Lucky for us, New Mexico is an extremely pet-friendly state with so many places to bring your furry friend! Here at New Mexico River Adventures many of us own pets and love to take them along when we adventure and explore new parts of the state. From scenic hikes to charming towns, embark on a journey tailored for both you and your pup. Here are a few of our top recommendations for a dog-friendly New Mexico.

Top 5 Adventures with Your Dog in Northern NM

1. Taos Ski Valley
2. Camping in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area
3. Jeep Tours of the Desert and High Mountain
4. Explore Santa Fe
5. Hike throughout Ghost Ranch

Taos Ski Valley

If you’re planning a ski trip and want to bring along your dog look no further than Taos. The Blake Resort allows two dogs of any size to stay with you for a small additional fee. Be sure to explore the property with your pooch heading over to the ice rink, patio of The Bavarian for food and even waiting with you while at the rental shop for your boots to be fitted. If winter activities aren’t your favorites then plan a summer vacation up at Taos. Many Airbnbs are dog-friendly and there are ample hiking trails to explore during the day. The hike up to Williams Lake is one of my dog’s favorites because of the pristine alpine lake that she can swim in to her heart’s content!

Camping in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area

Just a stone’s throw from our headquarters is the Orilla Verde Recreation Area within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. There are many BLM-managed campsites for both tents and RV’s all of which are dog (and cat!) friendly. You can enjoy relaxing on the banks of the Rio Grande, hiking the nearby trails, or you can head on into Taos to enjoy a pet-friendly patio dining at places such as Taos Mesa Brewery, Alley Cantina and 5 Star Burgers.

Human tip: get on the river with us and explore this gorgeous area! Our Orilla Verde family float is perfect trip for everyone in the entire family or those who just feel like a lazy float down the river. Unfortunately, NMRA does not allow pets on our commercial trips and can recommend local boarders while you are on the river.

Jeep Tours of the Desert and High Mountain

Exploring the desert, mountains and canyons of Northern New Mexico is extremely fun and accessible in a 4×4 vehicle. If you do not have one of your own Santa Fe Jeep Tours will take you and your pet on an unforgettable trip. Traverse the remote fire roads of the Sangre de Cristo mountains up to the top of the Santa Fe Ski Basin or the dirt road down into Diablo Canyon as you watch rock climbers ascending the vertical walls. There will be many points to let your pup get out and run around as well as hours of enjoyment with their head out the window taking in all the new smells.

Explore Santa Fe

You can’t run out of activities to do with your pet in our nation’s capital. The first stop should be Frank S. Ortiz Dog Park to get some exercise and blow off steam. This off-leash park is one of the largest of its kind with 138 acres of interconnected hiking trails where they’re sure to meet some tail-wagging friends. Then head towards The Plaza where you will find many pet-friendly restaurants and coffee shops to refuel. 

Hike throughout Ghost Ranch

Leashed pets are allowed to join you on the nine hiking trails while you explore the 21,000 acres of Ghost Ranch. Formerly owned by Georgia O’Keefe and the subject of many of her paintings this stunning landscape is unlike any other. After some hiking your pooch will enjoy to cool off with a swim at the Abiquiu Lake where you can also camp for the night or book a room at the historic Abiquiu Inn. 

We hope that this shows you a small glimpse of the many things you can do with your dog while visiting or living in northern New Mexico. Please remember that it can get very hot in the summer and cold in the winter so never leave your dog unattended in your vehicle and always pack plenty of water for them. Always clean up after your pet so that we can continue using and exploring these places for many years to come. So, let’s leash up and watch those tails wag!

Human tip #2: Discover the thrill of our backyard with our New Mexico river rafting! Although pets can’t join our commercial trips, we’re dedicated to providing an unmatched experience for you. Don’t worry about leaving your furry friends behind; we’re happy to recommend local boarders to ensure their well-being while you enjoy the exhilarating rapids of the Rio Grande or the Rio Chama. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rafter, there are trips available for all skill levels. Join us for an unforgettable adventure where the beauty of the river meets the excitement of the journey!