\nState<\/a>
\nLocal<\/a>
\nPrivate<\/a>
\nMiscellaneous<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/a>Federal<\/h2>\nBosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
\n<\/strong>Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most popular bird photography places in the American West.\u00a0 It lies between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east and is a critical stopover for migrating waterfowl. The refuge is well known for the tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and ducks that winter here each year.\u00a0 \u00a0
\n<\/strong>Here is the Refuge website.<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0 Trail descriptions<\/a> \u00a0The website does not state the difficulty of these trails.\u00a0 Most sound pretty easy, but you should call ahead or check with the visitor center.\u00a0 Phone \u00a0575-835-1828.\u00a0 There are more trails than I have listed below.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Hikerwithcane.png\")
<\/a>Marsh Overlook Trail is an easy 1.5 mile walk around a seasonally flooded wetland.
\n<\/a>Boardwalk Trail 0.5 mile round trip<\/p>\n<\/a>Rio Viejo Trail is 1.7 mile round trip along a former channel of the Rio Grande.
\n![\"Wheelchair](\"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/wheelchair_symbol_blue.png\")
<\/a>Desert Arboretum 0.25mi. described as “mostly accessible”.<\/p>\n![\"Snow](\"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ILLG__H2S6274-Bosque-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Snow Geese take flight at Bosque Del Apache \u00a9 Cathy & Gordon Illg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nYou can see thousands of waterbirds and photograph them from your car. \u00a0Thank you Cathy & Gordon Illg<\/a> for this shot of snow geese and photographers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>El Malpais National Conservation Area<\/strong><\/a>
\n“The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais offers solitude, recreation, and discovery. Explore cinder cones, lava tube caves, sandstone bluffs, and hiking trails. Wildlife abounds in the open grasslands and forests. ”
\nHere is the Area website from the BLM<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Here is another from the National Park Service<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Call the BLM at 505-287-7911 or the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center 505-876-2783 for information about the trails. \u00a0I am not sure how easy the footing is on them.
\n![\"Hikerwithcane\"](\"http:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Hikerwithcane.png\")
<\/a>? <\/strong>The 1\/2 mile round trip hike to La Ventana Natural Arch is described as “relatively easy”.
\n<\/a>? <\/strong>The Ranger Station Nature Trail\u00a0is a 1 1\/4 mile loop with an elevation gain of 125 feet.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
\n<\/strong>Here is the Monument website.<\/a> \u00a0Phone 505-331-6259\u00a0 Be sure to call ahead to be sure of trail conditions.\u00a0 Here is a nice description from newmexiconomad<\/a>.
\n![\"Wheelchair](\"http:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/wheelchair_symbol_blue.png\")
<\/a>“The Cave Loop Trail is 1.2 miles long, rated as easy and portions are ADA accessible” \u00a0It is not clear as to what portions so do call ahead. \u00a0Reviews on Trip Advisor<\/a>.
\n<\/a>“The Veterans Memorial Trail is a 1-mile long loop trail, rated as very easy and is wheel chair accessible.\u00a0 The Veterans Memorial is located at the end of a 3 mile long gravel surfaced road overlooking picturesque Peralta Canyon and Jemez Mountain peaks. “<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>Perea Nature Trail
\n<\/strong>“A mountain peak dominates the one-mile Perea Nature Trail — located just outside the village of San Ysidro in northwest New Mexico. The mountain highlights the Jemez Mountain Range, which is the southern start of the Rocky Mountains that extend northward to Alaska.”
\nHere is a website for the Trail<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone 505-761-8700
\n<\/a>This one mile (or 0.8 or 0.9 depending on the source of information)\u00a0 loop trail “features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels.”\u00a0 Here is AllTrails description<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>R\u00edo Grande del Norte National Monument<\/strong>
\n“The R\u00edo Grande del Norte National Monument is comprised of rugged, wide open plains at an average elevation of 7,000 feet, dotted by volcanic cones, and cut by steep canyons with rivers tucked away in their depths. The R\u00edo Grande carves an 800 foot deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash.”
\nHere is their website.<\/a> Here is a more descriptive website from Taos.org<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone for office in Taos 575-758-8851\u00a0 Map<\/a>
\nRio Grande Visitor Center 575-751-4899\u00a0 Wild Rivers Visitor Center 575-586-1150
\nThe descriptions below are from a website I can no longer find. Call ahead to be sure about the ease of these trails.
\nUpper Gorge (Wild Rivers)
\n<\/a>Wild Rivers Nature Trail\u00a0“is an easy interpretive loop along the canyon rims of the Red River and the Rio Grande at La Junta Point. The trail is approximately 1\/2 mile long.”
\n<\/a>Rinconada Loop Trail is a 6.1 mile loop which you could do parts of from the campgrounds. \u00a0A wheelchair user would probably need some assistance.
\n<\/a>Chawalauna Overlook is about 1\/4 mile from the parking lot and according to the very helpful Monument manager, John Bailey, has a lovely rim view.
\n<\/a>Trails leading north and south from the Wild Rivers Visitor Center have gravel in places, making them probably too difficult for wheelchair users.
\n<\/a>Pescado Trail from the Visitor Center is pretty easy for the first 1\/2 mile and takes you to a great view of the river gorge. A wheelchair user might need assistance.
\nLower Gorge (Orilla Verde)\u00a0
\n<\/a><\/a>The first 1 1\/4 mile of the 9 mile West Rim Trail going south from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (High Bridge) is easy, flat, and smooth. \u00a0There is a bench which would make a good turn-around spot for limited walkers.
\n<\/a>La Vista Verde is 1.3 miles and easy, but does have 6 steps near the beginning.
\nTaos Valley Overlook\u00a0
\n<\/a><\/a> Trader’s Trail is an easy 1.8 mile with a steady, not too steep slope.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>Santa Fe National Forest
\n<\/strong>The Santa Fe National Forest holds 1.6 million acres of mountain scenery,\u00a0 the headwaters of Pecos, Jemez, and Gallinas Rivers, mountain streams and lakes.\u00a0 It includes four wilderness areas and 1,000 miles of hiking trails.
\nHere is the Forest website.<\/a> Phone 505-438-5300.\u00a0 Thanks to Clifton Russell for suggestions of accessible trails in Santa Fe National Forest.
\n<\/a><\/strong>There is a paved trail with fishing access spots along the San Antonio River at San Antonio Campground. \u00a0Thank you, Katie Watson, for the reference.
\n<\/a>San Diego Canyon Overlook site<\/a>\u00a0in the Jemez Ranger District.
\nThere is a paved trail to the overlook as well as ADA restroom.
\n<\/a>East Fork Trail (Forest trail 137)<\/a> just off NM State Highway 4. Also in Jemez Ranger District. \u00a0“This [10 mile] trail would be suitable for elderly, but maybe too challenging for wheel chairs.” \u00a0It sounds as if parts of it would be OK. \u00a0“From Jemez Falls it’s another mile to the East Fork Trailhead.\u00a0This segment of trail is an\u00a0easier walk, although still moving uphill. From the East Fork Trailhead to\u00a0 the Las Conchas Trailhead the hiking becomes easier with rolling terrain.” \u00a0I suggest you contact Forest Headquarters \u00a0(505) 438-5300 for advice on the parts appropriate for you.
\n<\/a>Cowles Fishing Pon<\/a>d in the Pecos\/Las Vegas Ranger District. \u00a0“An ADA accessible\u00a0\u00a0trail around\u00a0both\u00a0ponds\u00a0was completed on 5\/25\/2013.”
\nHere are some accessible picnic and camping areas that Clifton Russell brought to my attention:
\nPecos\/Las Vegas Ranger District
\nWindy Bridge<\/a>
\nBaker Flat<\/a>
\nLower \u00a0Dalton
\n<\/a>Espa\u00f1ola Ranger District
\nBlack Canyon Campground<\/a>
\nBig Tesuque Campground<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>Socorro Nature Area<\/strong>
\n“The Socorro Nature Area is a 120-acre environmental education area in the Rio Grande Bosque. The area includes a 1\/2-mile self-guiding nature walk with interpretive signs, a pond, and amphitheatre.”
\nHere is the BLM Area website.<\/a> and here is a more informative website from Soccorronm.org<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 575-835-0412 \u00a0 Interpretive Trail Guide<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/a>The first .11 mile of this self-guiding nature walk goes to the pond and is wheelchair accessible. \u00a0On the guide, there are two loop trails which add up to about a mile and are very easy. \u00a0 According to the manager, you could possibly do them in a wheelchair, if you had help getting through some soft patches. \u00a0Call 575-835-0412 for information.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>Valley of Fires Recreation Area
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n“Valley of Fires Recreation Area is beside the Malpais Lava Flow. About 5,000 years ago, Little Black Peak erupted and flowed 44 miles into the Tularosa Basin, filling the basin with molten rock. The resulting lava flow is four to six miles wide, 160 feet thick and covers 125 square miles. The lava flow is considered to be one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States.” Despite its barren appearance from distance, you will find a wealth of plants and wildlife.
\nHere is the Area website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone \u00a0575-648-2241 or 575-840-6243
\n\u00a0<\/strong>Described in Americansouthwest.net<\/a>\u00a0
\n<\/a><\/strong>Malpais Nature Trail<\/a> \u00a0“….when you walk through the nature trail there are many varieties of flowers, cactus, trees and bushes typical of the Chihuahuan desert. There is a juniper that is said to be 400 years old. The lava is similar to Hawaiian lava, jagged and rippled, and most of the lava field is a wilderness study area. The self-guided …. Trail is paved for 1 \/3 mile, fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. Interpretive brochures are available at the trailhead near the group shelter. In addition to the flora, fauna abound. There are bats, roadrunners, quail, cottontails,lizards, great horned owls, burrowing owls, buzzards, hawks, gnat catchers, cactus wrens, sparrows and golden eagles, a virtual birdwatcher’s paradise.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>State<\/h2>\nAccessible Features <\/a>\u00a0in New Mexico State Parks
\n<\/strong>The following parks are listed as having accessible trails:
\n\u00a0<\/strong>Bottomless Lakes, Devil’s Inkwell Campground Trail
\nCerrillos Hills, Village View Trail
\nEagle Nest Lake, Visitor Center picnic area trail
\nElephant Butte Lake, West Lake Shore Trail from Monticello Campground
\nLeasburg Dam, Riverside Trail
\nLiving Desert Zoo & Gardens, Zoo Trails
\nMesilla Valley Bosque, Overlook & Demonstration Garden Trails
\nRio Grande Nature Center, Aldo Leopold & Paseo del Bosque Trails
\nSugarite Canyon, Chicorica Boardwalk Trail<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
Bottomless Lakes State Park\u00a0<\/strong>
\n14 miles southeast of Roswell, Bottomless Lakes State Park is 14 miles southeast of Roswell.\u00a0 The lakes are sinkholes, ranging from 17 to 90 feet deep.
\nHere is the Park website.<\/a> \u00a0Phone\u00a0 575-624-6058.\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>
\nThese trails are said to be flat and easy, but I am not sure about wheelchair use.\u00a0 Call first.
\n<\/a>?<\/strong> Bluff Trail 0.86 mile<\/p>\n<\/a>?<\/strong> Wetlands Trail 0.54 mile<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>Cerrillos Hills State Park<\/strong>
\nThe park is off the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. There are five miles of trails and “spectacular views of the Sandia, Ortiz, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. ”
\nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 505-474-0196\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>
\n<\/a>Village View Trail 0.2 mile<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>Elephant Butte Lake State Park<\/strong>
\nElephant Butte is New Mexico’s largest state and has a 40,000 acre man-made lake on the Rio Grande.
\nHere is the Park website.<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0Description of the park in onlyinyourstate.<\/a>
\nPhone 575-744-5923
\n<\/a>West Lake Shore Trail<\/a> The trail is accessible for about 4 1\/2 miles south from the Monticello Campground.\u00a0 However, “…there are some sections of uneven surfaces and deep sand.”\u00a0 Call ahead to be sure of the areas suitable for you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>Leasburg Dam State Park
\n<\/strong>Leesburg Dam on the Rio Grande and is just 25 minutes from\u00a0 Las Cruces There is a “cactus garden, several hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and birding.”
\nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone\u00a0 575-524-4068
\n<\/strong><\/a>Lower Mogollon Trail runs along the river and is a good place for birding.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Local<\/h2>\nAlbuquerque
\n<\/strong><\/a>Paseo del Bosque Trail<\/a>\u00a016 miles of paved trail from the “north to the south edges of the metro area through the Rio Grande’s cottonwood bosque (forest).” \u00a0The trail passes through Rio Grande Valley State Park. \u00a0Photographic tour<\/a>\u00a0 Printable map<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>Los Alamos County
\n<\/strong>Open Space and Trails<\/a> \u00a0 The County Trail Network<\/a> with links to trail descriptions.
\nLos Alamos Nature Center<\/a> opened May, 2015 and has rave reviews on Trip Advisor.<\/a> \u00a0 The Pajarito Environmental Education Center<\/a> \u00a0operates from here and has an intriguing program called “Gentle Walks”. \u00a0Give them a call \u00a0505-662-0460 see if any of these walks are within your capabilities. \u00a0 The Los Alamos Trails App<\/a> can be downloaded on Apple products, and will soon be available for Android, as well.
\n<\/a>Katherine Watson, executive director, writes that “…the only really accessible trail in Los Alamos is the paved Canyon Rim Trail. ” \u00a0Clifton Russell also mentioned this trail: “<\/span>In Los Alamos County, but not on the Forest, there is a very nice paved trail as you go into Los Alamos called the Canyon Rim trail.\u00a0 It is about 2 miles long and goes along the south side of the highway by the Airport.\u00a0 Lovely views over the canyon, wide, mostly level.\u00a0 A visitor would see the signs by the airport runway as they drive into town.”
\n<\/a>The North Bayo Bench Trail is a historic road ending at a viewpoint overlooking the orange-walled Bayo Canyon.\u00a0 3.2 miles
\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Private<\/h2>\nBack to top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Miscellaneous<\/h2>\nGood coverage of accessible natural areas in New Mexico:\u00a0AccessibleNatureTravel.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>Nature For The Blind<\/a> has a directory of Braille trails for almost every state in the US and for many other countries.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>The\u00a0Rails-to-Trails Conservancy<\/a>\u00a0lists wheelchair accessible trails in New Mexico.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"New Mexico\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them. Most of the links given were found through Internet search. Some places I have been able to visit and a few have been recommended to me by other people who … Continue reading Rails-to-Trails – New Mexico<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-382","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/382","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=382"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/382\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5871,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/382\/revisions\/5871"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=382"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge You can see thousands of waterbirds and photograph them from your car. \u00a0Thank you Cathy & Gordon Illg<\/a> for this shot of snow geese and photographers.<\/p>\n El Malpais National Conservation Area<\/strong><\/a> Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Perea Nature Trail R\u00edo Grande del Norte National Monument<\/strong> Santa Fe National Forest Socorro Nature Area<\/strong> Valley of Fires Recreation Area “Valley of Fires Recreation Area is beside the Malpais Lava Flow. About 5,000 years ago, Little Black Peak erupted and flowed 44 miles into the Tularosa Basin, filling the basin with molten rock. The resulting lava flow is four to six miles wide, 160 feet thick and covers 125 square miles. The lava flow is considered to be one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States.” Despite its barren appearance from distance, you will find a wealth of plants and wildlife. Accessible Features <\/a>\u00a0in New Mexico State Parks <\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Bottomless Lakes State Park\u00a0<\/strong> Cerrillos Hills State Park<\/strong> Elephant Butte Lake State Park<\/strong> Leasburg Dam State Park Albuquerque Los Alamos County Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n Good coverage of accessible natural areas in New Mexico:\u00a0AccessibleNatureTravel.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Nature For The Blind<\/a> has a directory of Braille trails for almost every state in the US and for many other countries.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> The\u00a0Rails-to-Trails Conservancy<\/a>\u00a0lists wheelchair accessible trails in New Mexico.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" New Mexico\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them. Most of the links given were found through Internet search. Some places I have been able to visit and a few have been recommended to me by other people who … Continue reading Rails-to-Trails – New Mexico<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-382","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/382","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=382"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/382\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5871,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/382\/revisions\/5871"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=382"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n<\/strong>Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most popular bird photography places in the American West.\u00a0 It lies between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east and is a critical stopover for migrating waterfowl. The refuge is well known for the tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and ducks that winter here each year.\u00a0 \u00a0
\n<\/strong>Here is the Refuge website.<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0 Trail descriptions<\/a> \u00a0The website does not state the difficulty of these trails.\u00a0 Most sound pretty easy, but you should call ahead or check with the visitor center.\u00a0 Phone \u00a0575-835-1828.\u00a0 There are more trails than I have listed below.<\/p>\n<\/a>Marsh Overlook Trail is an easy 1.5 mile walk around a seasonally flooded wetland.
\n<\/a>Boardwalk Trail 0.5 mile round trip<\/p>\n<\/a>Rio Viejo Trail is 1.7 mile round trip along a former channel of the Rio Grande.
\n<\/a>Desert Arboretum 0.25mi. described as “mostly accessible”.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n“The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais offers solitude, recreation, and discovery. Explore cinder cones, lava tube caves, sandstone bluffs, and hiking trails. Wildlife abounds in the open grasslands and forests. ”
\nHere is the Area website from the BLM<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Here is another from the National Park Service<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Call the BLM at 505-287-7911 or the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center 505-876-2783 for information about the trails. \u00a0I am not sure how easy the footing is on them.
\n<\/a>? <\/strong>The 1\/2 mile round trip hike to La Ventana Natural Arch is described as “relatively easy”.
\n<\/a>? <\/strong>The Ranger Station Nature Trail\u00a0is a 1 1\/4 mile loop with an elevation gain of 125 feet.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\n<\/strong>Here is the Monument website.<\/a> \u00a0Phone 505-331-6259\u00a0 Be sure to call ahead to be sure of trail conditions.\u00a0 Here is a nice description from newmexiconomad<\/a>.
\n<\/a>“The Cave Loop Trail is 1.2 miles long, rated as easy and portions are ADA accessible” \u00a0It is not clear as to what portions so do call ahead. \u00a0Reviews on Trip Advisor<\/a>.
\n<\/a>“The Veterans Memorial Trail is a 1-mile long loop trail, rated as very easy and is wheel chair accessible.\u00a0 The Veterans Memorial is located at the end of a 3 mile long gravel surfaced road overlooking picturesque Peralta Canyon and Jemez Mountain peaks. “<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\n<\/strong>“A mountain peak dominates the one-mile Perea Nature Trail — located just outside the village of San Ysidro in northwest New Mexico. The mountain highlights the Jemez Mountain Range, which is the southern start of the Rocky Mountains that extend northward to Alaska.”
\nHere is a website for the Trail<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone 505-761-8700
\n<\/a>This one mile (or 0.8 or 0.9 depending on the source of information)\u00a0 loop trail “features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels.”\u00a0 Here is AllTrails description<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\n“The R\u00edo Grande del Norte National Monument is comprised of rugged, wide open plains at an average elevation of 7,000 feet, dotted by volcanic cones, and cut by steep canyons with rivers tucked away in their depths. The R\u00edo Grande carves an 800 foot deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash.”
\nHere is their website.<\/a> Here is a more descriptive website from Taos.org<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone for office in Taos 575-758-8851\u00a0 Map<\/a>
\nRio Grande Visitor Center 575-751-4899\u00a0 Wild Rivers Visitor Center 575-586-1150
\nThe descriptions below are from a website I can no longer find. Call ahead to be sure about the ease of these trails.
\nUpper Gorge (Wild Rivers)
\n<\/a>Wild Rivers Nature Trail\u00a0“is an easy interpretive loop along the canyon rims of the Red River and the Rio Grande at La Junta Point. The trail is approximately 1\/2 mile long.”
\n<\/a>Rinconada Loop Trail is a 6.1 mile loop which you could do parts of from the campgrounds. \u00a0A wheelchair user would probably need some assistance.
\n<\/a>Chawalauna Overlook is about 1\/4 mile from the parking lot and according to the very helpful Monument manager, John Bailey, has a lovely rim view.
\n<\/a>Trails leading north and south from the Wild Rivers Visitor Center have gravel in places, making them probably too difficult for wheelchair users.
\n<\/a>Pescado Trail from the Visitor Center is pretty easy for the first 1\/2 mile and takes you to a great view of the river gorge. A wheelchair user might need assistance.
\nLower Gorge (Orilla Verde)\u00a0
\n<\/a><\/a>The first 1 1\/4 mile of the 9 mile West Rim Trail going south from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (High Bridge) is easy, flat, and smooth. \u00a0There is a bench which would make a good turn-around spot for limited walkers.
\n<\/a>La Vista Verde is 1.3 miles and easy, but does have 6 steps near the beginning.
\nTaos Valley Overlook\u00a0
\n<\/a><\/a> Trader’s Trail is an easy 1.8 mile with a steady, not too steep slope.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\n<\/strong>The Santa Fe National Forest holds 1.6 million acres of mountain scenery,\u00a0 the headwaters of Pecos, Jemez, and Gallinas Rivers, mountain streams and lakes.\u00a0 It includes four wilderness areas and 1,000 miles of hiking trails.
\nHere is the Forest website.<\/a> Phone 505-438-5300.\u00a0 Thanks to Clifton Russell for suggestions of accessible trails in Santa Fe National Forest.
\n<\/a><\/strong>There is a paved trail with fishing access spots along the San Antonio River at San Antonio Campground. \u00a0Thank you, Katie Watson, for the reference.
\n<\/a>San Diego Canyon Overlook site<\/a>\u00a0in the Jemez Ranger District.
\nThere is a paved trail to the overlook as well as ADA restroom.
\n<\/a>East Fork Trail (Forest trail 137)<\/a> just off NM State Highway 4. Also in Jemez Ranger District. \u00a0“This [10 mile] trail would be suitable for elderly, but maybe too challenging for wheel chairs.” \u00a0It sounds as if parts of it would be OK. \u00a0“From Jemez Falls it’s another mile to the East Fork Trailhead.\u00a0This segment of trail is an\u00a0easier walk, although still moving uphill. From the East Fork Trailhead to\u00a0 the Las Conchas Trailhead the hiking becomes easier with rolling terrain.” \u00a0I suggest you contact Forest Headquarters \u00a0(505) 438-5300 for advice on the parts appropriate for you.
\n<\/a>Cowles Fishing Pon<\/a>d in the Pecos\/Las Vegas Ranger District. \u00a0“An ADA accessible\u00a0\u00a0trail around\u00a0both\u00a0ponds\u00a0was completed on 5\/25\/2013.”
\nHere are some accessible picnic and camping areas that Clifton Russell brought to my attention:
\nPecos\/Las Vegas Ranger District
\nWindy Bridge<\/a>
\nBaker Flat<\/a>
\nLower \u00a0Dalton
\n<\/a>Espa\u00f1ola Ranger District
\nBlack Canyon Campground<\/a>
\nBig Tesuque Campground<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\n“The Socorro Nature Area is a 120-acre environmental education area in the Rio Grande Bosque. The area includes a 1\/2-mile self-guiding nature walk with interpretive signs, a pond, and amphitheatre.”
\nHere is the BLM Area website.<\/a> and here is a more informative website from Soccorronm.org<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 575-835-0412 \u00a0 Interpretive Trail Guide<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/a>The first .11 mile of this self-guiding nature walk goes to the pond and is wheelchair accessible. \u00a0On the guide, there are two loop trails which add up to about a mile and are very easy. \u00a0 According to the manager, you could possibly do them in a wheelchair, if you had help getting through some soft patches. \u00a0Call 575-835-0412 for information.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nHere is the Area website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone \u00a0575-648-2241 or 575-840-6243
\n\u00a0<\/strong>Described in Americansouthwest.net<\/a>\u00a0
\n<\/a><\/strong>Malpais Nature Trail<\/a> \u00a0“….when you walk through the nature trail there are many varieties of flowers, cactus, trees and bushes typical of the Chihuahuan desert. There is a juniper that is said to be 400 years old. The lava is similar to Hawaiian lava, jagged and rippled, and most of the lava field is a wilderness study area. The self-guided …. Trail is paved for 1 \/3 mile, fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. Interpretive brochures are available at the trailhead near the group shelter. In addition to the flora, fauna abound. There are bats, roadrunners, quail, cottontails,lizards, great horned owls, burrowing owls, buzzards, hawks, gnat catchers, cactus wrens, sparrows and golden eagles, a virtual birdwatcher’s paradise.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>State<\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong>The following parks are listed as having accessible trails:
\n\u00a0<\/strong>Bottomless Lakes, Devil’s Inkwell Campground Trail
\nCerrillos Hills, Village View Trail
\nEagle Nest Lake, Visitor Center picnic area trail
\nElephant Butte Lake, West Lake Shore Trail from Monticello Campground
\nLeasburg Dam, Riverside Trail
\nLiving Desert Zoo & Gardens, Zoo Trails
\nMesilla Valley Bosque, Overlook & Demonstration Garden Trails
\nRio Grande Nature Center, Aldo Leopold & Paseo del Bosque Trails
\nSugarite Canyon, Chicorica Boardwalk Trail<\/p>\n
\n14 miles southeast of Roswell, Bottomless Lakes State Park is 14 miles southeast of Roswell.\u00a0 The lakes are sinkholes, ranging from 17 to 90 feet deep.
\nHere is the Park website.<\/a> \u00a0Phone\u00a0 575-624-6058.\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>
\nThese trails are said to be flat and easy, but I am not sure about wheelchair use.\u00a0 Call first.
\n<\/a>?<\/strong> Bluff Trail 0.86 mile<\/p>\n<\/a>?<\/strong> Wetlands Trail 0.54 mile<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\nThe park is off the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. There are five miles of trails and “spectacular views of the Sandia, Ortiz, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. ”
\nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 505-474-0196\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>
\n<\/a>Village View Trail 0.2 mile<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\nElephant Butte is New Mexico’s largest state and has a 40,000 acre man-made lake on the Rio Grande.
\nHere is the Park website.<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0Description of the park in onlyinyourstate.<\/a>
\nPhone 575-744-5923
\n<\/a>West Lake Shore Trail<\/a> The trail is accessible for about 4 1\/2 miles south from the Monticello Campground.\u00a0 However, “…there are some sections of uneven surfaces and deep sand.”\u00a0 Call ahead to be sure of the areas suitable for you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\n<\/strong>Leesburg Dam on the Rio Grande and is just 25 minutes from\u00a0 Las Cruces There is a “cactus garden, several hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and birding.”
\nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone\u00a0 575-524-4068
\n<\/strong><\/a>Lower Mogollon Trail runs along the river and is a good place for birding.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Local<\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong><\/a>Paseo del Bosque Trail<\/a>\u00a016 miles of paved trail from the “north to the south edges of the metro area through the Rio Grande’s cottonwood bosque (forest).” \u00a0The trail passes through Rio Grande Valley State Park. \u00a0Photographic tour<\/a>\u00a0 Printable map<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\n<\/strong>Open Space and Trails<\/a> \u00a0 The County Trail Network<\/a> with links to trail descriptions.
\nLos Alamos Nature Center<\/a> opened May, 2015 and has rave reviews on Trip Advisor.<\/a> \u00a0 The Pajarito Environmental Education Center<\/a> \u00a0operates from here and has an intriguing program called “Gentle Walks”. \u00a0Give them a call \u00a0505-662-0460 see if any of these walks are within your capabilities. \u00a0 The Los Alamos Trails App<\/a> can be downloaded on Apple products, and will soon be available for Android, as well.
\n<\/a>Katherine Watson, executive director, writes that “…the only really accessible trail in Los Alamos is the paved Canyon Rim Trail. ” \u00a0Clifton Russell also mentioned this trail: “<\/span>In Los Alamos County, but not on the Forest, there is a very nice paved trail as you go into Los Alamos called the Canyon Rim trail.\u00a0 It is about 2 miles long and goes along the south side of the highway by the Airport.\u00a0 Lovely views over the canyon, wide, mostly level.\u00a0 A visitor would see the signs by the airport runway as they drive into town.”
\n<\/a>The North Bayo Bench Trail is a historic road ending at a viewpoint overlooking the orange-walled Bayo Canyon.\u00a0 3.2 miles
\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Private<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Miscellaneous<\/h2>\n