The best walks and hikes around Gallup

The UNM Gallup Fitness Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through the beautiful Gallup landscape, perfect for a quick escape. You'll walk on crushed rock paths, enjoying gentle hills, vibrant wildflowers, and expansive views of Pyramid Peak and the striking hogback red rocks. This 1.4-mile (2.3 km) loop, with its minimal 72 feet (22 metres) of elevation gain, is an easy 37-minute stroll that provides a scenic break.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is accessible year-round. It's a convenient option for a quick outdoor activity, though it's worth noting that bikes, strollers, and dogs are generally not permitted on the paths. This makes for a peaceful experience, primarily serving the UNM Gallup community but welcoming to others.

What makes this trail stand out is its blend of accessibility and amenities, including outdoor athletic equipment along the route for those seeking a more vigorous workout. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to acclimate to New Mexico's elevation or simply enjoy an easy, picturesque walk suitable for all skill levels.

The Pyramid Rock Trail offers a captivating journey through the striking red rock landscapes of Red Rock Park near Gallup. You'll traverse varied terrain, from winding paths through wild sagebrush and juniper to natural steps cut into ancient sandstone formations, all leading to the distinctive Pyramid Rock summit. The trail provides a serene environment, often less crowded, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the colorful cliffs and unique geological features like hoodoos.

This moderate hiking route covers 4.6 miles (7.4 km) with an elevation gain of 661 feet (201 metres), typically taking about 2 hours and 9 minutes. Parking is conveniently available near the southern base of Red Rock Park, and the trail is well-marked with rock cairns. It's a dog-friendly option, making it ideal for a scenic outing with your furry friend, though the high elevation of Gallup can add to the challenge.

Reaching the summit of Pyramid Rock rewards you with stunning panoramic vistas of Gallup and the surrounding mesas, a true highlight of the experience. Interpretive signs along the way offer fascinating details about the area's geology and the plants used by native peoples, adding a rich educational layer to this surprisingly lovely hike within the Navajo Nation.

The Church Rock Trail in New Mexico is an easy 3.0-mile (4.8 km) loop that immerses you in a vibrant "painted desert style" landscape. Expect to traverse soft sand and slickrock shelves as you wind through colorful sandstone cliffs, culminating in spectacular views of the iconic Church Rock formation, which truly lives up to its name. This hike offers a high visual payoff for a relatively short 1 hour and 18 minutes of effort, with just 265 feet (81 metres) of elevation gain.

Located within Red Rock Park near Gallup, this trail is easily accessible from I-40, making it a convenient stop. While generally considered easy, the varied terrain with uneven rock surfaces and some carved steps means you'll want to wear good hiking shoes with grip. It's a great option for Church Rock Trail for beginners or families looking for a scenic desert experience.

Beyond its natural beauty, the area holds historical significance as the site of the largest uranium spill in U.S. history in 1979. The trail itself is well-marked, guiding you through unique rock sculptures and offering excellent photographic opportunities of the striking geological features that define this corner of McKinley County.

The North Hogback Trail Loop offers a dynamic hiking experience, starting with a steep climb featuring switchbacks and stone steps that quickly gets your heart pumping. Once you reach the ridge, the trail moderates, rewarding you with expansive views across the high desert plains and a distinct airy feeling. You'll navigate sections with loose material and sandy stretches, all while passing the unique Gallup cairns and the prominent Hogback natural feature.

This 2.0-mile (3.3 km) easy hike, with 280 feet (85 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 58 minutes to complete. It's a family-friendly option, but be prepared for the initial challenging ascent. The trail is well-marked, making it easy to follow, and its proximity to Gallup, New Mexico, makes it a convenient choice for a quick outdoor adventure.

Part of the extensive High Desert Trail system, this loop is notable for its panoramic viewpoints and the distinctive cairns that dot the landscape. It provides a good mix of challenging ascents and more moderate sections, making it suitable for various skill levels looking for a rewarding, short outing with plenty of scenic appeal.

The Pyramid Rock loop from Church Rock offers a fantastic journey through New Mexico's high desert, showcasing a landscape of vibrant red rock formations and unique geological features. You'll encounter sandstone spires, slickrock, and even a narrow slot canyon with colorful layers, all while navigating a terrain that transitions from flat ground to steep, carved steps. The reward for your effort is the unparalleled 360-degree views from the summit of Pyramid Rock, a truly memorable experience.

This moderate 4.9-mile (7.9 km) hiking route involves 725 feet (221 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 19 minutes to complete. The trail is part of Red Rock Park, conveniently located near Gallup, and while generally well-marked, some sections between Pyramid Rock and Church Rock might require careful attention to cairns. It's a great option for those seeking a rewarding climb with spectacular scenery.

Beyond the physical challenge, this trail system is steeped in natural beauty, with the red rock formations even said to have inspired animators for Disney/Pixar's "Cars" movie. You'll find informative signs along the path detailing geographic, cultural, and historic aspects of the area, adding depth to your hike. It's a perfect way to experience the distinctive high desert environment and its unique geological wonders.