Camino Pinones Trail Run

Trail Running
Written By Erik Wahlstrom

Pinones Loop

The Santa Fe Trail Runner’s Guide is a collection of trail runs in and around Santa Fe. The routes are all curated by myself. The routes have been thoroughly tested during many different seasons and conditions. I am a big advocate of not driving to the trailhead whenever possible. As such, many of the routes are designed to start in town and illustrate how one can go from downtown Santa Fe to serene forests in a matter of a few miles. Many of the routes are long/challenging, but I will include alternatives, bail out points, water refills, and other considerations for the route.

The Quick Details:

  • Distance/Elevation: 6.0 miles, 390ft 

  • Difficulty: easy

  • Water: No water on route, but you are never too far from a store if you need.

  • Season: Year round it is great!

  • Plenty of options to make the route a little longer or shorter.

The Pinones Loop, named after the scenic dirt road at the top of the climb, is a 6.0 mile loop starting and ending in the Santa Fe Plaza. The loop is versatile with options to make the route shorter or longer depending on your training needs. Highlights include running through beautiful arroyos, picturesque views of the Ortiz and Sandia Mountains, and getting to see charming neighborhoods tucked away in the hills. The terrain is mixed surface; I would estimate about 50% road, 40% dirt road, and 10% single track.

Runners will start in the Santa Fe Plaza and head down Don Gaspar Ave, passing through government buildings, courthouses, and the Round House (State Senate). Past Paseo de Peralta, the route enters the pleasant neighborhoods of South Capitol and Acequia Madre. Acequia Madre can be busy if school is starting or ending for the day. 

Leaving Acquia Madre, runners will climb dirt roads and explore the hilly neighborhoods on Santa Fe’s east side. Once runner’s reach the top of the climbing, a brief zig-zag on Old Santa Fe Trail brings one to Camino Piniones. The pleasant dirt road facilitates a beautiful view of the Sandia and Ortiz mountains.

Take a left at the first sign of pavement. Runners will then have the option to run on the paved bicycle trail or drop into the arroyo for a more rugged and secluded segment. Both the arroyo and bicycle trail lead to the busy Old Pecos Trail. Cross the busy road and head north. The first dirt road on the runner’s left is Cadiz. Run down Cadiz and turn right at your first opportunity. Cross East Cordova Rd and turn left on Barcelona St. Continue along Barcelona St. until it terminates at Galisteo St. Head north on Galisteo St, returning to the Santa Fe Plaza and completing the run. 

Options to shorten the loop include:

  • Continuing straight on Camino Pinones to Old Pecos Trail

  • When running down Barcelon St, the runner could turn right on Don Gaspar Ave.

  • Instead of turning off of Old Santa Fe Trail on to Camino Pinones, one could run straight down Old Santa Fe Trail for a quick return to town.

Options to extend the loop include:

  • Do not turn off Acequia Madre. Continue on Acequia Madre until it turns into Canyon Rd. Turn right onto Camino Cabra. One can then loop around to Old Santa Fe Trail and then continue on route.