Hiking, Biking & Trails in Farmington

Farmington, New Mexico sits at 5,395 feet elevation in the high desert of the Four Corners region, where three rivers converge and over 50 parks form one of the most underrated trail networks in the American Southwest. From world-class mountain biking to gentle riverside strolls, Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park at 219 Airport Dr puts you within minutes of trails that most visitors never discover.

Farmington's Park System: 50+ Parks and Growing

The City of Farmington manages an extensive parks system with more than 50 developed parks connected by a growing network of paved and natural-surface walking trails. For a city of 46,000 people, the breadth of outdoor recreation here rivals communities three times its size. The system includes sports complexes, neighborhood pocket parks, riverside greenways, nature preserves, and dedicated trail corridors that wind through the high-desert terrain surrounding the city.

Sundowner Park is located on the west side of Farmington, giving guests quick access to trail systems in every direction. The Animas River trails are roughly 2 miles east, the Road Apple Rally system is about 5 miles northwest, and Glade Run Recreation Area is approximately 8 miles north of the park. You can be on a trail within 10 minutes of stepping out of your RV.

Road Apple Rally Trail System

The Road Apple Rally trail system sprawls across Bureau of Land Management land northwest of Farmington, offering over 30 miles of singletrack that has earned a devoted following among mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers. Named after the annual Road Apple Rally mountain bike race held each October, these trails carve through classic high-desert terrain of sandstone ledges, arroyos, and pinon-juniper woodland.

Trail difficulty ranges from mellow, rolling singletrack suitable for intermediate riders to technical rocky sections that challenge even experienced mountain bikers. The signature features are the sandstone slickrock passages and the sweeping views of the San Juan Basin from elevated ridgelines. The trail system connects to a network of doubletrack roads, so you can customize loop rides of anywhere from 5 to 25+ miles.

From Sundowner Park, the Road Apple trailheads are about a 10-minute drive northwest on US-550. Parking is available at several access points along the system.

Glade Run Recreation Area

Glade Run Recreation Area is another world-class mountain biking and trail-riding destination managed by the BLM, located roughly 8 miles north of Farmington along NM-170. The area encompasses thousands of acres of open desert terrain with a mix of singletrack, doubletrack, and freeride features that attract riders from across the Southwest and beyond.

What makes Glade Run special is the variety. You will find flowy cross-country singletrack, technical rock gardens, drops and jumps for the gravity-oriented crowd, and wide-open doubletrack for e-bike riders and those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The terrain is sandy in places and rocky in others, with elevations rolling between 5,400 and 5,800 feet. Hikers and trail runners also use the system, though mountain biking is the primary draw.

Glade Run is approximately a 15-minute drive from Sundowner Park. The area is open year-round, though summer afternoons can be hot and the sandy soil drains quickly after rain, making it rideable sooner than you might expect.

Animas River Greenway and Riverside Trails

For a completely different pace, the Animas River corridor through Farmington offers miles of paved and natural-surface trails following the river through town. The greenway connects several parks and offers shaded, flat walking and cycling along one of northern New Mexico's most scenic urban waterways. The Animas River Trail is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it popular with families, joggers, dog walkers, and casual cyclists.

Along the greenway you will pass through Berg Park, Animas Park, and other riverside green spaces with picnic shelters, restrooms, and river access points. The Riverside Nature Center sits along this corridor and offers educational programs on local ecology, birds, and pollinators.

The river trails are approximately 2 miles from Sundowner Park, easily reached by bike or a short drive. This is the perfect option for rest days when you want gentle movement without the exertion of desert trail riding.

Disc Golf: Two Championship-Caliber Courses

Farmington has quietly become one of the best disc golf destinations in the Southwest, with two exceptional 27-hole courses that draw players from across the region.

Lions Wilderness Park features a 27-hole disc golf course set in rugged high-desert terrain with dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views of the badlands. The course challenges players with long lines, wind exposure, and varied terrain that rewards both power and finesse. Lions Wilderness also offers hiking and mountain bike trails, plus the Lions Wilderness Amphitheater for outdoor concerts. It is roughly 4 miles from Sundowner Park.

San Juan College Disc Golf Course is another 27-hole layout located on the San Juan College campus, about 3 miles south of Sundowner Park. This course plays through a more manicured landscape with some tree-lined fairways and is generally considered slightly more beginner-friendly than Lions Wilderness, though it still offers plenty of challenge for experienced players.

Both courses are free to play and open year-round. With 54 total holes available within a 10-minute drive, disc golfers staying at Sundowner Park could easily spend several days working through both courses.

Trail Difficulty Guide

Best Seasons and Trail Conditions

Farmington enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, and the trail systems are usable for much of that time. Here is what to expect by season:

• Spring (March-May): Prime trail season. Temperatures range from the 50s to 70s, wildflowers appear in wet years, and the desert is green. Wind can be a factor in April.
• Summer (June-August): Daytime highs reach the 90s. Ride or hike early morning or evening. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August but trails drain quickly.
• Fall (September-November): Many locals consider this the best season. Temperatures moderate to the 60s and 70s, the cottonwoods along the rivers turn gold, and the light is spectacular for photography.
• Winter (December-February): Mild by mountain standards. Daytime temps in the 40s with occasional snow that melts quickly at this elevation. Trails are often rideable within a day or two of precipitation.

The high-desert soil at Road Apple and Glade Run drains remarkably fast. Unlike clay-based trail systems, you can often ride within hours of a rainstorm. Always check local conditions and respect any trail closures.

What to Bring

• Water: The desert is dry. Carry at least 2 liters per person for any trail outing beyond the paved greenway.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential at 5,400 feet where UV exposure is intense.
• Layers: Desert temperatures can swing 30 degrees between morning and afternoon. A light shell or fleece is smart for early rides.
• Navigation: The Road Apple and Glade Run systems are extensive. Download a trail map app before you go — cell service can be spotty in the backcountry.
• Bike gear: Bring spare tubes, a pump, and basic tools. The nearest bike shops are in downtown Farmington.

Explore More in Farmington

Trails and parks are just the beginning of outdoor recreation around Farmington. Check out our guides to Four Corners area attractions, including Chaco Canyon day trips, or learn about the Riverside Nature Center for nature education along the Animas River. When you are ready to lock in your stay, view our RV spaces and rates or contact us directly.