Trails

Canones Creek National Recreation Trail, 6.2 miles long, begins at Cerro Pavo Trailhead and ends where it meets with Trail 102. This trail offers spectacular views of the Canones Canyon walls.  The canyon provides habitat for numerous types of wildlife.  Canones Creek Trail is considered to be a medium to arduous (difficult/strenuous) trail.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, River and Stream Fishing

The Cecilia Trail is 4.1 miles long. It begins at FR 171 and ends at Trail 452. The trailhead serves as a stop point for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.  Visitors will find informational interpretative signs posted at this trailhead.   The trail provides an excellent view of the Cerro Pedernal among other areas.   Wildlife sightings are not uncommon along this trail.  

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, River and Stream Fishing

Corralitos Trail, 4.3 miles long, begins on the northwest side of Resumidero Camping area off of FR 461.   Approximately 3.5 miles inside the Wilderness on this trail, the hiker will reach the junction of trail 451, the Cecilia Trail.  Continuing on, the trail ends at the junction with trail 31, also known as the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT).  Corralitos Trail provides spectacular views of Cerro Pedernal, and other mountains, mesa, and canyon areas surrounding the San Pedro Parks Wilderness.   

This trail is located within the Wilderness.  No motorized or mechanized use is allowed.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Hart Canyon trail is 1 mile long. It begins at FR 145 on the Carson National Forest, and ends in the bottom of Rio Chama Canyon.  

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Mogote Trail is one mile long with numerous switchbacks; it is one of the steepest trails on Coyote Ranger District. It begins at the end of FR 173 off of  FR 100 and ends at Trail 82 at the bottom of Canones Creek. 

Uses: Day Hiking, River and Stream Fishing

The Pelones trail is 2.8 miles long. It begins at the end of Forest Road 107, on the NW side of San Pedro Parks Wilderness and ends at San Jose Trail 33. The trail is moderately steep into the Wilderness.  There are spectacular views of  Cerro Blanco, Llaves, Regina and Cuba areas. Motorized use is not permitted in the Wilderness.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Rio Gallina trail is 4.3 miles long. The trail travels up a moderately steep incline that flattens out near the end. The trail travels through mixed conifer and aspen stands and ends at trail 31.  

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Closed - Burned areas have eroased portions of trail from the Rio Puerco Trailhead to Vega Redonada.  Rehab scehduled in 2025 Rio Puerco trail, 5.2 miles long, provides a scenic hike into the San Pedro Parks Wilderness.  The trail is steep in some areas.  The trail travels through mixed conifer stands as well as several aspen stands and meadows.  It begins at Forest Road 93 on a spur road to the SW side of FR 93 along the Rio Puerco.  It ends at the Coyote District boundary where it meets with the Penas Negras Trail. Fishing in the Rio Puerco is available. 

Motorized vehicles or mechanized equipment are prohibited in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, River and Stream Fishing

A permit is required to visit the Tsi-p 'in-owinge site and can be obtained from the Coyote Ranger District at no cost.   A brochure and a hard copy permit will be given to you when you schedule your visit with the District.BREAKTsi-p 'in-owinge is a Cultural Heritage site. Tsi-p 'in-owinge (Village at Flaking Stone Mountain)  elevation ia 7,400 feet.  The pueblo was built around 1275 A.D.  At its peak, more than 1,000 pueblo people lived here.   The pueblo was abandoned by 1450. 

The multistory pueblo was constructed of stone blocks quarried from the volcanic tuff (a welded ash material). The people hunted in the mountains and along the Chama River to the north.  They grew corn, beans, and squash in gardens located on the mesa and along the streams below. BREAKStone resources, excellent for tool making, were readily available; obsidian (black volcanic glass), chert, and basalt (a dense lava).  The descendants of the village, the modern Tewa-speaking people, call the pueblo Tsi-p 'pin-owinge (Village at Flaking Stone Mountain).

The site is accessible only by foot. The trail is steep, with switchbacks.  The climb back up is moderate to arduous.  The dirt road to the trailhead is rocky. High-clearance vehicles are recommended.  You should allow 6 hours for the round trip, including the hike once you leave the State highway.

Visitor Etiquette:   The Tsi-p 'in-owinge is a special place. It is considered sacred to some local Native American Pueblos.

Please treat it with respect and protect it:  Do not sit, stand or climb on the fragile stone walls; please do not camp, build fires or gather wood.

Please stay on the trail:   It is illegal to remove any building stones or artifacts.

Please leave artifacts where they are found:  You may see artifacts.  Feel free to look at them, and hold them, but place them back where you found them when you are done.

Please do not leave anything you bring behind. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Interpretive Areas

Not suitable for horseback.  Much blow down, hard to find and follow.  The Upper Gallina trail, 2.9 miles long, is steep with a series of switchbacks.  The trail travels through aspen stands, with a few areas of spruce and fir.  This trail offers spectacular views of the mountain ranges to the north.  

Uses: Day Hiking

The Vega Redonda trail, 3 miles long, starts at the end of spur Forest Road 93G at the Wilderness boundary fence.   FR 93G begins at Resumidero Springs and is .75 miles from the Wilderness boundary and trailhead of Vega Redonda.  It is an extremely rough primitive road.  Trail 43 ends where it meets with trail 385.

The Vega Redonda trail is highly used and provides excellent access into the San Pedro Parks Wilderness. The trail goes through stands of ponderosa pine, spruce, fir and aspen.  Meadows intermittently creep up along the trail.  

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Anastacio trail, at an elevation of approximately 10,200 ft, is 3.0 miles long. It begins at trail #46 and ends at trail #51 and is located entirely within San Pedro Parks Wilderness.   

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Continental Divide National Scenic trail crosses the Santa Fe National Forest for a total of 25.7 miles on the Cuba and Coyote Ranger Districts. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Viewing Wildlife

The Damian trail is 2.4 miles long. It begins at Trail 51 and ends at Trail #418. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Elevation at the trailhead is 8,400 ft.   The trail climbs 1760 ft. in the first 2.5 miles and levels off at the junction with trail #435 (Anastacio).   The trail continues another 2.7 miles to San Pedro Parks Wilderness where it ends.  The trail passes through spruce forest with occasional openings.  Water is abundant along the trail. 

The Trailhead is currently Closed for vehicular traffic, you can access the trailhead still on foot parking at the closed gate.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, River and Stream Fishing

The Lucero trail is 3.9 miles long. It begins at Trail 46 and ends at Trail #51.   

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Elevation of the trailhead is 9,250 ft. The trail is steep for a short distance and then levels off.  The trail ends when it reaches trail #51 (Las Vacas) about 3.8 miles from the trailhead.  Water is abundant all along the trail.  

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, River and Stream Fishing

Palomas Trailhead is located on Forest Road 70 near the SE boundary of the San Pedro Parks Wilderness.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Access to this interior trail is via trail #50 (Palomas) or trail #32 (Penas Negras).  This trail follows along Rio de las Perchas for approximately 2 miles and is at about 8,900 ft. elevation along its entire length.  The trail runs through grassy meadows and connects trail #50 to trail #32. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Rattlesnake trail is 0.6 miles long.  It begins off Forest Road 390 and ends at Rattlesnake Ridge. 

Uses: Day Hiking

The elevation at the trailhead is 8,500 ft.   and the trail climbs 1,700 ft. in about 2 miles to the top of the ridge and the junction with trail #455 (Pelones trail).  The trail then follows the ridge in a gentle climb for 4 miles to San Pedro Parks Wilderness.  Water is plentiful at first and can be found again within the parks.  The San Jose trail is 5.4 miles long.  

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Clear Creek trail is 3.0 miles long. It begins at Trail 51 and ends at Trail 435 within the San Pedro Parks Wilderness.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding

At the trailhead is a 10-15 car parking lot with a vault toilet.  The elevation here is 9,300 ft.  The climb into the San Pedro Parks Wilderness is gradual.  San Gregorio Reservoir is about a mile from the trailhead.   From the reservoir to trail #50 (Palomas) terminus is approximately 4 miles.  The trail then crosses the terminus of Trail #435 (Anastacio) in about a quarter of a mile.  The trail then proceeds to the terminus of trail #32 (Penas Negras) in about 2.5 miles, and from there San Pedro Park is about a half mile.  The trail passes mostly through spruce type vegetation with occasional openings.  Water is abundant along the trail.

Motorized and mechanized use is prohibited in Wilderness.

Uses: Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Lake and Pond Fishing, River and Stream Fishing, Viewing Wildlife

Trailhead parking for the East Fork Trail (Forest Trail 137) is located north of Battleship Rock Picnic Area, off NM State Highway 4, about five miles north of the Village of Jemez Springs. To access the East Fork Trail go through the picnic area. The trail is located to the east side of the pavilion. 

From the trailhead, it is two miles to McCauley Warm Spring, and four miles to Jemez Falls Trailhead. The trail is rated for moderately difficult hiking, typically uphill to Jemez Falls. The trail continues one mile to the East Fork Trailhead parking area and ends at the Las Conchas Trailhead. The total one way trail length is approximately 10 miles.

Uses: Day Hiking

The East Fork Trail (Trail #137) is 10.0 miles long and does not loop. It begins, or ends, at Battleship Rock Trailhead and at the Las Conchas Trailhead. Both trailheads are located off NM State Highway 4. Midway are two additional trailheads (Jemez Falls and East Fork) also provide access to the East Fork Trail. Expect a medium difficult hike uphill from Battleship TH to the Jemez Falls TH. Midway in the hike you'll find McCauley's Warm Spring, a beautiful stop for a picnic or to soak your feet.  From Jemez Falls it's another mile to the East Fork Trailhead. This segment of trail is more moderate and winds through Aspen and pine forests. From the East Fork Trailhead to  the Las Conchas Trailhead the hiking becomes easier with rolling terrain. Be sure to explore the spur trail to the East Fork Jemez River Box Canyon. About two miles leading to, or from, the Las Conchas Trailhead follows the East Fork River through meadows of wild flowers and an easy stroll.

Back country camping is permitted 200 feet or more away from East Fork-Jemez River and 400 feet away from McCauley Warm Spring.  Beginning elevation 7,360 feet above sea level at Battleship Rock Trail Head; 8,400 feet above sea level at Las Conchas Trail Head. Please be sure to keep all pets leashed as this trail is very popular, particularly for two miles leading from the Las Conchas TH.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

The East Fork Trailhead is located off of NM State Highway 4. The location of this at the mid-point of the East Fork Trail (Forest Trail 137), approximately one mile east of the Jemez Falls Campground. 

Cross the highway, the East Fork Trail winds to the Jemez Falls Trailhead is an easy downhill one mile hike. The trail meanders through aspen and pines as it trends downhill towards Jemez Falls. Hiking east and slightly uphill the trail leads through aspen groves and pine/fir forests with views of the 11,000 ft Redondo Peak along the 5 mile hike in rolling terrain.

Uses: Day Hiking

Site is currently closed, will re-open for the 2025 season. 

The Jemez Falls Trailhead is located adjacent to the Jemez Falls Group Area. To get to the trailhead use the Jemez Falls Campground turnoff and follow the road past the campground and day use area.

A short 1/4-mile hike will get you to the Jemez Falls Overlook, the highest falls in the Jemez Mountains.

The trailhead is located midway along the East Fork Trail. Hiking northeast one mile is moderately easy to the East Fork Trailhead and another 5 miles to the Las Conchas Trailhead. Hiking west will lead downhill to the Battleship Trailhead, approximately 4 miles.

Uses: Day Hiking, Picnicking

Vehicular Parking is limited.

Located on NM State Highway 4 approximately 3/4 mile south of the Las Conchas Picnic Area, the Las Conchas Trailhead provides access to the eastern most terminus of the East Fork Trail (Forest Trail 137). Starting elevation of the trail is 8,400 feet above sea level. The trail follows the Wild and Scenic East Fork Jemez River and provides views of meadows, wildflowers, and wildlife.

The trail is rated as easy for the first 2 miles and becomes moderate for the rest of the way to the East Fork Trailhead(five miles).

Uses: Day Hiking

A favorite with fishermen who desire backcountry fishing, the North East Fork Trail (Forest Trail 121) is 0.6 miles long. It begins on State Highway 4, between the Las Conchas Picnic/Fishing Area and the Valles Caldera. The trail is limited to hiking and rated as easy. It follows a private property fenceline for about a half mile where it drops into the canyon bottom.

Beginning elevation 8,600 feet above sea level. The trail provides access to the East Fork Jemez River.

Uses: Day Hiking

Spence Hot Spring is reached from a short hike from the parking area. Located five (5) miles north of Jemez Ranger District Office. There is no location sign for the spring. The paved parking area accommodates seven vehicles.

The popular Spence Hot Spring includes a small pool that accommodates a relatively low number of people. Although the spring maintains a 95-degree temperature the water has been cooling for the last several years and is a warm spring at approximately body temperature.

Special Instructions:   Please be considerate of the hot spring and surrounding area. The water quality is not monitored so there are possible health hazards. Visitors should avoid getting water in their noses to minimize the risk of contracting a potentially fatal parasitic amoeba called Naegleria Fowleri, common in warm springs.  Also, watch for Poison Ivy along the trail.

Nudity is a violation of State Law and violators will be cited.

Please pack out all trash and leave the area enjoyable for others to use.

Uses: Day Hiking

The Agua Fria trail is 2.8 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 113E and ends at Trail 269. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking. 

Trail cleared June 2024.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking,

The Baldy trail is 6.4 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 79 and ends at Glorieta Baldy. 

Uses: Day Hiking, Mountain Biking

Trail cleared in July 2023. 

The Beattys trail is 22.5 miles long. It begins at Jack's Creek Trailhead and ends at the Santa Barbara TH on the Carson National Forest.   

Special Instructions:   Camping and campfires are prohibited within the Beatty's Flats Closure Area. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

Cleared in Fall 2023

Beaver Creek trail is 12.9 miles long. It begins at Hermits Peak/Porvenir trailhead and ends at Trail 251. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding.   Trail between trailhead and junction with Hollinger 219 cleared in 2023. 2024 

Update: Trail is mostly clear to junction with trail 219.  BREAK This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Caution when traveling on trails in the burned area is recommended and navigational tools are useful: some parts of trails may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Blue Bell Ridge trail is 5.6 miles long. It begins at Trail 218 and ends at Trail 247. This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Caution when traveling on trails in the burned area is recommended and navigational tools are useful: some parts of trails may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Day Hiking

The Blue Bell trail is 0.8 miles long. It begins at Trail 212 and ends at Trail 247.

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Caution when traveling on trails in the burned area is recommended and navigational tools are useful: some parts of trails may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Trail has not been cleared and is difficult to find. Use at your own risk at this time until trail work can be scheduled to open up this trail.

The Bob Grounds trail is 3.6 miles long. It begins at Trail 260 and ends at Trail 252.

Trail was cleared in June 2024 between Pecos River and Hamilton Mesa. Trail east of Hamilton Mesa is not clear and is difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Bordo del Medio trail is 6.4 miles long. It begins at Trail 250 and ends at Trail 239. 

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Caution when traveling on trails in the burned area is recommended and navigational tools are useful: some parts of trails may be difficult to find.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Burro Basin Trailhead located at the end of  Forest Road 263.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking

Trail cleared and narrow sections widened in July 2023.

The Cave Creek trail is 5 miles long. It begins at Panchuela Trail Head and ends at Trail 251. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding.  Trail cleared in June 2024.

Note that   water at the trailhead has been turned off  as of October 16, 2024. Water will be turned on in late spring 2025 - check this webpage for updates. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Dockweiler trail is 8.3 miles long. It begins at Trail 288 and ends at Trail 25.

June 2024 Update: Trail has been cleared from trailhead 3 miles up. Trail has also been cleared from junction with Jacks Creek trail up 3.5 miles (almost to Beattys flats). Portions of the trail still have deadfall to navigate. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The East Baldy trail is 0.5 miles long. It begins at Trail 251 and ends at East Pecos Baldy. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking. 

Uses: Day Hiking

Gallinas trail is 4.6 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 263 and ends at Trail 218. 

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Caution when traveling on trails in the burned area is recommended and navigational tools are useful: some parts of trails may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking,

The Gascon trail is 12.8 miles long. It begins at Trail 251 and ends at Trail 25. This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Caution when traveling on trails in the burned area is recommended and navigational tools are useful: some parts of trails may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Glorieta Baldy trail is 4.7 miles long. It begins at Glorieta Pass Road and ends at Glorieta Baldy.

Uses: Day Hiking

Trail cleared to Bob Grounds junction in June 2023. Beyond this point the trail is burned and there may be downed trees.

Important Note: The trailhead is OPEN to the public but visitors may encounter a closed gate on Forest Road 223 before the trailhead. This gate is for livestock management. Please feel free to enter through the gate but close it again once you pass through. Thank you for your cooperation. 

The Hamilton Mesa trail is 11.1 miles long. It begins at Jacks Creek Trailhead and ends at Gascon Trail 239.     

Special Instructions: Camping and campfires are prohibited within the Pecos Falls Closure Area.

2024 Update: entire trail was cleared in June 2024.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Hermits Peak trail is 9.5 miles long. It begins at Hermits Peak/El Porvenir Trailhead 20 and ends at Trail 214. The trail is open for the following uses: hiking, backpacking, horseback riding.  Trail was cleared to the peak in June 2024.  

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Hollinger trail is 2.1 miles long. It begins at Trail 247 and ends at Trail 212.

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

Trail cleared in June 2023.

The Holy Ghost Trail is 3.3 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 122 and ends at Trail 254. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding.  2024 Update: Trail is clear as of July.

Caution: Holy Ghost Road is very narrow and not suitable for large trailers.

Avoid driving off the pavement on the high bank (uphill side) of the road to protect endangered plant habitat. Take only photos of flowers,   do not pick them . Leaving them provides for pollinators (butterflies and bees) and seeds for next year’s flowers.

Please remove mud, seeds, vegetation and debris from everything (vehicles, stock, tents, blankets, clothes, etc.) before entering the Santa Fe National Forest, especially Holy Ghost Canyon, to prevent the spread of invasive plants and weeds. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking

Facilities:  Vaulted toilet at Holy Ghost Campground, parking, and information kiosk.

Special Instructions:  Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics.

aution: Holy Ghost Road is very narrow and is not suitable for large trailers.

Avoid driving off the pavement on the high bank (uphill side) of the road to protect endangered plant habitat. Take only photos of flowers,  do not pick them . Leaving them provides for pollinators (butterflies and bees) and seeds for next year's flowers.

Please remove mud, seeds, vegetation and debris from everything (vehicles, stock, tents, blankets, clothes, etc.) before entering the Santa Fe National Forest, especially Holy Ghost Canyon.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking

Important Note: The campground and trailhead are OPEN to the public but visitors may encounter a closed gate on Forest Road 223. This gate is for livestock management. Please feel free to enter through the gate but close it again once you pass through. Thank you for your cooperation.

Important Note:  During the open season (roughly April through November), the campground and trailhead are OPEN to the public but visitors may encounter a closed gate on Forest Road 223. This gate is for livestock management. Please feel free to enter through the gate but close it again once you pass through. Thank you for your cooperation.

This Trailhead is located inside the Iron Gate Campground. Situated above 9,000 feet, Iron Gate Trailhead provides the closest access to panoramic views of the Pecos Wilderness via Hamilton Mesa Trail 249. Forest Road 223  is which provides access to this trailhead is rough and  recommended only for high clearance vehicles . 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

Trail cleared to Pecos Baldy Lake in July 2023. Trail may have blowdowns beyond this point.

Jacks Creek Trail is 14.3 miles long. It begins at Trail 25 and ends at Trail 251. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding.

Pecos Baldy Lake receives a high volume of visitors during the summer season. Please help preserve this area by not camping or having campfires within 200 feet of the lake basin. 

Backcountry camping is never permitted within 50 feet of streams and rivers. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Jacks Creek Trailhead is located in Pecos Canyon off State Route NM 63.  Uses: Trailhead parking and access for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding.   

Facilities: Vault toilets, trash bins. NO potable water is currently available. New water systems are anticipated to be installed in 2024.  

Special Instructions: Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcounty and backcountry outdoor ethics.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

Trail cleared in July 2023 except for the last 1/2 mile to the lake. This section of trail is planned to be cleared in August 2023.

The Lake Johnson Trail is 1.8 miles long. It begins at Trail 251 and ends at Lake Johnson. The trail is open for the following uses: hiking, backpacking, horseback riding. 2024 update: trail not cleared yet this season. 2023 Update: trail cleared to 0.5 mile short of the lake. 

Lake Johnson receives a high volume of visitors during the summer season. Please help preserve this area by not camping or having campfires within 200 feet of the lake basin. 

Backcountry camping is never permitted within 50 feet of streams and rivers.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Lake Katherine trail is 1.3 miles long. It begins at Trail 254 and ends at Lake Katherine. The trail is open for the following uses: hiking, backpacking, horseback riding.

Lake Katherine is heavily impacted by a high volume of visitors during the summer season. Please help preserve this area by not camping or having campfires within 200 feet of the lake basin. Alternative camp locations are highly recommended to preserve this beautiful wilderness area.

Backcountry camping is always prohibited within 50 feet of streams and rivers. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Trail cleared in June 2023 except for one large downed tree that may need to be navigated around.
The Larkspur trail is 1.7 miles long. It begins at Trail 25 and ends at Trail 249. As of July 2024 this trail is clear of deadfall.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Las Dispensas trail is 4.8 miles long. It begins at Trail 223 and ends at Las Dispensas Creek.

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Day Hiking

The Las Trampas trail (Rio Mora Loop trail) is 21.9 miles long. It begins at forest access behind New Mexico State Game & Fish Mora Campground and ends at Trail 249. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding.

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Lone Pine Mesa trail is 3.1 miles long. It begins at Forest Road A3A and ends at Trail 247. 

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Middle Fork trail is 5.7 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 113 and ends at Trail 269.

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Na-na-ka trail is 2.5 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 156 and ends at Trail 251.

 This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Day Hiking

The North Azul trail is 3.0 miles long. It begins at Trail 257 and ends at Trail 25. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The North Fork trail is 14.0 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 113E and ends at the junction with Skyline Trail 251. 

Trail was cleared to the wilderness boundary in June 2024. This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

Panchuela Trailhead is located at the end of Forest Road 305 accessed by NM 63 approximately 22 miles north of Pecos.

Facilities:  Drinking water is available April through October, vaulted toilet, and trash bins.  Water has been turned off for the winter season as of 10/16/2024.

Special Instructions:  NO HORSE TRAILERS ALLOWED. The closest equestrian parking is located at Winsor Ridge and Jack's Creek Trailheads.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Pecos River Trail is 3.3 miles long. It begins at Trail 239 and ends at Trail 251.

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Pecos trail is 6.8 miles long. It begins at Trail 25 and ends at Forest Boundary - Carson. 

Part of this trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Travel on this trail is not recommended past the junction with Gascon #239.  

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Rio Valdez trail is 7.8 miles long. It begins at Trail 250 and ends at Trail 251.

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Rito Perro trail is 1.3 miles long. It begins at Trail 251 and ends at Trail 259.

Trail may be difficult to find or pass through due to location in burn scar. Trail clearing is scheduled for June 2023. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

Most of the trail from Mora Flats to the east cleared in Fall 2023.

The Rociada Trail is 9.2 miles long. It begins at the junction with the Hamilton Mesa Trail 249 and ends at the Sparks Trailhead.

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Santiago Lake trail is 1.2 miles long. It begins at Trail 251 and ends at Santiago Lake.

This trail was burned in the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling on burned area and bring reliable navigational tools as parts of the trail may be difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Riding

The Sebadilloses trail is 3.0 miles long. It begins at Trail 259 and ends at Trail 257.

Note:  Trail has not been maintained in a few years and may be difficult to find in places.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

The Valle Medio trail is 2.3 miles long. It begins at Trail 248 and ends at Trail 240.

 As of 2024 this trail is overgrown and difficult to find. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding, Viewing Plants

Trail cleared in July 2023. 

The Winsor Trail is 9 miles long on the Pecos/Las Vegas District, is moderately difficult and receives heavy use. Its highest and lowest points are 11,000 and 8,500 feet.

Starting from Winsor Trailhead, the trail goes up the creek for approximately 1 mile and then crosses the stream. Follow the trail as it turns sharply away from the stream and climbs through the forest to Carpenter Ridge. The trail continues up the ridge through aspen groves and meadows passing the junction with Holy Ghost Trail 283. After about 6 miles, the trail crosses upper Winsor Creek and meets the Skyline Trail 251. Follow the Skyline Trail to the west for approximately 1 mile until the Winsor Trail turns off to the south. The trail arrives at Spirit Lake within about 1 mile. From there the trail is an easy mile over the ridge and continues into the Espanola District.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking

Trail cleared July 2023. 

The Winsor Ridge trail is 5.9 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 121 and ends at Trail 251. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

Located 20 miles north of Pecos on NM 63, the Winsor Ridge Trailhead is the access point for Winsor Ridge Trail #271 and the trail to Panchuela Campground and Trailhead. 

Facilities:   vaulted toilet, trash bins, trailhead kiosk, parking for passenger vehicles & trailers.  Special Considerations:  Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics.

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Horse Camping, Horse Riding,

Located 20 miles north of Pecos on NM 63, one and a half miles on FR 121. 

Uses: Backpacking, Day Hiking, River and Stream Fishing