New Mexico canyon

New Mexico Trails

Run where the desert meets the mountains. Over five fully supported days, explore red-rock mesas, sculpted canyons, high-country forests, and sweeping ridgelines across New Mexico—with the logistics handled and no race clock in sight.

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Destination

New Mexico

Dates

Apr 24–Apr 28, 2027

Group size

10-15

Difficulty level

Moderate

Learn how we grade difficulty levels

This adventure is still being developed. The routes and experiences below capture the character of the trip, but the final itinerary, lodging, mileage, and daily sequence are subject to change based on permits, access, weather, and trail conditions.

Request a brochure to receive the complete itinerary, pricing, and first access when reservations open.

Spend five days running, eating, and unwinding through a landscape that changes dramatically from one trail to the next. We’ll move from the vivid mesas and canyons of Abiquiú into the cooler, pine-covered high country around Los Alamos, with a potential final outing among the high ridgelines of the Sandia Mountains.

Most of our primary runs will be approximately 6–10 miles, with 1,000–2,000 feet of elevation gain over rocky singletrack, open mesa terrain, forest trails, and sustained climbs. Many routes will take place between roughly 7,000 and 9,000 feet, adding another dimension to the experience.

This is challenge without race pressure. We’ll hike the steep sections, settle into comfortable efforts, regroup often, stop for photos, and give ourselves time to experience the landscape—not simply move through it.

Between runs, expect satisfying meals, relaxed afternoons, local flavor, intentional recovery, and easy evenings with a small group of people who genuinely enjoy spending time on trails.

Itinerary

Day 1: Settle Into the High Desert

After a designated airport pickup, we’ll make the scenic journey into northern New Mexico and settle into our base for the adventure. An optional shakeout run will help everyone loosen up, adjust to the elevation, and get their first taste of the high-desert landscape before a relaxed welcome dinner.

Day 2: Mesa Country: Kitchen Mesa and Chimney Rock

One of our signature outings will explore the remarkable terrain around Kitchen Mesa and Chimney Rock. Expect colorful canyon walls, punchy climbs, rocky trail, and wide-open views from above the desert floor.

This is the kind of run where the landscape encourages frequent pauses. We’ll make room for photos, trail conversation, and time to appreciate the scale, color, and geology that make this part of New Mexico so distinctive.

Day 3: High Country Above Los Alamos

The terrain around Pajarito Mountain and Los Alamos offers a dramatic contrast to the open desert. Here, we’ll trade red rock for cooler air, tall pines, mountain singletrack, and high-elevation miles through the Jemez landscape.

Day 4: Rim Country

Rim Vista brings us back to the openness of the high desert, with mesa-top terrain and sweeping views toward the Chama River Canyon. The route combines runnable stretches with enough climbing and varied footing to keep things interesting.

Afterward, we’ll slow the pace with a good meal and a more relaxed afternoon—time to recover, explore, or simply enjoy being somewhere beautiful without another obligation waiting.

Highlights

Amazing high desert and mountain scenery

Explore red-rock mesas, sculpted canyons, ponderosa forest, mountain singletrack, and high ridgelines within one carefully curated trip.

A once in a lifetime opportunity to share trails with likeminded folks in a beautiful location on gorgeous trails

Share the trails, meals, and downtime with a welcoming group of runners—without the crowds or intensity of a race weekend.

Local Food and Flavor

Enjoy nourishing breakfasts and lunches, memorable dinners, and opportunities to experience the communities surrounding the trails.

Logistics Handled

We coordinate designated airport transfers, daily trail transportation, route planning, permits, meals, and group logistics so you can focus on the experience.

Check Availability

Have questions? Let's talk.

What's Included

Included

  • 5 Days, 4 Nights Lodging
  • All ground transportation (to/from the airport; and to all trail activities/runs)
  • All meals, including dinners out on the town (alcohol not included)
  • 5 unique, supported trail runs showcasing New Mexico's high desert landscapes 6-10 miles per day
  • Trail snacks and water during runs
  • JoyBound Adventures and sponsor swag

Not Included

  • Flights to/from Albuquerque or Santa Fe
  • Alcohol at meals
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal purchases
  • Gratuities for local staff (at your discretion)
  • Personal running gear and equipment

FAQs

Is the itinerary final? +

Not yet. This page is a preview of the landscapes and routes we are planning to include. The final itinerary may adjust trail order, distance, or location based on permits, access, weather, trail conditions, and group needs. Registered runners will receive complete details well before departure.

Why choose a running tour in New Mexico? +

Our small group run tour features epic, off-the-beaten-track trail running, delicious meals, nonstop views, and opportunities to relax with a local brew. If you’re looking to unplug, immerse yourself in nature, and log some unforgettable miles, this running adventure is perfect for you.

What's included in the running trip cost? +

The trip price includes pre-trip communication, airport transfers, all accommodation, all meals from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 6, transportation, drivers, experienced running guides, organized runs, all trail permits/fees and JoyBound Adventures swag.

Essentially, everything is covered from the moment you land until you depart your running adventure!

What isn't included in this running trip cost? +

The cost does not include alcohol, tips, personal purchases, or transport to/from unscheduled destinations.

How far do I need to be able to run? +

Trail runners of varying abilities are welcome to the camp. We are able to accommodate varying paces; however, we would like you to arrive to camp ready to run 8-11 miles each day with roughly 1000-2000 feet of gain.  If you're still unsure about pace, please contact us directly and we can help you decide.

What sort of terrain will we be running on? +

Terrain can be technical and rocky and most trails run are in the back-country.

Our goal for each run is to show you some of the most beautiful trails in Northern New Mexico. You can expect varying terrain; rocky and smooth terrain, single-track, mud, jaw-dropping views, technicolor landscapes, and much more!

Our lodging sits at roughly 6500 feet and most of our runs will be spent between an elevation of 7000-9000 feet. You might feel slightly affected by the thinner air.

What will we do when we aren't running? +

The afternoons will include a variety of activities including: workshops, site seeing, and relaxing at camp.  Exciting evening activities will include special events, campfires, beer, and dining together at some of the best restaurants/breweries in Santa Fe and the surrounding area.

What is the weather like for running in New Mexico? +

Expect highs around 70°F and lows around 45°F. The climate is very dry with abundant sunshine and strong sun exposure.

https://www.wunderground.com/calendar/us/nm/los-alamos/KLAM/date/2026-10

What is the cancellation policy for JoyBound Adventures? +

We’ve done our best to create a cancellation policy that balances flexibility with our advance costs. For detailed information on cancellations, transfers, and refunds, please review our full Booking Terms & Conditions. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover potential cancellations.

What sort of food will we be eating? +

Enjoy a variety of fresh, local cuisine throughout your New Mexico trip. A healthy breakfast each morning, delicious lunches, and evening dinners out on the town are all provided.

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