Together they cover 3.1 million acres and offer more than 1,300 miles of trails and 63 campgrounds. Bandelier Cliffside Within the Santa Fe National Forest are the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the volcanic Jemez Mountains, which both provide the largest number of hiking trails and campgrounds in the state. Bandelier National Monument, near Los Alamos, makes for an educational day trip into the Jemez Mountains. On paved hiking trails, you can explore ancient cliff dwellings and kivas, or hike into the rugged backcountry and wilderness. There is also a campground located within the monument.
Scenic cliffs rise on either side of the spectacular canyon.
Both parks offer campgrounds. As you journey eastward, the mountains taper off into the wide-open high plains. Most of the eastern corridor of the state comprises the western edge of the nation's Great Plains. As much of the northeast region is privately held land, there are few trails, but you'll find plenty of campgrounds near lakes and rivers. Back to Top Northwest El Malpais National Conservation Area El Malpais National Natural Rock Formation Situated atop the Colorado Plateau, the Four Comers region features the only point in the United States where four state boundaries touch.