Espanola Ranger District
Pajarito Nordic Ski Trail sits above the city of Los Alamos, in the Jemez mountain range, near the end of the Camp May Road. The ski trails wind through a mixed conifer forest for a total length of 5 kilometers one way. The trail system is groomed by the Southwest Nordic Ski Club under an agreement with the Forest Service. It is the only Nordic ski trail in NM which is regularly groomed and is free for all to use. The area shares a parking lot with the adjacent alpine ski area, Pajarito Mountain. Snow shoeing is allowed on designated portions of the trails. Click here for map. Click here for Southwest Noridic Ski Club Blog Site with current conditions.
Norski Trail is a four kilometer loop trail that winds through a mixed conifer and aspen forest. Along NM State Route 475, near Santa Fe Ski Area, the area is well signed, but not regularly groomed. Snowshoeing is discouraged on the trail to preserve Nordic ski tracks. Click here for map.
Tesuque Peak Road is accessed from the Aspen Vista Picnic area, along NM State Route 475. It is a forest road behind a closed gate, managed for winter sports during the snowy months. You may occasionally encounter a snow cat making its way to the electronis site on top. It is 5.6 miles in length, climbing from 9800’ to over 12,000’ at the summit of Tesuque Peak.
Pacheco Canyon Road, descends from NM State Route 475 to the village of Tesuque. There is limited parking along the road just above the Big Tesuque Campground.
Big Tesuque Campground, along NM State Route 475, offers trails in the aspen and mixed conifers.
Black Canyon Campground is the lowest elevation site suitable for Nordic skiing or snowshoeing in the Santa Fe area. Because of this the snow is less dependable, but in a good winter can be very enjoyable.
Jemez Ranger District
Los Griegos Trails- Located about 4.6 miles west of the entrance to the Valle Caldera National Preserve. Click here for map.
Peralta Canyon Trails - Located about 1.5 miles west of the entrance to the Valle Caldera National Preserve. Click here for map.
East Fork Trails - Click here for map.
Cuba and Coyote Ranger Districts
The southern and eastern boundaries of the San Pedro Parks Wilderness have relatively gentle slopes making great areas for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Unfortunately road access to these areas is difficult due to snow.
The best winter access is via paved State Highway 126 east out of Cuba, NM, to Forest Road 70. Forest Road 70 is frequently not passable during winter so you likely must gear up near this intersection. It is approximately 3 miles to the San Gregorio Trailhead on Forest Road 70. Snowmobiling is a good option on Forest Road 70 to Forest Road 103.
Unpaved Forest Road 103 leaves paved State Highway 96 between Coyote & Gallina, NM, and is frequently not passable during winter for highway vehicles. Embark on Forest Road 103 as conditions permit for recreation opportunities including snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
