Dog Friendly Santa Fe/New Mexico
September 12, 2020 8:31 AM Subscribe
My elderly dog and I are going stir crazy. We live in Albuquerque N.M. USA. We'd like to take a drive this week, and do something outdoors and socially distant. Special needs after the jump.
We're looking for a drive of no more than about an hour from Albuquerque and not interested in things that are actually in Albuquerque. Dog is old, has tender paws and arthritis, likes water features and grass, somewhere to (slowly) chase a ball. We're looking for outdoor, dog friendly parks, or short trails, water features, sculpture gardens etc. and maybe a suggestion for somewhere to get a takeout lunch to eat in a park or something. Basically a nice, not too challenging, outdoor day for an older dog and her person who just can not sit around the house for one more day.
We're looking for a drive of no more than about an hour from Albuquerque and not interested in things that are actually in Albuquerque. Dog is old, has tender paws and arthritis, likes water features and grass, somewhere to (slowly) chase a ball. We're looking for outdoor, dog friendly parks, or short trails, water features, sculpture gardens etc. and maybe a suggestion for somewhere to get a takeout lunch to eat in a park or something. Basically a nice, not too challenging, outdoor day for an older dog and her person who just can not sit around the house for one more day.
Best answer: I spent more than a decade living in the beautiful Jemez Mountains north of Albuquerque. If you are willing to drive 90 minutes, I recommend heading up to Las Conchas Trailhead in the Jemez, where you will be treated to a gorgeous, verdant river canyon at 8,200 feet (cooler than Albuquerque), surrounded by ponderosa pine forest. It's flat, relaxing, easy, is stunningly scenic, and you and the elder dog will love strolling through the narrow and shallow (less than knee-deep) East Fork of the Jemez River. Or you can walk on the trail next to the river. Dogs are welcome. You just park along the highway, and you can walk for just a couple hundred feet or hike for several miles along the river. It's such a special place. Just don't go there on the weekend -- it's much too crowded.
Here's an article in the Santa Fe New Mexican about the hike, with lovely photos
This is the official Santa Fe National Forest page about it
And here is the Google Maps link to it
posted by fenwaydirtdog at 3:35 PM on September 12, 2020 [4 favorites]
Here's an article in the Santa Fe New Mexican about the hike, with lovely photos
This is the official Santa Fe National Forest page about it
And here is the Google Maps link to it
posted by fenwaydirtdog at 3:35 PM on September 12, 2020 [4 favorites]
I also live in Albuquerque. I took one of my dogs to FireWater Lodge for a week in Truth or Consequences. I stayed in one of their newer rooms, which has great wifi and their own big healing waters tubs, and they allow a well-behaved dog. I spent a week working during the day and walking along the river and their tiny downtown. If you want to get away for a few days, it's worth it.
posted by answergrape at 4:55 PM on September 19, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by answergrape at 4:55 PM on September 19, 2020 [1 favorite]
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You might also try the dry wash near St. Johns college.
The Rail Trail was my favorite place to take my 8 y.o. dog at the time. A gentile walk near the tracks and in and out of washes.
posted by nickggully at 9:52 AM on September 12, 2020 [1 favorite]