Cerro Pedernal at dawn on the wonderful drive up to this one. 1 AUGUST 2026 W5N/SE-005 Elevation: 10,620′ Route: Old forestry roads Hike Distance: 2.3 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 300′ Navigation: Tricky* Steepness: Gentle Vehicle: Passenger car Road: Excellent dirt roads Cell Coverage: None from Verizon * Landmarks are obscured by the trees. TheContinue reading “Cerro de la Garita”
Tag Archives: Santa Fe National Forest
Los Griegos
Looking like something Van Gogh painted, these sunflowers are either Mule’s Ears (Wyethia arizonica) or Arrow Leaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) – both obviously in the sunflower family, but hard to tell apart. 20 JUNE 2026 W5N/SE-012 Elevation: 10,118′ Route: 4WD track and good use trail Hike Distance: 4.0 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 930′ (includesContinue reading “Los Griegos”
Summit 9,420′
Hard to find a view through the trees on this one. Looking west to Chicoma Mountain and the Valles Caldera. 31 MAY 2026 W5N/PW-020 Elevation: 9,420′ Route: Good trail Hike Distance: 2.25 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 700′ Navigation: Easy Steepness: Moderate Vehicle: Passenger car* Road: Paved highway Cell Coverage: Excellent Verizon $10 day useContinue reading “Summit 9,420′”
Saint Peter’s Dome
New Mexico Locust (Robinia neomexicana) on the way up to the fire lookout tower in the background.. 24 MAY 2026 W5N/SE-035 Elevation: 8,465′ Route: Fire road Hike Distance: 2 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 375′ Navigation: Easy* Steepness: Gentle Vehicle: High clearance suggested Road: Dirt road Cell Coverage: Excellent Verizon *navigating the forest service roadsContinue reading “Saint Peter’s Dome”
Colorado Peak
Looking south to the Sandia Crest. 7 FEBRUARY 2026 W5N/SE-050 Elevation: 7,306′ Route: Cross country Hike Distance: 1 mile round trip Elevation Gain: 325′ Navigation: Easy Steepness: Mild Vehicle: High clearance, all terrain tires recommended Road: Dirt road Cell Coverage: Excellent Verizon Hike basics After doing Tetilla in the morning, I felt like exploring theContinue reading “Colorado Peak”
Otowi Benchmark
★★★★ Classic North Central New Mexico Summit!
Cerro Roman
★★☆☆ This summit earns two stars based on a pleasant hike and easy access in mud and snow seasons along with a nice view and huge activation zone
Polvadera Peak
☆☆☆☆ The best “no star” summit you will ever do. Horrible hike, not much of a view and a long dirt road drive, but SO much fun!
Clara Peak
★★☆☆ This former fire lookout commands a fine view of the Española, Nambe & Pojoaque Valleys.
Chicoma Mountain
★★★☆ I’ve looked at this beautiful, mystic mountain from afar for years. Today was the day I finally went there.