trail

SKILL LEVEL: Moderate. One of the more physically challenging aspects of this hike is that it’s entirely above 10,000 feet elevation.

LOCATION: This hike is located in the Taos Ski Valley, 20 miles north of Taos. When you arrive at the ski resort, follow the signs to the Bavarian Restaurant at the top of the resort.

DISTANCE: 4 miles roundtrip.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This trail takes you through the Wheeler Peak Wilderness and culminates at a gorgeous alpine lake at 11,040 feet elevation. The majority of the trail remains in the forest, allowing you to appreciate the pines up close. During the final 0.2 miles though, the trail drops you out into a cirque – an amphitheater-like valley where Williams Lake is encircled by jagged mountain peaks. Once you arrive, just kick up your feet and take in the stunning views. Or, if you want to add some additional distance to your hike, follow the trail that encircles the lake to view its charm from multiple vantage points.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Getting to the trailhead is easiest in dry weather. The road from the entrance of the Taos Valley Ski Resort to the trailhead parking area is approximately 2 miles up a steep dirt road. During inclement weather (mud or snow), you will probably need 4WD to get there.

PARKING: The Williams Lake Trailhead parking area is a dirt lot that can hold approximately 40 cars. The area is well-marked with metal signs, and there are three port-a-potties at the parking lot entrance.

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Hike #5 – Wheeler Peak Trail

SKILL LEVEL: Difficult. The route ascends to 13,161 feet elevation and has an average grade of 17% and a maximum grade of 32%

LOCATION: This hike begins at the Taos Valley Ski Resort, 20 miles north of Taos. When you arrive at the resort, follow the signs toward the Bavarian Restaurant at the top of the resort.

DISTANCE: 8 miles roundtrip.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: The first two miles of this trail coincides with the more moderate terrain of the Williams Lake Trail. It’s a worthwhile detour to sneak a quick peak at the lake before you begin the more difficult climb to the summit. From there, the Wheeler Peak Trail takes you up above treeline and into the alpine terrain. Then the trail climbs sharply during its final mile, providing you with sublime views of the surrounding peaks. The final 250 yards of this trail follows the mountain’s spine; and when you finally bag the summit, you’ll be able to claim you conquered the highest peak in New Mexico.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: This trail climbs above 13,000 feet, which could result in mild symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) for some hikers. Be sure to be well-hydrated before beginning this trail and hike at an easy pace so you don’t overexert yourself. If you feel dizzy, nauseated, headaches, or shortness of breath during your ascent – return to lower elevations and drink plenty of water until the symptoms subside.

PARKING: The Wheeler Mountain Trail shares the same parking lot as the Williams Lake Trail. See the warning above about the potential need for 4WD to get there during inclement weather.

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Do you love hiking in Taos too? If you have a suggestion for other great hikes in the area, leave a comment below.