New Mexico is one of the best places in the U.S. for this winter hobby

Dec. 27—New Mexico is the second-best state for winter hiking, behind only Arizona, according to travel company Viator.

The ranking is based on the number of hiking trails per person, the winter temperatures and precipitation, and the average trail ratings.

Members of the New Mexico Mountain Club, one of several long-standing hiking groups in the state, have been hiking and climbing in the Land of Enchantment since 1952. The club has 1,000 members and last year hosted 750 activities.

"We can go up to the high mountains if we want and do the snow-dominated thing. But we have the option to do other stuff too, and I think that's why it's very popular here," club vice president and lifelong hiker Derek Wallentinsen said.

Bernard Tibbetts started a now bi-state hiking group, a·foot, which has 2,700 members in the New Mexico chapter.

"I like hiking, and I like taking people to places that I really like, because I think that I know some really fantastic, phenomenal places that I like to share with others," Tibbetts said.

Tibbetts used to tell groups that their favorite hikes in summer could be their favorites in winter as well, but has stopped sharing that tidbit because the landscape can change so drastically across seasons.

Where to adventure

Valles Caldera is a popular and beautiful spot for winter hiking, Tibbetts said. Since Valles Caldera is not mountainous, there is no avalanche danger. Wallentinsen likes to hike northwest of Albuquerque in the Rio Puerco basin area in winter — a good spot for enjoying the high desert — and the Continental Divide Trail is one of his favorites.

The Sandias are always popular in winter, Wallentinsen said, although traction devices are a good idea as it can be a little snowy. The north facing slopes can be especially treacherous.

One of the most memorable winter hikes Tibbetts has taken is Aspen Vista near Ski Santa Fe.

"Just being on that after a huge snowfall and just breaking trail on that snow is just absolutely wonderful," Tibbetts said.

Be prepared

There are many skills needed for adventuring outdoors, Tibbetts said, and winter hiking adds another layer of skills. In his classes, he teaches people the basics of hiking, like carrying essentials.

"If you get into trouble, you need to have resources. You need to be carrying resources that allow you to alleviate the risk that you're having and get out of a bad situation if you're in one," Tibbetts said.

It's important to have additional clothing, better navigational skills and thorough research on safe places to hike in wintertime, Tibbetts said.

Both snowshoeing and traction devices can be used for hiking in snow. Traction devices are sets of spikes or cleats that can be worn over hiking shoes for better grip.

Snowshoeing allows hikers to see beautiful winter vistas and can help keep up their fitness level year round.

Although he personally prefers a hike in the extreme heat of July or August, "If there is snow cover on the ground, there's a different feel and aesthetic to the landscape and a different presence in the landscape," Wallentinsen said.

While hot temperatures offer their own risks, the number one risk of winter hiking is usually the temperature as well, Tibbetts said.

"The temperature is a risk because in the summertime if you're out hiking in outdoor terrain, if you get lost, then it's very reasonable to think that you can survive the night. Whereas in the wintertime, if you get lost and you're out all night in the winter, you could freeze to death," Tibbetts said.

Less mountain terrain and flatter or valley terrain, which is less complicated and dangerous, is a good idea in winter, especially for beginning hikers.

Hiking boom

Hiking has grown more popular in the last several decades. It has been a dramatic rise seen firsthand by Wallentinsen, a member of the New Mexico Mountain Club since the 1970s.

"In those days you had a monthly meeting. You communicated by a printed newsletter that was mailed out to people. You might have a smaller committee meeting at people's homes," he said.

These days online spaces like social media site Meetup are where hikers go to find hiking groups and organize group hikes.

Along with easy-to-find hiking groups, the National Parks Service is also publicizing public lands more than in years past, Tibbetts said, and hiking-specific gear and clothing have become more abundant and easier to find.

"You have more technical clothing that allows you to stay warmer and stay more comfortable throughout the day when you're outside in the wintertime," Tibbetts said.