El Nogal Nature Trail
An easy, mostly flat 1.1-mile loop trail that is one-half shaded riverside, one-half piñon-juniper woodland. Start at the El Nogal Trailhead parking lot and choose the left-hand (east side) bridge to begin your juant.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
As one of the closest and easiset hikes near Taos, N.M., this trail is frequented by locals and visitors (and their canine companions) during the warmer months.
Want Extra Steps?
Visitors can expand the loop by a third-mile using a small portion of the South Boundary Trail (#164).
- Start at the right-hand bridge (west side) from the parking lot.
- At about an 1/8 of a mile, turn left at the 164/181 intersection.
- Keep going straight at the next trail intersection to stay on the El Nogal Nature Trail.
- Trail open year-round
- Most popular use during spring, summer and fall
- The parking lot intermittently closes in the winter due to ice and snow
Keep dogs on a leash and pick up all pet waste to protect the integrity of the Rio Ferando de Taos, a critical watershed for the Town of Taos.
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
There are three trails that start from the El Nogal Trailhead. Cross the bridge on the east side of the parking lot to start the El Nogal Nature Trail.
Parking
Main parking is provided at the El Nogal Trailhead. Limited additional parking is located at La Vinateria, a small pullout a half-mile farther east on Highway 64.
Directions
Located just east of Taos, N.M., near the mouth of Taos Canyon.
- From Taos, go east on Highway 64
- The trailhead parking lot is on the right-hand side a half-mile east of Paseo del Canon E./N.M. State Road 585.
Nearby Recreation Sites
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/Stream Info
The lower portion of the trail provides easy access to the Rio Fernando de Taos.