Dale Ball Trails
Dale Ball Trails
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
152 reviews
Excellent
105
Very good
39
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Brian D
Asheville, NC1,826 contributions
Aug 2022
We really enjoyed exploring the Dale Ball Trails. We went early in the morning so it was not too hot. If you go later in the day make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. It can get really hot.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
montanapescado
Albuquerque, NM962 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
There are actually three groups of Dale Ball Trails (North, Central, and South). In general, they get more challenging from North to South. Central has the most exposed areas, so North is a better option on sunny days, where gou get a little more shade. All trails make for good hikes or mountain bike rides. Trails are generally well marked. The area is pretty but not spectacular. On many trails you remain within earshot of the road or in view of adjacent residential areas.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zoom_Gotti
Henderson, NV1,404 contributions
Aug 2022
System of mountain trails both north and south in Santa Fe. Hyde Park Road would be the main access for the north section, then Sierra Del Norte. Parking is available at the trailhead. Best access with parking for south sector would be at St. John's College. Hikes range from dog walks to steep climbs. Many of the trails interconnect with one another. this time I did the north section on about a two mile loop, parking to parking. Nice views and not too taxing. You could come here every day for two weeks or more and do a different hike each time.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
zombienic
Minnesota1,231 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We walked on a couple of the trails here. Somehow we got turned around and ended up on a trail that was closed so had to turn around and head back. There were no signs at the start of the trail saying that it just ends abruptly. A lot of reviews state that the trails are well-marked but not the ones we were on! We ended up on another trail that ended up on the road so we had to duck under a fence to get back to the trail. I'm sure if you head up the mountain the trails are probably better but we were on the side with dirt. Trails were interesting tho and lots if levels. The highlight was a very good doggo who was with his owner who was running ahead of him. I took a picture, if this is your dog he was very well behaved and made us smile! Parking was very tight, we had to park sideways as all the spots were taken and it was a bit hairy getting out but we managed!
Written April 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Samhp77
Phoenix, AZ148 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Conveniently located just outside of the city near canyon road. I really enjoyed the challenge of biking on these trails. If you are from lower elevations like me just be aware that the air can be thinner and you become short of breath sooner than you think like I did. I would rate these trails highly for hiking and biking (more for those with at least an intermediate skill level). Great views of the National Forest.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa440
Cleveland, OH101 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
This is a great place to start hiking to acclimate to the higher altitudes in New Mexico.
We hiked up to Picacho Peak (before doing Atalaya). This is a moderate trail with lots of switch backs. The views of Sante Fe are awesome at the top. We went in the morning so it was not crowded but there are quite a few trails to choose from so it probably would not matter what time of day you go. Take plenty of water and enjoy!!
We hiked up to Picacho Peak (before doing Atalaya). This is a moderate trail with lots of switch backs. The views of Sante Fe are awesome at the top. We went in the morning so it was not crowded but there are quite a few trails to choose from so it probably would not matter what time of day you go. Take plenty of water and enjoy!!
Written October 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MnVan
Saint Anthony, MN99 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
These hikes are five or ten minutes from downtown/Old Town Santa Fe, so you have lots of company, and most of the views are of the city below. Yet the hike we took - 4-5 miles - felt almost remote in spots and offered a great desert experience. The trails themselves can be a workout (a good thing). The people we met were pleasant, as were the dogs. The mountain bikers we met were very courteous. Perhaps there is an advantage to being around 70 on a trail, or were the people just nice to everyone? No way to know.
Many people on the hiking sites point out that driving another 15 minutes to Santa Fe Ski Mountain gets you into the more remote and amazing vistas of the Sangre de Christos, but those hikes looked too long for the time we had.
Many people on the hiking sites point out that driving another 15 minutes to Santa Fe Ski Mountain gets you into the more remote and amazing vistas of the Sangre de Christos, but those hikes looked too long for the time we had.
Written September 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MaryEllenM27
Kalispell, MT17,242 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
This is a popular hike or run...and actually one of the only Santa Fe hikes that is near to town on the far east edge. Its busy...most of the time, but there are a lot of free-running dogs and owners who do not clean up after them. Views are average and the area scrubby & dusty. We often consider a good long hike along the paved streets and neighborhoods to be more rewarding and interesting. Better hikes are outside of town...Tent Rocks, Bandelier National Monument, Pecos Ruins. Those are worth the drive if you have time. Otherwise...Dale Ball Trails it is.
Written December 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Huhwhatduh
Fort Walton Beach, FL81 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
We are currently living in the FL Panhandle, and hiking at 9000 feet can be a daunting experience with very little preparation. Be a bit wary of your capability, as it can be hard to gather enough molecules of oxygen at this altitude to handle big ascents.
The trailhead was in a well-marked parking area (Get there early... the parking lot is big, but may fill up). We hiked in December, a very warm one, according to everyone. We had a single fleece and base layer, and were warm enough with the exertion to be very comfortable
There is no water on the routes (after the small stream at the start). Bring the appropriate amount of water that you would need. We used poles to stay steady. There are sections with roots, and a small amount of scree.
We climbed Picacho Peak, and had a wonderful view at the summit. All Trails has these trails marked out and there is good cell service to follow you on the trail.
The trailhead is just a few miles out of the center of town...we were parked at the trailhead within 10 minutes of leaving the hotel.
Enjoy!
The trailhead was in a well-marked parking area (Get there early... the parking lot is big, but may fill up). We hiked in December, a very warm one, according to everyone. We had a single fleece and base layer, and were warm enough with the exertion to be very comfortable
There is no water on the routes (after the small stream at the start). Bring the appropriate amount of water that you would need. We used poles to stay steady. There are sections with roots, and a small amount of scree.
We climbed Picacho Peak, and had a wonderful view at the summit. All Trails has these trails marked out and there is good cell service to follow you on the trail.
The trailhead is just a few miles out of the center of town...we were parked at the trailhead within 10 minutes of leaving the hotel.
Enjoy!
Written December 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve F
Bellevue, WA1,035 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
We had a nice walk here as an alternative to the gallery strolling in town. There is an extensive network of trails (tip: take a photo of the map at the trailhead). The vegetation was pretty even in November.
Written November 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kasey J
Amarillo, TX
My gf and I are beginner bikers. What trailhead would y'all suggest to start at?
Is it possible to get a 45ft bus up there and there and turn around is it advisable to take a bus in there
Unpossible
Albuquerque, NM181 contributions
At the parking lot on the way to the ski area Santa Cruz did a demo day and had a couple big pick-ups and trailers in there. If it's empty I think probably. If there are a bunch of cars, it might be tight. You could try giving the City a call. They may know. You could also eye-ball it on google maps.
myrahu2016
Davis, CA
Any public transport access to trails for visitors without car rental?
Michael Guy
Santa Fe, NM2 contributions
Depending on where you are staying ask the front desk if they have a shuttle to dale ball would be your best bet.No there is no public transport
runner333371
Denver, CO19 contributions
My husband and I are 66 years old and in good shape. We hike here in Colorado and other states. We will have about 5 hours this Monday to hike in Santa Fe. Moderate-easy hikes are good. Any suggestions?? Thank you! ilene
jwesthere
Sacramento, CA80 contributions
I'm 69 and had no trouble hiking the Dale Ball trails, in fact, it was a highlight of the trip. Just watch out for dog poop left over from unthinking dog owners. The usual precautions of sun screen, hats, water etc. Go for it.
runner333371
Denver, CO19 contributions
My husband and I will have about 5 hours to hike on the 11th. We are in good shape and 66 years old. What trail do you recommend? We do hike where we live in Colorado and of course have hiked in other states as well. Moderate level is fine...or easy! thank you ! Ilene
Ellen B
Santa Fe, NM50 contributions
I am also in my 60"s and think that you might find this a bit boring. Perhaps you might try the Atalya hike (sp?). It is
Assessable via St John's college
Parking lot. You might also like Aspen Vista which is off the Hyde Park road, that's the road that goes to the ski hill. Both hikes offer nice vistas at the top.
Have fun and as you know bring plenty of waster.
Dale Ball Trails (Santa Fe) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Dale Ball Trails
- Hotels near Dale Ball Trails:
- (2.48 mi) Inn of the Turquoise Bear
- (2.08 mi) The Madeleine
- (2.41 mi) Casa Cuma Bed & Breakfast
- (2.51 mi) Four Kachinas Inn
- (2.43 mi) Inn of the Five Graces
- Restaurants near Dale Ball Trails:
- (1.76 mi) Geronimo
- (2.24 mi) Kakawa Chocolate House
- (2.41 mi) Sazón
- (1.69 mi) The Teahouse
- (2.57 mi) Sassella