Rio En Medio is a region situated within the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico, offering a challenging and rewarding destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Characterized by diverse and dramatic landscapes, the area features deep canyons with towering sandstone walls, lush valleys, and dense forests of aspen, spruce, and fir. As part of the southern Rockies foothills, Rio En Medio provides a unique setting for backcountry adventures across several sports like hiking and mountain biking.
19
Routes
4.9
(9)
Average rating
237
People visited

19
hikers
9.64km
04:02
730m
720m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

12
hikers
5.29km
02:24
440m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

12
hikers
11.4km
04:29
630m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

2
hikers
14.1km
06:23
990m
850m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4
riders
13.7km
01:38
620m
610m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
23.2km
02:34
730m
730m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

12.6km
01:30
470m
470m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(2)
12
riders
38.7km
03:34
920m
920m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Rio En Medio primarily offers opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. The region's technical and demanding terrain attracts outdoor enthusiasts seeking challenging routes. Komoot users have rated routes in the area an average of 4.94 out of 5 stars.
The Rio En Medio Trail #163 is a notable hiking route, known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and numerous creek crossings. For a comprehensive overview of hiking options, refer to the Hiking around Rio En Medio guide. The region offers varied terrain, including open meadows and dense forest sections.
Yes, Rio En Medio is a popular destination for mountain biking, featuring technical and demanding terrain. The Rio En Medio Trail #163 is rated as a "Double Black Diamond" for mountain biking. More information on routes can be found in the MTB Trails around Rio En Medio guide.
Yes, Rio En Medio is known for its challenging and demanding terrain. The Rio En Medio Trail #163, for example, is rated "Hard" for physical exertion for hikers and "Double Black Diamond" for mountain bikers. This singletrack trail features steep grades, rock gardens, and tight switchbacks.
The region features diverse and dramatic landscapes, including deep canyons with towering sandstone walls, lush grass valleys, and dense forests of aspen, spruce, and fir. Winding trout streams are also characteristic. The area is part of the southern Rockies foothills, with nearby peaks soaring between 10,000 to 13,000 feet.
The Rio En Medio Trail #163 experienced significant damage from a wildfire in 2020 and subsequent floods in 2022. While considerable restoration work was completed in 2025, additional efforts are planned for 2026. Sections may remain closed or offer very difficult hiking conditions.
Routes in Rio En Medio have received an average rating of 4.94 out of 5 stars from komoot users. More than 200 visitors have shared their experiences in the region. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.
Yes, komoot offers guides to help explore the region. These include Hiking around Rio En Medio and MTB Trails around Rio En Medio. These guides provide detailed information on routes and activities.
The primary official online presence for the Rio En Medio outdoor recreational area falls under the Santa Fe National Forest. The official website is www.fs.usda.gov/santafe. For specific inquiries, it is recommended to visit their website for contact information for relevant ranger districts.
The Rio En Medio Trail #163 is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring gorgeous waterfalls, numerous creek crossings, and impressive views. The constant presence of water from the "little Rio" adds to the atmosphere. Hikers can experience varied terrain, including open meadows and dense forest sections.
Information regarding permits for hiking in Rio En Medio is typically managed by the Santa Fe National Forest. Visitors should check the official Santa Fe National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/santafe for current regulations on permits or fees for specific activities or areas.

