Chicoma Mountain

An unusual angle on Cerro Pedernal looking northwest across the summit meadow.

23 AUGUST 2025 W5N/SE-001

Elevation:	11,539′
Route:	Cross country and old logging road
Hike Distance:	4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:	650′
Navigation:	Tricky
Steepness:	Moderate
Vehicle:	Passenger car*
Road:	Good dirt road
Cell Coverage:	Good Verizon

This was a mountain I have wanted to do for a long time. It’s a summit that figures prominently into the view from Cassie’s little casita in Arroyo Seco and it has been calling me since I first visited New Mexico in 1989. This would probably rate 4 stars if the hike was a bit easier and the approach wasn’t so long.

At 11,539 feet Chicoma Mountain is the highest of the Jemez Mountains

Forest Service Road 144 was in very good condition – but even still – it is 27 miles of dirt road (54 miles round trip). It’s a road I would have no problem taking the family sedan on, but there are some rough, rocky spots and washboards. Your mileage may vary.

The hike up starts along FS Road 114B. I tried to find the track that is on the map along the ridgeline. This led me into a maze of deadfall that was very difficult to negotiate.

A large meadow appears just before the summit and the vistas are breathtaking.

There is a large cairn on the summit and several shrines. I saw several clay pots and an arrowhead. I didn’t disturb anything, leaving everything just as I found it. There was a summit register but the lid was jammed on too tight to remove.

Radio conditions started out slow but picked up as the day progressed. I stayed longer than I should’ve as the cumulus clouds gathered and became threatening. I was glad to work Lorene and Mike on Triunfo Lookout in the Santa Monica Mountains! On the way down I was pelted with hail and the forest floor sent up a wonderful petrichor! The lightning didn’t start until I was driving Whitedog well down the mountain. I was a wonderful activation!