Trail running is a great way to get your blood pumping while being immersed in nature as you exercise. Runners in Farmington, New Mexico, have some great choices for running trails that will keep their workouts fresh and exciting. Here are the top running trails around Farmington, New Mexico. Your leashed dog is welcome to run with you on any of these trails.
Animas River Trail
Trail info: Out & back; 5.3 miles; 78-foot elevation gain.
This easy trail that starts at Boyd Park and runs to Browning Parkway takes about 90 minutes to complete. It is perfect for trail running and winds through a beautiful area along the Animas River, where there’s ample shade from trees, and you might see deer, birds, and other wildlife. It’s also an excellent choice for hiking and mountain biking, with a low chance of running into many others during your journey. You will find benches and picnic tables if you need a stop along the pathway. The best months to explore this trail are from March to September.
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Kinsey – Seven Sisters Loop
Trail info: Loop; 9 miles; 675-foot elevation gain.
This trail is the longest trail in Farmington, with the highest elevation gain of trails on this list. As this is a multi-use trail, you might run into hikers and mountain bikers along the way. If you’re an avid runner, you’ll get a good workout on this trail, but it has more to offer than great exercise. As you traverse the trail, you’ll have awe-inspiring views of the San Juan and La Platas Mountains. Part of the Glade Run Recreation Area, trail running in this area includes some sandy arroyos and rolling terrain. When you get to the Glade Run Recreation Area, the trails are well-marked.
As with any outdoor activity, especially on a long run like this one, the right equipment makes all the difference. Whether your run takes you through the city or across rough terrain, Brown’s Shoe Fit in Farmington boasts a wide selection of footwear for every runner and route.
Riverside Loop
Trail info: Loop; 1.8 miles; 36-foot elevation gain.
Starting at the Riverside Nature Center, this trail runs alongside the river for part of the loop and then winds through a wooded area with glimpses of wildlife and some shade. It might seem short for trail running, taking only 33 minutes to complete, but it joins the Animas River Trail, where you can log additional miles. You can run the loop as many times as you want to reach your distance goal. Whatever you choose to do, this trail has a lot to offer — it’s close to town, provides a great nature escape, and lets you get an excellent workout in pleasant surroundings.
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Jackson Lake Trail
Trail info: Loop; 1.6 miles; 114-foot elevation gain.
Here is another relatively short loop trail, which circles Jackson Lake a little over five miles outside town. Because it’s a bit of a drive, you’re less likely to encounter many people while running the loop around the lake. According to some reviews, this trail is accessible even when there’s snow on the ground. Situated amidst 840 acres of the Jackson Lake Wildlife Area, there’s a good chance of seeing some wildlife while you’re out for a run. In addition to wildlife, you might see kayakers and anglers out on the water. Since it’s a short loop, you can repeat it to run as far as you’d like. The well-marked trailhead is a short walk from the parking lot.
Sheriff’s Posse Outer Loop
Trail info: Loop; 6.7 miles; 495-foot elevation gain.
This is a multi-purpose trail, so you might run into hikers and horseback riders while you’re out on your run. At 6.7 miles and a significant elevation gain, this trail provides a good workout and takes about two and a half hours to complete. Part of the Glade Run Recreation area, Sheriff’s Posse Outer Loop is especially popular with horseback riders, but it’s still a great running trail where you can enjoy nature and beautiful scenery. When you get to the Glade Run Recreation Area, the trails are well-marked.
The Best Shoes for Train Running
Ask any runner, and they’ll tell you there’s no substitute for good running shoes, but the shoes you wear on paved roads or concrete sidewalks are not the best option for trail running. Designed to grip well as you go over rocks or other uneven terrain, trail running shoes are the perfect way to tackle unpaved surfaces. But whether you’re running in town or out on rugged trails, Brown’s Shoe Fit in Farmington has plenty of options for any trail you choose.
