5 Tips For Backpacking In New Mexico

If you enjoy hiking and camping, then backpacking New Mexico is the adventure for you! With multi-day backpacking trips, you can enjoy a new campsite every night as well as multiple scenic spots throughout the day as you hike through New Mexico’s picturesque forests, striking badlands, and remarkable deserts. Whether you’re looking for one night out in nature or beginning your multi-month hike of the Continental Divide Trail here are some tips to make the most of your backpacking trip.

1. Create A Plan

Of course, this goes without saying before you go into the backcountry but so many details can be forgotten when you’re excited to begin your trek. Planning your trip from start to finish will ensure everything will go smoothly without any hiccups.

Once you have decided where you are backpacking in New Mexico, purchase a detailed topographic map, and if available a guidebook, to determine the water sources, elevation gains, and drops, campsites for the evening, and if there are any private land boundaries. If you aren’t doing an out-and-back or loop trail, make sure you have set up a shuttle system to get you back at the end of your trip.

Always plan for the worst weather possible but also pay attention to the forecast before you head out to make sure a large storm is not on its way.

2. Know & Check Your Gear

The last thing you want to do is hike for 10 miles, go to set up your tent and realize you forgot the poles. Always mock your sleep setup and camp before you pack all your gear up to make sure that you know how and have everything to get a good night’s rest after a long day of hiking.

Test all your gear before you hit the trail to ensure that you know how to use your water filter, hang up your bear bag or properly tighten your pack. Small things are easy to forget such as a lighter for your camp stove or an extra pair of socks.

There are multiple pack lists online to cross reference and make sure you aren’t forgetting any small details. One of the most important things you can pack, yet hopefully never use, is a first aid kit and familiarize yourself with how to use it.

3. Don’t Overpack

Packing more than you will need means extra weight that you need to carry the entire trip. As someone who lugged a 65lb pack for their first backpacking trip I know this all too well.

They always say that you pack your fears. So, if feeling hungry is something you don’t want to experience while backpacking in New Mexico, look at the food you’ve packed. If being cold is your fear maybe you packed a few too many layers for the climate, you’ll be encountering.

Planning out meals and water refill stations is a small but easy way to cut weight. You only need the essentials and the more you can pair down the more your back will thank you later.

4. Be Respectful Of Nature

Make sure to always follow Leave No Trace principles when enjoying our public lands. You should pack out all your trash and leave campsites better than you found them. Check local ordinances about fire bans in the area you’ll be traveling to. Give wildlife its space and always observe from a respectful and safe distance. As they say, “Take only pictures, leave only footprints”.

5. Have Fun!

There is nothing better than grounding yourself, stepping out of your daily routine and sleeping amongst the stars. Take full advantage of your time in nature and make the most of your trip by enjoying even the small frustrations you’ll encounter. Every backpacking trip results in stories to share for a lifetime!

We hope you have a wonderful adventure in New Mexico’s stunning wilderness areas.

After hitting the trails, cool off with New Mexico River Adventures on a variety of Rio Grande whitewater rafting trips. From family-friendly to thrilling whitewater, there’s a trip for everyone. Book your trip online today!