Distance: 1.0 mile   

Difficulty: Easy to moderate    

The Rito San Jose Trail provides a nice location for walkers who want a natural river terrace experience within walking distance of the center of Cuba. It begins at a parking area on the Cubita Road 1 mile north of the NM 197 junction and across from the Fisher Community Trail parking area. The trail runs east over a sage covered flat across a small drainage and then to the rim of a small canyon. Hikers can continue down a slope to a figure-of-eight loop along the willow-covered river terrace. The trail provides beautiful views of Cuba Mesa and the Nacimiento Mountains. The river terrace is a great place for early morning and late afternoon birdwatching. Bring water and a snack.

Distance: 0.6 mile

Difficulty: Easy

The new sidewalk is four feet wide, smooth, set back from the curb, and has handicap access ramps from Cordova Ave.(Nacimiento Community Foundation/Public Health Office) to just above the NM Highway 197 Junction. You can cross US 550 carefully at either end to make a loop or walk back forth on once side. There are beautiful open views of the Nacimiento Mountains and Cuba Mesa from both sides of the road. Nearby Destinations: Dollar Store, Public Health Office, Cuba Health Center, Cuba Credit Union, Magistrate Court, Baptist Church, Power Saw Shop, Cuban Cafe, Forest Service Office.

Distance: 0.5 mile

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

The network of school cross-country trails provides access to a spur trail on BLM land that leads to a scenic overlook of the Cuba valley. The entrance to the trail can be found along the green loop near the northeast corner of the cross country trails network. Look along the fence line for the v-gate entrance to the trail. The trail leads you across some small arroyos and up a sandstone ridge to a high point where there are beautiful views of the Nacimiento Mountains, Cuba Mesa and nearby sandstone cliffs. Bring water and a snack for extended hikes.

Distance: 6.2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

The Continental Divide Trail North/Los Pinos Trail climbs through Santa Fe National Forest from the Nacimiento Mountain foothills to the top of the mountains in the San Pedro Parks wilderness. It begins 6 miles northeast of Cuba at the end of Forest Road #95 where a parking area and kiosk are located. The trail follows the Rito Los Pinos for 3.1 miles and ascends almost 2000 vertical feet. It continues gently uphill and is shady along its entire course. Once on top of the mountain you can turn around, follow it several more miles to the center of the San Pedro Parks, choose a number of loop trails, or walk 2700 miles to the Canadian Border. Vegetation along the trail is lush and amazingly diverse. Views are limited until you reach the top of the mountain. Water in the Rito Los Pinos must be filtered and/or treated. Bring adequate water and food for the length of your planned hike. *** Directions provided in the link above take you to Forest Road #95, please follow to end of the road to find the trail head***

Distance: 7.0 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

The Continental Divide Trail South begins 4 miles southwest of Cuba on a dirt road that runs south from mile marker 4 on NM 197. It follows the roadway approximately 1 ½ miles until - after passing sandstone cliffs - it crosses the wide Chijuilla Wash. It then follows posts and cairns (large rock pile markers) through a wide arroyo to the top of Mesa Portales. The trail takes you south along the Mesa rim for another 2 miles before descending from the Mesa and heading to La Ventana Mesa, Mount Taylor and the Mexican border, 400 miles away. you can turn around or continue at this point. There are scenic vistas along the entire route including badlands, sandstone cliffs, and mountain and mesa views from the Mesa Portales rim. You stay in pinon~juniper woodland, but shade can be scarce. Bring plenty of food and water for extended hikes.