Devisadero Trail

5.66 miles | 1473’ Elevation Gain | Max Elevation: 8,302’

With many panoramic views over Taos Valley, the Devisadero Trail is true to its translated name, the Lookout Trail (nonetheless, the eponymous Devisadero Peak does not give visitors a full 360-degree view from one spot). Primarily used by hikers and mountain bikers, the out-and-back loop trail takes visitors through a piñon-juniper woodland, with a short section of ponderosa at the trail’s highest elevations.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

108

General Information

There are three main destinations along the Devisadero Trail:

Loop Turnaround: A short 1-mile roundtrip with a 300 foot elevation gain to the beginning of the loop and back.
Devisadero Peak: Climb to the tallest point of the trail. From the loop turnaround,
- go right (east side of loop) to take your elevation gain early and hit the peak at about 2.3 miles in from the trailhead.
- go straight (west side of loop) to defer the bulk of the climbing for about the last two miles of the loop and hit the peak at about 3.2 miles in from the trailhead.
North Boundary Trail: Extend your trip by heading out on this trail that goes deeper into the mountains, found at 2.6 miles using the east side of the loop and 2.8 miles on the west west side of the loop.

Whichever destination you choose, the Devisadero Trail will take you through a sunny piñon-juniper forest with patches of shady ponderosa trees at the top of the loop. Bring sun protection and mind your footing as the trail can be rocky and lined with the occasional cactus.

More Nearby Trails: For more trails, check out the El Nogal Nature and South Boundary trails from the El Nogal Trailhead parking lot.

Thank you to Red Willow Hospice, the official adopter of the Devisadero Trail! Learn more about the Adopt-a-Trail Program.