New Mexico · Hiking

Picacho Peak Trail

1.8 mi
round trip
1,222 ft
climb
8,576 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Jun, Aug–Oct
best months

Picacho Peak Trail is a moderate out-and-back hike in New Mexico, set within the Santa Fe River Fee on land managed by a non-governmental organization. The route is 3.5 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 1,222 feet, taking you from a low point of 7,344 feet to a high of 8,576 feet at the peak. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Santa Fe show May highs around 73°F and October highs around 66°F, while July and August bring the most wet days, about 11 each month. That station sits roughly 1,600 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures up top run cooler. The trail sits close to several other routes. Main Loop is 0.4 miles away and Bear Canyon Trail is 0.5 miles away. Dorothy Stewart Trail is about a mile off, and Black Canyon (New) Campground is roughly 4 miles away for an overnight stay.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Jun, Aug–Oct

    Best time to visit Picacho Peak Trail

    Best months: April–June and August–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 21°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      47° / 23°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      56° / 29°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      63° / 34°

      4 wet

    5. May

      73° / 44°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      84° / 54°

      6 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 57°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 56°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      77° / 50°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      66° / 39°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      52° / 28°

      5 wet

    12. Dec

      42° / 21°

      6 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Santa Fe Seton, NM, 6.3 mi away at 7,000 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors