A “lasso style” loop, this trail takes you up through shaded canyonlands to a junction where you can go clockwise up the South Crest Trail or counterclockwise up the CCC Trail. Either route rises to South Sandia Peak and a vast panorama west across central New Mexico Need to get in shape? Punch your ticket for the CCC. Out for a stroll? The South Crest Trail exists for you. Lace up those boots and go!
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The Manzano Mountains are sometimes scorned for having poor access roads, huge and unavoidable burn scars and poorly maintained trails. This loop hike puts the lie to this rap. Access to the trailhead is easy, the forest thrives and the tread is an elegant ode to the trail maker’s art. Pull on those boots and go!
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Huge burn scars, visible across the southerly visage of the El Capitan Mountains, invoke much dismay. Fortunately, the moist environment of Pierce Canyon buffered the canyon bottom against the fire. This ascent offers a pleasant stroll; accompanied by running water and marred only slightly by fire damage. Towering Sierra Blanca dominates south and west and sere flatland contrasts vividly north and east. A good portion of this hike crosses a near-flat bajada where firewood collectors have produced a confusion of ATV trails. Be on your navigation game.
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This high-desert trail eases you off of the soggy banks of the Chama River, ascends past much of recent geological history and then casually saunters a gorgeous rim. Easily accessed, moderately demanding and wonderfully rewarding: check, check, check! Cliffside perils do present themselves – parents of young daydreamers need to be advised. Find a sunny winter’s day and put your boots to work!
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In 2014 this guide used “spectacular” and “lush” to describe the Apache Kid Trail to the San Mateo Lookout. Numerous fires have since afflicted the San Mateo Range, but much of the recent damage occurred in the Vick’s Peak Fire of 2020 . This year’s Bear Trap Fire in the San Mateo Mountains burned the west-facing slopes north of Blue Mountain (the range’s high point) but fortunately did not affect the trail described here. The range remains spectacular, but “lush” is grimly absent.
The original intention for this hike was to climb from Springtime Campground to the crest, then turn south on the Shipman Trail. To my eye the Shipman Trail seemed obliterated (but – see “Links”, below). In contrast, the Apache Kid Trail going north on the crest remains obvious. It seemed reasonable to switch focus to the hiker-friendly tread.
Please be careful. This hike is currently a poor choice for a rainy or windy day!
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This is a strenuous workout on an easily accessed and brilliantly maintained trail amidst some of New Mexico’s most famous terrain. The summit lies just above 12,700 feet (which might not be the best for recent arrivals from sea level). Love the spectacular? Go.
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New Mexico Meanders 