These New Mexico peaks offer some of the best mountain summit views in the state. From southern New Mexico’s tallest alpine peak to a renowned lookout tower and 360-degree views, visit these New Mexico peaks near Inn of the Mountain Gods during your next stay.
Before you take on the challenge of ascending any of the New Mexico peaks below, keep yourself safe by following the do’s of a summit hike:
- Wear clothes that are appropriate for hiking
- Wear clothes that are appropriate for the weather.
- Pack plenty of water.
- Always tell someone where you’re going.
- Stay on (or keep close to) the trails.
- Hike at your own pace.
- Pack a GPS or map.
Sierra Blanca Peak
Where: Mescalero Apache Reservation, New Mexico
Elevation: Over 12,000 feet
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 20 miles by car
Sierra Blanca Peak is southern New Mexico’s highest mountain and the highest mountain in the southern mainland United States, according to SummitPost.org. Visitors can ascend the mountain via an indoor gondola ride at Ski Apache. Gondolas reach an elevation of 11,500 feet. Those that reach the top of Ski Apache are welcomed with panoramic views of the Sacramento Mountains that surround Ski Apache, as well as neighboring Lookout Mountain.
Hikers can also take Sierra Blanca Trail that begins at the top of Ski Apache to discover even more views. The trail is approximately 2.5 miles long and is one of three New Mexico hiking trails at Ski Apache. If you want an even bigger thrill, take the Apache Wind Rider Ziptour back down to the base of Ski Apache.
Visit the Ski Apache website for more information.
Nogal Peak
Where: 21.7 miles from Alto, New Mexico; 24.3 miles from Ruidoso, New Mexico
Elevation: 9,957 feet
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 30.3 miles by car
Located north of Sierra Blanca Peak, Nogal Peak promises extraordinary views of the white sand deserts of White Sands National Park, the molten rock of Valley of Fires in Carrizozo, and gorgeous mountain ranges of the White Mountain Wilderness. Hikers can reach the summit via the Nogal Peak Trail, a 1.1 mile out-and-back trail. Despite the trail’s short distance, the trail is fairly steep and may be a challenging hike for inexperienced hikers.
To get to Nogal Peak from Inn of the Mountain Gods:
- Head northeast toward Carrizo Canyon Road/Indian Service Route 4 (0.4 miles)
- Take Billy the Kid Trail and NM-37 North to Co Road C015/Nogal Canyon Road in Nogal (22.7 miles)
- Continue on Co Road C015 and drive to Fs 400 (7.1 miles)
Monjeau Peak
Where: 8.5 miles from Alto, New Mexico; 10.2 miles from Ruidoso, New Mexico
Elevation: 9,641 feet
Distance from Inn of the Mountain Gods: 16.1 miles by car
Monjeau Peak is located near the town of Alto and Ruidoso and is one of the closest mountain peaks near Inn of the Mountain Gods. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Monjeau Lookout is a stone tower—originally constructed in the 1930s—that is located at the mountain’s summit. From the lookout, hikers can take in the views of the Sierra Blanca mountain range. The mountain’s summit is covered in large boulders, rocks, and shrubs.
To get to Monjeau Peak from Inn of the Mountain Gods:
- Head northeast toward Carrizo Canyon Road/Indian Service Route 4 (0.4 miles)
- Slight left onto Carrizo Canyon Road/Indian Service Route 4 (2.2 miles)
- Continue on Grindstone Canyon Road to Billy the Kid Trail/Sudderth Drive
- Follow Billy the Kid Trail to Co Road 532 in Alto
- Drive to Forest Service Road 117