This February, make your four-legged, fuzzy friend your valentine. February 20 is National Love Your Pet Day and what better way to show them your love than with a brisk hike? Gear up your dog (or cat) and get ready to hit one of these pet-friendly hiking trails.
- Big Tesuque Trail, Santa Fe National Forest
Isaac Griffin/Google Winter, spring, summer, or fall, the views along this trail are incredible. The dirt trail is easy to navigate and is well shaded. Just keep an eye out for mountain bikes. Trail length: 3.6-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
- Fir and Little Apache Loop Trail, Lincoln National Forest
Andrea Lentz/AllTrails Two trails combined make this figure-eight trail in southern New Mexico. The trail is easy to follow and has a moderate incline in a couple of places but otherwise makes a great hike for you and your pooch. If either of you get tired, skip the Fir Trail portion for a total of 3.2 miles. Trail length: 5.4-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
- Norski Trail, Santa Fe National Forest
Riley Stephens/AllTrails This trail is short and sweet and perfect for an easy stroll with your fuzzy buddy. You’ll find quite a few dogs and their humans moseying along under the aspens, so feel free to take your time on this trail as well. Trail length: 1.9-mile loop Trail details: U.S. Forest Service
- Osha Trail, Lincoln National Forest
Carisa Brealey/AllTrails This popular trail is perfect for dogs and their humans any time of year! Located near Cloudcroft, the trail will have your doggo loving the smell of every twig and leaf along the way. Just remember to keep Fido on a leash. Trail length: 2.5-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
- Rinconda Canyon Trail, Petroglyph National Monument
Tyler Mitchell/Google This easy hike is located at Petroglyph National Monument near Albuquerque and is especially lovely when the wildflowers are in full bloom. It has a slight incline in a couple areas but is otherwise a short trail for older or chonkier dogs. Trail length: 2.2-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
- Stewart Lake Loop, Pecos Wilderness
Kiley Frazier/AllTrails If your dog thinks several hours on the trail is nothing, then check out Stewart Lake Loop. This trail is over 10 miles long and has a steady incline. Due to the elevation, don’t forget to take short breaks. Trail length: 10.6-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
- White Sands Backcountry Trail, White Sands National Monument
Monsta_Liz/TripAdvisor This little guy doesn’t look too impressed but for most dogs, visiting a new place is an incredible adventure. This trail is short and mostly flat, so there’s plenty of time for you to snap photos of your canine against that glimmering white sand. Trail length: 1.8-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
While you’re out on the trail, don’t forget to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. This includes making sure your pet doesn’t disturb wildlife and remembering to pick up any waste they leave. And don’t forget to bring a snack and water for them too.
Isaac Griffin/Google
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, the views along this trail are incredible. The dirt trail is easy to navigate and is well shaded. Just keep an eye out for mountain bikes. Trail length: 3.6-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
Andrea Lentz/AllTrails
Two trails combined make this figure-eight trail in southern New Mexico. The trail is easy to follow and has a moderate incline in a couple of places but otherwise makes a great hike for you and your pooch. If either of you get tired, skip the Fir Trail portion for a total of 3.2 miles. Trail length: 5.4-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
Riley Stephens/AllTrails
This trail is short and sweet and perfect for an easy stroll with your fuzzy buddy. You’ll find quite a few dogs and their humans moseying along under the aspens, so feel free to take your time on this trail as well. Trail length: 1.9-mile loop Trail details: U.S. Forest Service
Carisa Brealey/AllTrails
This popular trail is perfect for dogs and their humans any time of year! Located near Cloudcroft, the trail will have your doggo loving the smell of every twig and leaf along the way. Just remember to keep Fido on a leash. Trail length: 2.5-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
Tyler Mitchell/Google
This easy hike is located at Petroglyph National Monument near Albuquerque and is especially lovely when the wildflowers are in full bloom. It has a slight incline in a couple areas but is otherwise a short trail for older or chonkier dogs. Trail length: 2.2-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
Kiley Frazier/AllTrails
If your dog thinks several hours on the trail is nothing, then check out Stewart Lake Loop. This trail is over 10 miles long and has a steady incline. Due to the elevation, don’t forget to take short breaks. Trail length: 10.6-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
Monsta_Liz/TripAdvisor
This little guy doesn’t look too impressed but for most dogs, visiting a new place is an incredible adventure. This trail is short and mostly flat, so there’s plenty of time for you to snap photos of your canine against that glimmering white sand. Trail length: 1.8-mile loop Trail details: AllTrails
Is your valentine this month biped instead? New Mexico is home to some wonderfully cozy restaurants for the perfect intimate experience. Read more in Here Are The 10 Most Romantic Restaurants In New Mexico And You’re Going To Love Them.
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Address: Petroglyph National Monument, Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, USAAddress: Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico 88347, USAAddress: Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico 87532, USAAddress: Pecos Wilderness, Rociada, NM 87742, USAAddress: White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA
