The Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico is home to stunning scenery, vivid blue skies, and an abundance of hiking trails. Each time I visit New Mexico, I am reminded why the state is known as the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico is home to a range of stunning landscapes from high plains and deserts to mountains. The contrast of these landscapes, combined with vibrant sunsets help the state live up to its name. Among the many beautiful hikes in the Santa Fe National Forest is the Norski Trail.
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Norski Trail Location & Topography
The trailhead for the Norski Trail and Cross Country Ski Track is located on Hyde Park Road, 14.7 miles northeast of downtown Santa Fe, near the Santa Fe Ski Basin. The trail is a 1.9 -2.5 mile loop, beginning and ending at the same location on Hyde Park Road. The trail is open to hikers year round, and cross country skiers in the winter months. See the topographic map below highlighting the Norski Trail and surrounding area (image credit Topozone).
Norski Trail | Elevation
The Norski Trail is open year-round, comprised of gently rolling topography through aspen and pine forest. Elevation gain is approximately 177 feet. The map below from topographic-map.com highlights the elevation of the Norski Trail and surrounding Santa Fe National Forest. Note the legend at right indicating higher elevations in red and white, and lower elevations in green and blue.
I last hiked this trail in mid-September, a few weeks before the aspens put on their autumn show. I’m certain this trail is beautiful in any season. I would love to make a return visit and hike in October when the aspens are in full color!
Native Plants of the Santa Fe National Forest
The Norski Trail is home to an abundance of seasonal wildflowers. Below you’ll find a handful of the wildflowers and unique fungi I observed during my mid-September hike. The native wild geranium is a tiny, delicate flower that dots the forest floor. My personal favorites are the native Paintbrush with its vivid paintbrush-like fiery red petals, and Fireweed, with its three dimensional structure and beautiful purple-pink flowers.
Wildlife of the Santa Fe National Forest
Native birds and other animals of the Santa Fe National Forest are supported by numerous habitats within the forest. I did not observe much wildlife on my midday hike, but did note a few birds, most of which I could not identify as a Midwest native! Wildlife you might expect to see on the trail includes mule deer, grouse, quail, and doves. I observed this beautiful gray Canada Jay, the only bird I could successfully capture video of!
For detailed trail maps of the Norski Trail and thousands of others in the Santa Fe National Forest and across the country, explore AllTrails.
Nearby New Mexico Adventures
If you’re in search of a unique adventure in New Mexico, consider a visit to Capulin Volcano National Monument in Northeastern New Mexico. Located in northeast New Mexico, this extinct cinder cone volcano is part of the 8,000 square mile, 9 million year old Raton-Clayton volcanic field. Capulin Volcano National Monument is a fascinating place to visit! Read more in my 2025 article: Explore the Beauty of Capulin Volcano National Monument, New Mexico.
Enjoy your hike on the scenic Norski Trail!
-Erin
