A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Kirtland AFB, New Mexico

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Rinconada Canyon Trail

Hike Route

Rinconada Canyon Trail

Family Friendly
easy
2.15 mi
+73 ft
Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trail

Hike Route

Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.71 mi
+99 ft
Sandia Crest to Sandia Peak Tramway Trail

Hike Route

Sandia Crest to Sandia Peak Tramway Trail

Views
easy
3.18 mi
+662 ft
Placitas Stripmine Loop

Hike Route

Placitas Stripmine Loop

Views
strenuous
4.87 mi
+618 ft
Placitas loop: Down and Out to Red Tail to Prickly Pear

Hike Route

Placitas loop: Down and Out to Red Tail to Prickly Pear

Wildflowers
moderate
4.37 mi
+225 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Whitewash Loop

Hike Route

Whitewash Loop

Birding
strenuous
12.38 mi
+3,292 ft
La Luz Trail

Hike Route

La Luz Trail

Views
extreme
14.7 mi
+5,950 ft
10K Crest Trail Loop

Hike Route

10K Crest Trail Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
12.14 mi
+2,884 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Embudo Canyon

Hike Route

Embudo Canyon

River/Creek
strenuous
6.74 mi
+1,804 ft
Three Guns to Embudito Trailhead

Hike Route

Three Guns to Embudito Trailhead

Birding
strenuous
7.94 mi
+2,486 ft
Domingo Baca Trail / TWA Flight 260 crash site

Hike Route

Domingo Baca Trail / TWA Flight 260 crash site

River/Creek
strenuous
6.7 mi
+2,204 ft
Birdhouse Loop

Hike Route

Birdhouse Loop

Birding
strenuous
7.07 mi
+940 ft
Otero Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Otero Canyon Loop

Birding
moderate
5.39 mi
+620 ft
North 10k Trail and Osha Loop Trail

Hike Route

North 10k Trail and Osha Loop Trail

Views
moderate
7.64 mi
+1,939 ft