Contact Info
1710 N. Riverside Drive
Española, NM 87532
- Phone:
- 505-753-7331
Basics
- Length:
- 2.7 miles
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time:
- 1 - 2 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 6900 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 6900 feet to 7600 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 700 feet
- Usage:
- Heavy
- Season:
- Spring to Fall
Description
Leaving the junction with the Rendija Trail, the Cabra Trail switchbacks a couple times as it climbs out of Rendija Canyon, and continues steadily up a side canyon untill it tops out on a mesa top known locally as Beanfield Mesa, where settlers once dry farmed. The trail skirts the edge of Cabra Canyon with some dramatic views, then continues climbing to the north and meets the old Upper Guaje Road, now closed to motor vehicles. Most bikers using this trail will ride a loop consisting of Upper Cemetary Road and this western portion of the Cabra Loop Trail.
If you continue east on the Cabra Loop, expect areas of both deep and loose eroding pumice soils and very rough rocky trail. This eastern half of the loop is not really suitable nor recommended for biking, but can be an interesting hike. Continuing east, look just north of this junction for the leg of the Cabra Loop Trail that will turn to the east and bring you down to the junction with the Pajarito Trail.
Tour Companies
Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing
- Santa Fe Area
- Snowshoeing, Hiking
- 505-660-0394
From alpine to desert, Outspire guides enrich your experience by giving context to your hike. So that your destination is not only what you see, but a sense of where the area fits in New Mexico's history, geology and natural world. Our hiking guides are experienced, enthusiastic, and motivated to share the joy of being outside! Day hikes and winter snowshoe outings are planned to suit your interests and fitness.Helpful Links
Tour Companies
Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing
- Santa Fe Area
- Snowshoeing, Hiking
- 505-660-0394
Details
Length:
Difficulty:
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
Usage:
Season:
Useful Map(s):
Additional Details:
This trail, like many in the Los Alamos area, is at least partially within the area burned by the Cerro Grande Fire of 2000. The trail has suffered severe damage in some places, and trail rehabilitation efforts have failed to fully restore the trail to pre-fire conditions.
Visitors should be aware of dangers and hazards in the burned area. In particular, recreation in the burned area should be avoided during windy days and during rainstorms due to the danger of flash floods and falling trees.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
The Cabra Loop Trail can be accessed from either the Rendija Trail 297 or from the Pajarito Trail 286. To access it from the Rendija Trail, follow the Rendija Trail east from the Guaje Pines Cemetary for .8 miles to the Cabra Trail junction. To access it from the Pajarito Trail, take San Ildefonso Road to Forest Road 57, heading towards the Sportsman’s club shooting range. Just after the end of the pavement, turn north to a small parking area with a Forest Service trailhead kiosk. This is the trailhead for the Pajarito Trail. Follow the Pajarito down across Rendija Canyon and up the other side, and you will junction with the Cabra Loop Trail in about .6 miles.
