Join the Third Annual

New Mexico Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025

The Peaks of the New Mexico Challenge

Cerro Grande – Elevation 10,165′

Enjoy spectacular views of the Valles Caldera National Preserve as you hike to the highest point of the Bandelier National Monument. There is a fee to enter the Bandelier National Monument.

Recommended Six-Pack route: Cerro Grande
Distance 4.6 miles; Vertical 1,200 feet

Mount Taylor – Elevation 11,316′ (1,741m)

Head west and escape civilization to hike the tallest peak in the San Mateo range. Mount Taylor is a large extinct volcano that offers excellent views of the Cibola National Forest. Check the recent hike logs to make sure the five mile dirt road to the trailhead is in good condition.

Recommended Six-Pack route: Gooseberry Trail
Distance 6.2 miles; Vertical 2,017 feet

Deception and Lake Peaks – Elevation 12,373′

Two peaks for the price of one! Hike to the top of Ski Santa Fe and earn fantastic views as you bag Deception and Lake Peak. These peaks can be combined with Santa Fe Baldy for an epic three peak day.

Recommended Six-Pack route: Deception and Lake Peak
Distance 6.6 miles; Vertical 2,601 feet

Lobo Peak – Elevation 12,115′

Sharing a name with the University of New Mexico mascot this peak is ferocious no matter which trail you choose to take to the top. With four routes to the top you can choose your route up or make it a loop.

Recommended Six-Pack routes:
Manzanita Canyon Trail
Distance 11.0 miles; Vertical 3,812 feet
Italianos Canyon Trail
Distance 11.6 miles; Vertical 3,772 feet
Yerba Canyon Trail
Distance 9.1 miles; Vertical 3,914 feet

Sandia Crest – Elevation 10,679′ (3,255m)

Ever-present on the Albuquerque skyline the hike to the top of Sandia Crest will be a leg burner gaining 3,572 feet on the 6.8 mile climb. You can save your knees and buy a ticket down on the tramway.

Recommended Six-Pack route: La Luz Trail
Distance 13.3 miles; Vertical 3,572 feet

Santa Fe Baldy – Elevation 12,621′

Starting at the Santa Fe Ski Basin hike up into the alpine along the Winsor trail. Additionally, check off the Santa Fe county highpoint when you summit this peak.

Recommended Six-Pack route: Winsor Trail
Distance 13.5 miles; Vertical 3,517 feet

Wheeler Peak – Elevation 13,167′

Summit the tallest peak in New Mexico and cap off your Six-Pack of Peaks challenge with Wheeler Peak. At 13,167 feet Wheeler Peak is one of the 100 tallest peaks in the United States and offers spectacular views of the Sanger de Cristo Mountains.

Recommended Six-Pack route: Williams Lake Trail
Distance 8.5 miles; Vertical 2,972 feet