Galisteo Basin Preserve

"The preserve has a lot of trails fr hiking, biking and horseback riding but no motorized vehicles areallowed. The trails are well maintained and well marked. The roadways are dirt and heavily washboarded so take it slow. The vistas are beautiful with pinyon, juniper, prickly pear and golden brush abundant. The is ample parking at each of the four trailheads. This is a nonprofit so throw a few dollars in the donation box when you stop by."

"The Galisteo Basin Preserve (just south of Santa Fe) is a fantastic open-space destination with lots of trails for hiking, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding across gently rolling high-desert grasslands, arroyos, and ridgelines. The network includes dozens of miles of public trails that range from easy beginner loops to longer routes with panoramic views of the surrounding New Mexico landscape, making it fun for kids and adults alike. Highlights include scenic routes like the Fun Loop and multi-use trails that wind through piñon/juniper forests and open plains, great for family outings that can be as short or as long as you like. The terrain is generally moderate, and you’ll often enjoy expansive views and a sense of wide, quiet space that’s hard to find closer to town. Trailheads are easy to access, and the preserve’s mix of short scenic loops and extended trail options means you can tailor your visit from a brief wander to a half-day adventure. Dogs and well-behaved equestrians are welcome, although you’ll want to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as shade is limited. Overall it’s a fun, family-friendly outdoor spot that feels quintessentially New Mexico, especially nice in cooler seasons when the high-desert scenery is at its best."

"50 min drive front Rio Rancho, great spot with a bunch of green mountain bike trails. There are some blue too, but we mapped out a 6 mile ride that had lots of good flow. The uphill is gradual with spots of flatness to recover from the climbs. Really great spot for this beginner mountain biker. We did the Cottonwood trail head."

"The Galisteo Preserve has an immense network of trails, many of which I've hiked. One of my favorites is what I call the Rim Trail, which I access from the Cowboy Cabin parking lot. Yesterday my three Siberian Huskies and I hiked it Valley-to-Rim-to-Shepard's Trail because my lead dog chose this route, but sometimes he chooses the opposite direction, starting with Shepard's Trail. It took us 54 minutes car-door-to-car-door, but that was at Husky speed (and I'm attached to them). It could take other dogs as long as two hours. My photos show how to do hike this route Valley to Rim. The view of the Galisteo Basin from the rim is spectacular."

"Great trails and views."