HIGH COUNTRY
Explore the Sangre de Cristo range, where the Rocky Mountains start
HIGH DESERT
Walk back through time, on the edge of the Colorado Plateau
BACKPACKING and SNOWSHOEING
Summer
Overnight Backpacking in the High Country
Trips for all backpacker abilities

Spring & Fall
Overnight Backpacking in the High Desert
More destinations in the Wild

Winter
SnowShoe and SnowHike Outings
Reserve your 2026 outings with Less Traveled Trails !
All bookings handled personally by Brian Johnson, Owner 505-490-7033 LessTraveledTrails@gmail.com
Less Traveled Trails is an outdoor guiding company for hiking, snowshoeing, and backpack trips to remote areas in the wild of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. This is the start of the Rocky Mountains, from Santa Fe to Cumbres Pass. Feel free to inquire and get on the Less Traveled Trails’ calendar. The challenges of nature and solitude continue to inspire, as we….
Seek out the less traveled trails of New Mexico’s backcountry. Immerse yourself in beautiful remote places such as Bandelier National Monument, Ghost Ranch, the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), and National Forest wilderness areas. Based in Santa Fe, Less Traveled Trails specializes in backpack outings and yurt trips of two days or more, for individuals, families & friends, small groups, and organizations. One-day adventures of hiking and snowshoeing can also be arranged. Chief Guide Brian Johnson has been leading outings in New Mexico since 1990. He is certified as a Wilderness First Responder, in CPR, Leave No Trace practices, and in Food Handling. Brian volunteers with the CDT Coalition in maintaining 25 miles of adopted CDT segments. Less Traveled Trails is authorized and insured for use of public lands. All experience levels and inquiries are welcome.
Less Traveled Trails, LLC operates under permits on the Carson National Forest, the Santa Fe National Forest, and Bandelier National Monument.
AVAILABLE OUTING DATES
New Mexico Spring, Summer, and Fall: Hiking and Backpacking
Snowshoeing in Winter 2026-2027
All bookings handled personally by Brian 505-490-7033 LessTraveledTrails@gmail.com
Best days for Guide availability:
Spring – Summer 2026:
May 1-31 | June 1-6, 20-25 | July 1-31 | August 1-31 |
Fall – Winter 2026:
September 1-12 | October 13-31 | November 1-25, 27-30 | December 1-18, 20-23, 27-31
Need other dates? ⇒ contact Brian!
“This was a great opportunity to not only learn new techniques, but exercise mind, body, and soul.”
“This was our first time snowshoeing and Brian made the experience wonderful. It was the highlight of our trip to Santa Fe!”
“I enjoyed the challenges of the trip and loved the location.”
“Wonderful outing and felt like I was in good hands considering Brian’s background and training.”
“Thanks again, Brian, for your meticulous planning and timely communications.”
“I will long cherish the Bandelier hiking day. What a great experience.”
“Thank you for the experience and education!”
“Very thorough!”
“We have used Less Traveled Trails 3x in the past few years for snowshoeing and each one has been so much fun.”
“We spent a great three days together. Two days hiking, one day snowshoeing. You are a wonderful guide and host.”
Less Traveled Trails is New Mexico’s only local guiding company for overnight backpacking.
…I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost
We feature overnight backpack trips for small groups, up to 5 days in beautiful New Mexico backcountry.
Call 505-490-7033 or email LessTraveledTrails@gmail.com for more information.
Less Traveled Trails also specializes in day trips, year-round, to remote destinations in the wild. Contact Brian for personal booking of your day hike or snowshoe outing. 505-490-7033.
See our Non-Discrimination Policy.
Santa Fe National Forest
Enjoy mountain meadows, peaks, streams, and thick forests, just a short drive from Santa Fe.

Bandelier National Monument
more infoTake the backcountry trails to camp near civilizations of the Ancestral Pueblo People.
Guide’s Choice Backpack April 17-19, 2026.
Carson National Forest
Camp by a lake in the rugged high country. Explore the mesas and peaks nearby.

Ghost Ranch
Hike up the box canyon stream, the reason Ghost Ranch is there. Then trek beyond.

Continental Divide Trail
Experience both the vistas of red and yellow cliffs, and the cool groves of ponderosa pine.








