A group of volunteers build a new trail near Box Canyon in June 2022. Photo by Cathy Cook.

Hiking was chosen by El Defensor Chieftain readers as the best outdoor activity.

That’s no surprise, considering how many stellar trails there are to choose from. Whether you visit Box Canyon just west of Socorro on Highway 60, or San Lorenzo Canyon in the Sevilleta Wildlife Refuge, the views will be beautiful.

According to All Trails, the top hiking trail in the area is the Bosque Del Apache’s Marsh Overlook Trail. At a length of 2.5 miles, the scenic trail is rated easy. Other can’t miss trails are the 14.9-mile Box Canyon Trail, Socorro’s Bursum Spring Loop and the 22-mile Gordy’s Hill OHV Trail.

Several local and regional groups are also working together to build new trail systems in the area, so there are opportunities to volunteer to help build and maintain local trails. Some of the groups that have been involved in local trail building projects are the New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors, the New Mexico Tech Bike Club, the Tech Climbing Club, Striders and Riders and the Bureau of Land Management.

For local trail maps and hiking safety tips, visit the Bureau of Land Management Socorro Field Office website: https://www.blm.gov/office/socorro-field-office

Cathy Cook | El Defensor Chieftain Editor