Contact Info
1710 N. Riverside Drive
Española, NM 87532
- Phone:
- 505-753-7331
Basics
- Length:
- 5 miles
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time:
- 3.5 - 4.5 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 7700 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 7700 feet to 9700 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 2000 feet
- Usage:
- Light
- Season:
- Spring to Fall
Description
The trailhead, marked by a sign along the side of the Pipeline Road, heads east along the ridge. The upper end of the trail escaped the Cerro Grande Fire, and remains thickly treed and heavily wooded. The trail soon enters the burn as it continues east. The trail is fairly well-maintained up to the two junctions with the Mitchell Trail 69. At the first Mitchell Trail junction, the Mitchell Trail drops off the ridge to the north and leads down to Guaje Canyon. This junction may not be readily apparent. Continuing east on the Guaje Ridge Trail, quickly you will meet the second Mitchell Trail junction which leads south and down the the city of Los Alamos. At this site there is a memorial for David Mitchell, who established the Mitchell Trail as an Eagle Scout project and then died a few years later.
The Guaje Ridge Trail follows the ridge east for another two and a half miles, finally meeting up with the Upper Guaje Road. This section of the trail east of the Mitchell junction burned very hot in the Cerro Grande Fire, and is very rocky with much fire killed and weakened standing timber. The trail is generally all downhill, but there is very little shade, and lots of exposure to wind and weather.
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 partially within the area burned by the Cerro Grande Fire of 2000. Some of the area burned very hot, with timber stand replacing intensities. The trail has suffered damage in some places, and trail rehabilitation efforts have not fully restored the trail to pre-fire conditions. There has been erosion of soils and trail tread since the fire, and there are burned and weakened trees that are in constant danger of falling.
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 Guaje Ridge Trail 285 can be accessed from either the west end, at the Pipeline Road, or from the east end at the old Upper Guaje Road (FR 442). Both these roads are closed to motorized use. The trail follows Guaje Ridge, which is just south of and parrallel to Guaje Canyon, a major canyon draining the Pajarito Plateau. Follow the Pipeline Road about five miles to a sign marking the trail junction, and follow the trail to the east along the ridge. Alternately, you can follow the old Upper Guaje Road to the trail junction, but this one is a bit harder to find.
