- Northern New Mexico Loop NNML 2026 Day 1, June 18, Thursday
- Start Santa Fe Plaza
- End S1 12 near Headquarters Well, on BLM land
- Miles walked: 12
I did the Northern New Mexico Loop a few years ago, but the route has been updated to go near Taos, so I wanted to try the route again.
Refreshed from a night in Albuquerque, I make my way to the downtown train station to Santa Fe, pausing once to take a selfie at a pawn shop on-route famous for its eye-catching sculptures out front.
Santa Fe Plaza is a respite of shade, with several people resting on benches, people-watching.
The route follows a paved multiusee greenspace trail west along the Santa Fe “River”, now dry. The trail is also marked as “El Camino Real” hiking trail, after the historic trading route between Santa Fe and Mexico City.
Past the community of Agua Fria, the route crosses over a freeway and continues as a bikepath alongside Caja del Rio Road. I divert to a city golf course to grab more water in their restroom next to a restaurant.
Signs ata USFS trailhead describe El Camino Real. The trailhead has a shelter and toilets, and I pause for dinner.
The USFS land here is limited to day-use by special posted order, but BLM land is nearby, where I camp.
Finished audiobook The Red Harvest, by Dashiel Hammett.