Rio en Medio is a locally-loved, picturesque trail located in the Santa Fe National Forest. The entire trail runs along the river, requiring hikers to make multiple river crossings – a task made more adventurous with the high water levels resulting from this past monsoon season. For this reason, hiking poles are recommended to help steady yourself while balancing on sporadically placed rocks and logs in the water.
The running water adds a beautiful natural soundtrack to the already lovely scenery. Gamble Oaks and Ponderosa Pines in particular, line the trail. Be sure to stop and smell the Ponderosa bark, which gives off a butterscotch scent.
Eventually, the river leads to a slot canyon, which boasts gneiss and granite rocks. This short, but slightly challenging section (more river crossings and holding onto the rock wall while walking down a narrow path) opens up to the Little Chasm Falls. The opening to this 25 foot waterfall provides the perfect place to stop, take pictures, and enjoy a snack.
While the falls typically signify the destination and turning around point (totaling a five mile hike), there is an option to extend your stay. Once out of the canyon, instead of heading back, you could make your way up a steep, rocky portion of the trail, which weaves its way further up into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Rio en Medio trail can be hiked from near the village of Rio En Medio all the way up to the Santa Fe Ski Basin, perhaps an adventure to consider for another day!
Santa Fe Walkabouts offers the Rio en Medio hike to the waterfall as a half day excursion. While the trail is popular with locals, it is rarely busy during the week. It’s a lovely nature hike for those wanting an easy adventure in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost tip of the Rockies.
