Santa Fe to Taos Trail Section 1 Day 1 & 2 | Santa Fe Plaza to Santa Fe Ski Basin

Join me as I hike Day 1 and 2 on the incredible Santa Fe to Taos Trail — one of New Mexico’s newest long-distance hiking routes!

This 132-mile thru-hike connects Santa Fe to Taos through the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains, combining rugged singletrack trails, forest roads, wilderness travel, and stunning mountain scenery along the way.

This trail offers an amazing transition from the historic streets of Santa Fe into the high mountain forests of northern New Mexico. Along the route, I passed through beautiful pine forests, scenic canyon trails, and some of the most peaceful backcountry in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Trail at a Glance
Distance: Approximately 132 miles
Start: Santa Fe Plaza
Finish: Taos Plaza
Elevation Range: Roughly 7,000 feet to over 12,000 feet
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: Around 35,000 feet
Typical Completion Time: 7–14 days for thru-hikers, though many hikers complete it one section at a time.

The Santa Fe to Taos Trail is part of my OV100 Challenge for 2026. #OV100Challenge

If you enjoy backpacking, thru-hiking, wilderness camping, New Mexico hiking trails, and outdoor adventure videos, make sure to subscribe and follow along for the rest of the journey!

Backpacking Equipment List: #backpacking #hiking #newmexico

Backpack:
Durston Kakwa 55 - https://durstongear.com/products/kakwa-55
Durston Kakwa 40 - https://durstongear.com/products/kakwa-40-backpack

Shelter:
Kammok Kuli Ultralight Tarp - https://www.rei.com/product/163193/kammok-kuhli-ultralight-weather-shelter
Tent - Durston X-Mid 2 - https://durstongear.com/products/x-mid-2-tent-ultralight-backpacking?variant=48553088418083
Hyperlight Mid1 - https://hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/mid-1-tent

Sleep system:
Outdoor Vitals - StormLoft™ Down TopQuilt - https://outdoorvitals.com/products/update-stormloft-0-30-f-down-topquilt-sleeping-bag
Sleeping Pad - (REI) - NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad - https://www.rei.com/product/228437/nemo-tensor-extreme-conditions-ultralight-insulated-sleeping-pad
Foam Pad - (Garage Grown Gear) - Thinlight Foam Pad - 1/8" by Gossamer Gear - https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/thinlight-foam-pad-1-8-by-gossamer-gear?_pos=1&_sid=69b443ece&_ss=r

Electronics:
FLEXTAILGEAR 10000mAh Power Bank - Amazon

Extra Gear:
Trekking Poles - Durston Iceland Trekking Poles - https://durstongear.com/products/kakwa-40-backpack
Zipper-Pull Hiking Thermometer - https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/zipper-pull-thermometer-by-thermodrop?_pos=1&_psq=Zipper-Pull+Hiking+Thermometer&_ss=e&_v=1.0
GGG Sit Pad - https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/sit-pads?_pos=2&_sid=467ad9bef&_ss=r
Mazama Mini M!GO Bottle - 3.9oz - https://mazamadesigns.com/collections/bottles/products/mini-m-go-bottle
Mazama M!GO Bottle - 4.6oz - https://mazamadesigns.com/collections/bottles/products/m-go-bottle
Zpacks Umbrella (GGG) -https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/lotus-ul-umbrella-by-zpacks?_pos=3&_sid=7d2e4a0e3&_ss=r
Durston Z-Flick Tent pole - https://durstongear.com/products/z-flick-tent-pole
Sawyer Squeeze w/ 2L Blatter - https://www.rei.com/product/247832/sawyer-squeeze-water-filtration-system-with-cnoc-premium-2-liter-bladder
Med Kit Bag - https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/first-aid-pouch-by-space-bear-bags?_pos=5&_sid=040dbc185&_ss=r
Zipper Pouches (Poop Kit) - Hilltop Packs - Zipper Pouches - Printed by Hilltop Packs
Derma-Safe Folding Knife by Derma-Safe - https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/derma-safe-knife-by-derma-safe?_pos=1&_sid=4239d5fc6&_ss=r
Stake pusher Jereko Gear - https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/driver-by-jereko-gear?_pos=3&_sid=a5dc3df16&_ss=r
Nitecore headlamp (GGG) - https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/nitecore-nu25-360-lumen-usb-rechargeable-headlamp-by-nitecore?_pos=1&_sid=ec3ded925&_ss=r
Smart water tube adapter 2.4oz - Amazon
Disclaimer: This Video is not sponsored.

#dayhikes #backpacking #hiking #mountainviews #hike #wildlife

OnX Backcountry - https://www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/app
Garmin InReach Subscription plans - https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/837461/pn/010-04016-SU/
Garmin InReach Mini 2 (REI) - https://www.rei.com/product/208257/garmin-inreach-mini-2
Seatosummit Airlite Towel - https://seatosummit.com/products/airlite-towel