5 Fall Hikes and Breweries in Northern New Mexico
Welcome to my second installment in the Trails & Ales series. Last October, I shared some of my favorite local hikes and microbreweries in Northern Virginia while visiting the Washington D.C. area.
Now a full year has gone by, and I’m excited to bring this series back in a completely different part of the US… northern New Mexico!
Why feature New Mexico in this series? First, off Santa Fe is on of the top trail running communities in the world. Northern New Mexico’s extensive trail system, coupled with infamous Sange de Cristo mountains, makes it the ideal place to find some superb trails to hike, run, or bike. Moreover, the microbrew scene is on fire in Santa Fe!
Fall in northern New Mexico is not about the traditional red and orange leaf-covered mountains you’ll experience in New England. But, that doesn’t mean it’s any less splendid. There’s the vermillion red cliffs, set off against yellow aspen leaves, and more purple flowers that you can imagine. It’s a unique feast for the eyes that just beckons you to get outdoors and hike!
So, without further ado, here’s Outdoor Pilgrim’s 2nd annual Fall Flight of Trails & Ales.
Trail & Ale Pairing #1
🌲 The Trail: The Dale Ball Trails
The Dale Ball trail system is a 22-mile network of multi-use trails in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Located on the northeast side of town, near St. John’s College, these trails are the BEST marked trails you’ll find pretty much anywhere. There’s maps at each of the trailheads and you can track your progress as you pass numbered waypoints along the way. Trail junctions are marked with maps that include the distance to the next waypoint, and and arrows pointing which trail to take. It’s a great “choose-your-own adventure” opportunity that builds confidence, especially for newer hikers. Although the trail is moderately difficult, this is also a great outing for families with 7-14 year old kids. They’ll love being able to blaze the path and decide which direction to go.
🍺 The Brewery: Santa Fe Brewing Co.
Like the numerous choices provided by the Dale Ball trail system, Santa Fe Brewing Co. provides you with multiple options for where you can enjoy their beers. Pick from The Bridge, The Brakeroom, the El Dorado Taproom, and the New Beer Hall. These diverse taprooms are dispersed around the city of Santa Fe, and they even have a fifth location down in Albuquerque at Green Jeans Famery. Once you make your choice where to imbibe, settle in and enjoy a Pepe Loco (a Mexican style lager) or my favorite classic – the 7K IPA – which gets it’s name because it’s brewed at 7,198 feet above sea level.
Trail & Ale Pairing #2
🌲 The Trail: Atalaya Mountain Trail
Looking for something a bit more challenging than the Dale Ball trails? Right next door is the Atalaya Mountain Trail, a 6-mile out-and-back journey that climbs 2,000 feet during the outbound leg. The hike is rated as moderate in terms of it’s difficulty. However, if you’re accustomed to lower elevations, you might find this hike even more challenging because the summit reaches 9,217 feet above sea level. When you reach the top, the panoramic views of Santa Fe and its fall colors fare divine. And, if you want to add a little extra distance, continue on to Picacho Peak (to the north) before looping back down to the trailhead.
🍺 The Brew: Second Street Brewery
This classic Santa Fe hike pairs great with my favorite local place to grab a burger and a beer – Second Street Brewery. Their two locations (one on 2nd Street and other at the Railyard) serve the infamous Alien Burger topped with an organic blue corn dusted relleno, chile-jack cheese, smoked bacon, stout queso, Hatch green chile, crispy fried onions, guacamole and chipotle mayo. Add in a pint of the Okotoberforest Lager, and you have a New Mexican-German masterpiece to celebrate a challenging hike on an autumn day!
Trail & Ale Pairing #3
🌲 The Trail: Arroyo Chamisos Trail
If you need a quick outdoor fix, but don’t have the time to drive out to a trailhead, the Arroyo Chamisos Trail might fit the bill. This 5-mile paved path runs along the riverbed beginning at Governor Miles Road and joins up with the 15.5-mile Santa Fe Rail-Trail. Great for an afternoon run, a walk with the dog, or kid-friendly bike ride, it’s is an easy adventure for all ages. If you reach the trail’s northern terminus and decide to continue onto the Santa Fe Rail Trail, be prepared for the trail to transition from pavement to a more rugged dirt path as it heads toward El Dorado.
🍺 The Brew: Blue Corn Brewery
Near the southern terminus of the Arroyo Chamisos trail is Blue Corn Brewery, a casual spot for New Mexican food and brews. The restaurant’s chef, Joshua Ortiz, is a Santa Fe native who takes pride in developing local cuisine to showcase the brewery’s various award winning beers. So settle in, relax, and try the Oatmeal Stout, which won GOLD at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival. Or grab a pint of the Gatekeeper IPA – the 2018 winner of the New Mexico IPA Challenge.
Trail & Ale Pairing #4
🌲 The Trail: Bandalier National Monument
If you’re looking to blend New Mexico’s Pueblo Indian culture with your next hike, head west to Bandalier National Monument and the Santa Fe National Forest. There’s several short cultural trails – like the Alcove House Trail – that take you past ancient cave dwellings. Or you can opt for longer backcountry trails to explore the numerous canyons and the San Miguel Mountains. These trails range between well-defined paths to challenging passages that require strong navigation skills and route-finding. Water is not readily available on the majority of the backcountry trails, so make sure to come prepared.
🍺 The Brew: Bathtub Row Brewing Co-Op
If you liked the adventure of the backcountry in Bandalier, make sure to stop at the Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op to quench your thirst on your way back to town. Located in nearby Los Alamos, the Co-op serves a selection of hand-made craft beers, wine, and (occasionally) cider. The artisan brews in the taproom are constantly rotating, surprising you with a range of options and styles. They’ve brewed hundreds of recipes since opening, so chances are, every visit here will be as new as the unique backcountry routes you forged in Bandalier.
Final Thoughts
Of course, I only scratched the surface with the options of trails and breweries around Santa Fe. If you’re interested in venturing beyond these pairings, here’s a few additional resources to help you find the right trails and/or ales to fit your needs.
Breweries
- Tap into 7 Unforgettable Santa Fe Beer Experiences (SantaFe.org)
- Santa Fe for Beer Lovers (Wander New Mexico)
- 15 Best Places for Beer in Santa Fe (Foursquare)
Local Trails
- Best Trails in Santa Fe, New Mexico (All Trails)
- 4 Don’t Miss Trails in Santa Fe County (SantaFe.org)
- 6 Must Do Hikes Around Santa Fe + Taos (Outdoor Project)
- Hiking Trails Near Santa Fe (Hiking Project)
- Running Away: Santa Fe (Runner’s World)