Exploring the Trails of Bishop’s Lodge: A Walking Guide to Northern New Mexico’s Quiet Beauty

One of the most special things about Bishop’s Lodge isn’t just the history or the architecture — it’s what surrounds it. Step outside the lodge and you’re immediately connected to a network of trails that gently (and sometimes not so gently) pull you into the high desert landscape of Northern New Mexico. Pinyon and juniper forests, wide-open vistas, soft creek crossings, and long moments of quiet make these trails as restorative as they are beautiful.

Whether you’re looking for a quick morning walk, a scenic sunset hike, or a longer adventure into the Santa Fe National Forest, the Bishop’s Lodge trail system offers something for every pace.

Tesuque Vista Trail

Easy | 0.7 miles | ~40 minutes | Elevation gain: 182 feet

Perfect for a short, scenic outing, the Tesuque Vista Trail is a gentle alternative to the more rugged Horizon Trail. The path winds through arroyos and open terrain, gradually revealing expansive views of the surrounding hills and distant mountain ranges.

The trailhead sits just past the Horizons Trailhead on the Bishop’s Lodge grounds and connects with Road and Ecola Lane before ending in a quiet residential area. It’s an ideal choice if you’re easing into hiking, traveling with kids, or simply craving fresh air without a major commitment.

Mesa Trail

Easy to Moderate | 0.9 miles | ~40 minutes | Starting elevation: 7,130 feet

The Mesa Trail begins on a gravel road near the resort’s main entrance and quickly rewards hikers with sweeping views overlooking Bishop’s Lodge and the surrounding valley. After passing through yellow gates at the trailhead, the path meanders through pinyon and juniper forest, offering a peaceful, shaded walk.

This out-and-back trail eventually merges with the Little Tesuque Creek Trail, making it a great option if you want to extend your hike or explore deeper into the trail system.

Little Tesuque Creek Trail

Easy to Moderate | 1.5 miles | ~1 hour | Elevation gain: ~100 feet

Starting near the Tesuque Ridge Building, this trail follows the gentle curves of Little Tesuque Creek through forested terrain. The sound of water and the soft canopy of trees make this one of the most calming walks in the area.

The trail continues into the Santa Fe National Forest, crossing the creek once and occasionally becoming impassable during periods of high water — a reminder that these trails remain very much part of a living landscape.

Horizons (Viewpoint) Trail

Moderate | 2.0 miles | ~2.5 hours | Elevation gain: 537 feet

For those seeking the payoff, the Horizons Trail delivers. This out-and-back hike features narrower paths and steeper sections that wind along arroyos before opening up to stunning 360-degree views.

About halfway to the viewpoint, the trail crosses Juan de Gaucher Road. As you approach the summit, benches invite you to pause, breathe, and take in the surrounding mesas, hills, and expansive New Mexico sky. It’s an ideal trail for sunrise or late-afternoon light.

Desert Ridge Trail

Moderate | 0.7 miles | ~40 minutes | Starting elevation: 7,094 feet

Short but rewarding, the Desert Ridge Trail winds through classic Northern New Mexico terrain — pinyon, juniper, and mountain mahogany. This trail can be enjoyed as a loop or extended by crossing diagonally over Bauer Road to connect with the Horizons Trail.

It’s a great choice if you want a moderate challenge without committing to a longer hike.

Nearby Santa Fe National Forest Trails

Just beyond the Bishop’s Lodge trail system lies access to even more exploration:

La Piedra Trail – Moderate, 1.4 miles
Saddleback Trail – Moderate to Difficult, 2.4 miles
Saddleback Connector Trail – Easy to Moderate, 0.5 miles
Carol’s Trail – Moderate, 1.3 miles

These trails invite longer adventures and deeper immersion into the surrounding wilderness.

Helpful Notes Before You Go

Trails are open year-round, but winter conditions can bring snow and ice.
Complimentary hiking poles are available at the Adventure Station near Two Dogs Café.
Bottled water is available at the Bishop’s Lodge reception desk.
Always check conditions, bring sun protection, and respect the land.

A Final Thought

The trails of Bishop’s Lodge aren’t about conquering peaks — they’re about connection. To land. To breath. To time moving just a little more slowly. Whether you walk for twenty minutes or a few hours, these paths offer a quiet invitation to experience Northern New Mexico the way it’s always been meant to be experienced: on foot, with intention, and with space to listen.