The best walks and hikes around Seton Village
4.5
(24)
269
hikers
20
hikes
Hiking around Seton Village offers routes through the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just south of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The landscape is characterized by piñon-juniper woodlands and natural-surface trails that ascend to viewpoints over the surrounding area. The region's trail network provides access to several prominent local hills and peaks.
Best hiking trails around Seton Village
- The most popular hiking route is the Atalaya Mountain Trail — Santa Fe National Forest, a 6.2 mile (10.0 km)…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4.3
(3)
25
hikers
8.92km
03:02
470m
470m
Embark on the Atalaya Mountain via Atalaya Trail and Dale Ball Trails Loop, a moderate hike that takes you through changing landscapes. You'll start among piñon and juniper trees, then…
7
hikers
6.85km
02:15
310m
310m
Embark on the Dale Ball Trails for a moderate hike through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains foothills. You will traverse varied terrain, moving from pinyon-juniper woodlands dotted with yucca and…
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3
hikers
9.48km
02:43
240m
210m
Embark on the Apache Canyon Loop, a moderate hike spanning 5.9 miles (9.5 km) with an elevation gain of 773 feet (236 metres). This route offers a rewarding experience that…
1
hikers
2.34km
00:44
150m
0m
Embark on an easy hike along the Saint John's Trail (174), a 1.5-mile (2.3 km) route that offers a quick escape into nature. You will gain 494 feet (151 metres)…
1
hikers
18.1km
04:43
120m
150m
Embark on a moderate hike along the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail, a 11.2 miles (18.1 km) route that offers a pleasant escape into nature. You will follow a predominantly…
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Tips from the Community
With 9,121 feet, Atalaya Mountain is one of the highest peaks around the city of Santa Fe. It is part of the Sangre de Cristo Range. Up here, you will be treated with a stunning view towards Santa Fe, Sun Mountain, Picacho Peak and Thompson Peak.
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Picacho Peak is one of the summits very close to the city of Santa Fe. The hike is short – of course depending on your starting location – but will be steep. The stunning view is worth the effort and you can enjoy a great sunset if you stay until nightfall.
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This is the southernmost trail head for the Dale Ball Trail system. The trail starts near St. John's College (there is parking specifically for the trail). Very easy access from downtown Santa Fe. Can't speak to public transportation, as walked to trail head (road has only occasional sidewalks, just fyi), but I did pass a couple of bus stops. Trail is well-marked, especially at the numbered junctions (at which there are also topography maps of the trails). There are also a number of trail heads and interlacing trails, so hikes or bike rides can be shorter or longer depending on what you want, even while out on the hills. On maps, this trail is called "St. John's Trail", but physical markers use the name "Atalaya Trail"; either way, you will follow markers for Trail 174. Lovely hike, with views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and back across Santa Fe. Website: https://sfct.org/dale-ball-trails/
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails around Seton Village suitable for families with children?
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. For an easy and relatively short walk through piñon and juniper woodland, consider the Dorothy Stewart Trail. It's a gentle loop that's great for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on the trails near Seton Village?
Most trails in the Santa Fe area, including those around Seton Village, are dog-friendly. However, they must be kept on a leash and you are expected to clean up after them. The extensive Dale Ball trail system is a popular choice for dog walkers.
Are there any circular or loop hikes available?
Yes, the area has some excellent loop trails. The Arroyo Hondo Open Space loop is a great choice, offering a pleasant walk without having to retrace your steps. Many routes within the Dale Ball Trails can also be combined to form loops.
What are the parking options for the main trailheads?
Parking is available at the primary trailheads for the Dale Ball Trails, Atalaya Mountain, and Sun Mountain. Popular spots like the St. John's College trailhead for Atalaya Mountain can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
What is the difficulty of the Sun Mountain Trail?
The Sun Mountain Trail is considered an easy hike, but it does feature a short, steep climb with some rocky switchbacks to reach the summit. The effort is rewarded with excellent views, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
Are there any waterfalls on the hiking trails?
The hiking trails immediately around Seton Village are in a dry, high-desert environment and do not typically feature waterfalls. The routes focus more on ascending to viewpoints through piñon-juniper woodlands.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Seton Village?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the stunning panoramic views of Santa Fe and the surrounding mountains, and the accessibility of the trail network from the city.
What kind of scenery can I expect when hiking near Seton Village?
The landscape is classic New Mexico high desert. Expect trails that wind through piñon-juniper and ponderosa pine forests in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. As you gain elevation, the trees give way to expansive, panoramic views of the Jemez Mountains and the city of Santa Fe below.
What is the best time of year to hike in this area?
Hiking is possible year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer mornings are also ideal, though afternoons can be very hot and are prone to thunderstorms. Winter hiking is possible, but trails can be icy or snowy, especially at higher elevations, so proper gear is essential.
Are there trails suitable for mountain biking?
Yes, many of the trails in the area are multi-use and popular with mountain bikers. The Dale Ball Trails, in particular, offer a fantastic network with a mix of smooth singletrack and more technical, rocky sections to suit various skill levels.
How challenging are the hikes around Seton Village?
There is a good mix of difficulties. You can find easy, relatively flat loops under 2.5 miles (4 km) as well as more moderate climbs with significant elevation gain. For a strenuous but rewarding challenge, the Atalaya Mountain Trail involves over 1,600 feet (500 m) of climbing.
What is the Dale Ball Trail system?
The Dale Ball Trails are an extensive, nearly 25-mile network of interconnected trails in the foothills southeast of Santa Fe. They are well-marked and offer a wide variety of routes for hiking and mountain biking, from easy strolls to challenging climbs like Picacho Peak. The Picacho Peak & Atayala Mountain loop is a popular route within this system.
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