The enchanting environment of New Mexico (see what I did there?) provides the perfect opportunity for a day-hike or backpacking trip. It’s no surprise, then, that there are a number of great trails throughout the state that offer beautiful scenery and numerous opportunities to catch glimpse of New Mexico’s varied history.El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail: The name is Spanish for “The Royal Road of the Interior Land.” For more than two centuries (1598-1882), the 1,600-mile trail was an important trading route between Mexico City and San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico. 404 miles of the trail are located within the United States, and that portion was deemed a National Historic Trail in 2000. Two especially historic sites are located along the 90-mile stretch known as Jornada del Muerto. The “Yost Escarpment Trail” demonstrates trials that early travelers faced, especially when crossing rocky slopes. The “Point of Rocks” is a 1/2-mile loop trail. The Point itself was an important landmark, telling travelers that water was nearby.Capulin Volcano National Monument: Don’t worrythe cinder cone volcano at the heart of this park is extinct. There are several trails circling the mouth of the volcano, as well as leading down into the crater. The sight from the peak is a well-known panoramic view, showcasing the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, the distant Sangre de Cristo mountains, and parts of four different states: New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado.Crest Trail, Big Bonito Trail, and others, Lincoln National Forest: The Lincoln National Forest was established in 1902 and contains over 1,000,000 acres of New Mexico. Located on the border of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, the Forest contains parts of four different mountain ranges: the Capitan Mountains, Guadalupe Mountains, Sacramento Mountains, and Sierra Blanca. Lincoln also includes examples of five different climate areas, including the Chihuahuan Desert (once considered the most diverse desert on Earth) and subalpine forest. As an interesting note, the real-life Smokey Bear was born in the forest in 1950.Chaco Culture National Historical Park: This park is notable for containing the most concentrated examples of pueblos in the Southwest. Chaco Canyon was an important cultural center for Ancient Pueblo Peoples between 900 and 1150 C.E. Some sites such as the Sun Dagger petroglyph at Fajada Butte have been closed down to the public for their own protection, but many other areas are still open to visitors today. The Visitors Center includes a Chaco Collection Museum, book store, educational theater, and gift shop, with dedicated park agents on hand to answer your questions.