Santa Fe Nat Hist

Managing agency

San Juan NF — Dolores RD

The Santa Fe Natural History Trail is a 21.6-mile out-and-back route located in Colorado. This trail features modest elevation gain of 205 feet, making it accessible for hikers seeking a longer distance hike without significant climbing demands. The relatively low elevation gain over the extended mileage means hikers will experience gentle terrain throughout much of the journey. As an out-and-back trail, you'll follow the same path returning to your starting point, allowing you to turn back at any distance that suits your fitness level and time constraints. This format makes it easy to customize your hike length by choosing how far to venture before heading back. The trail is managed by the local managing agency and falls within a designated wilderness or recreation area. Its long distance with minimal elevation gain makes it well-suited for hikers looking to build endurance or enjoy an extended day on the trail with manageable physical demands. The gentle grade allows for a more leisurely pace while covering significant mileage through the Colorado landscape.