A mountain peak dominates the view from the one-mile Perea Nature Trail loop — located just outside the village of San Ysidro in northwest New Mexico. The mountain highlights the Jemez Mountain Range, which is the southern start of the Rocky Mountains that extend northward to Alaska. The Perea Nature Trail offers a short, refreshing hike. Falling within a migratory bird pathway, this trail offers great birdwatching opportunities. If you are looking for solitude, try sitting on the park bench under the giant cottonwood along the trail. Visitors to the Perea Nature Trail may look to the southwest over the Rio Salado riverbed to view an outstanding geologic setting. Blanco Mesa, known for its unusual white surface, is used as a creative backdrop for motion pictures and photography. The high rock formations with purple hues seen in the distance are part of the Nacimiento Mountain chain and are some of the oldest rocks in the area.

Explore Nearby

• Fenton Lake State Park — State Park in New Mexico
• Valles Caldera National Preserve Dark Sky Reserve — Dark Sky Site in New Mexico
• Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area — State Park in Pennsylvania
• Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Mexico
• Jemez Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Mexico