One of our sources to find new trails to hike can be found on a facebook page “Hiking in New Mexico”. I love to pore over the stories of fellow hikers as they post their photos and provide information on the status of the trails, the road and weather conditions and maps. We actively seek out trails that aren’t well known, low foot traffic and of course beautiful scenery. The information we find from “Hiking in NM” is sometimes better than AllTrails. I came across a post for Red Rock Trails and immediately wanted to hike this trail. You’ll need to purchase a permit at the Walatowa Visitor Center which is located within the Jemez Pueblo on Hwy 4 open daily between 9 am – 4 pm. It’s a short trail only about 1.5 miles and showcases the Walatowa Red Rocks with a side trail leading to a gorgeous slot canyon. Every time we think we’ve found everything to explore in Jemez, we discover another gem.
The entrance to the trailhead.
This area reminds me of Sedona, AZ with the Red Rock formations. This particular one looks like Bell Rock in Sedona.
The trail is nicely marked and easy to walk on.
Looking out at the distant hillside landscapes.
Natures artwork, each formation has it’s own unique personality.
I came across this rock with navy blue lichen. The purple wildflower that draped over it was so pretty!
Off to the right is the entrance to the slot canyon.
Joe, my kid at heart!
The colors change depending on where the sun hits inside the canyon. Sometimes it’s dark red, here it’s displayed in shades of gold and orange.
Hope you enjoyed Red Rocks Trail and Slot Canyon. The memories you capture while exploring nature will last a lifetime.
An Inspired Cook 
7 thoughts on “Red Rocks Trails”
Kathy
We were up there last summer and it was beautiful. Have never heard of this trail-another reason to go again!
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NativeNM
We love to go day tripping in Jemez, there’s so many trails to explore, cooler temps and so beautiful. We loved this trail, it was short and easy but so enjoyable. And we had time to get further up in the mountains for another hike before heading home.
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Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen
What amazing scenes! I’m sure in person it is breathtaking!
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NativeNM
It definitely is breathtaking! We hiked these trails a few weeks ago but now we are now experiencing a heat wave that is keeping us at home. It’s starting out at 80 degrees at 6 am so we can’t even get out for a short walk before it gets too hot to handle.
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Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen
I’ve been seeing those temperatures! All these extremes! Stay cool, and I’ll try to stay dry.
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Karen (Back Road Journal)
The canyon with just enough room to walk through is so interesting. I’m always amazed at what a great sculpture nature is.
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NativeNM
This was always my dream to move back and explore NM. We have found some amazing places through social media we might not have found otherwise. We are having fun and it’s wonderful to hear that others enjoy nature as much as we do.
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