Contact Info
1710 N. Riverside Drive
Española, NM 87532
- Phone:
- 505-753-7331
Basics
- Length:
- 3 miles
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 2 - 3 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 9800 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 9800 feet to 10750 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 950 feet
- Usage:
- Light
- Season:
- Spring to Fall
Description
Approaching from the Skyline Trail 251 at the north end of Horsethief Meadow, a sign post marks the turn of the trail to the west side of Horsethief Creek. A trail across the swampy meadow may not be obvious at this point. Upon reaching the woods at the edge of the meadow, two trails can be seen. The trail heading north alongside Horsethief Creek is Trail 253. The trail turning west is Horsethief Meadows Trail 243. These junctions may not be signed. Within a quarter mile, Trail 243 crosses a small tributary of Horsethief Creek and begins the steep ascent out of the canyon. The trail follows this stream up a drainage for half a mile before crossing it once again and ascending rapidly up the ridge. The trail swings slightly north at this point and travels to a lower saddle before turning west to follow a small drainage down the valley to the Rio Frijoles. If the visitor is coming up the trail from Panchuela West and reaches this lower saddle with a fence just the other side, he must be sure to turn southeast to continue up the trail and not try to descend at this point. Good opportunities for camping can be found along the last section of the trail to the Rio Frijoles. Cattle can normally be seen grazing in the open grassy meadows that characterize Panchuela West.
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 is the shortest and most direct rout between two major areas of attraction in the Pecos Wilderness.
The area experiences a lot of treefall, and since this is not one of the highly maintained trails, visitors can expect to do a lot of scrambling over deadfall.
The trail is extremely steep and can be somewhat difficult to find in sections.
Due to the steepness of the terrain, there are few areas suitable for camping until the Frijoles or Horsethief basins are reached.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
This short trail connects the Rio Capulin Trail 158 and the Skyline Trail 251, and is a historic route from the Rio Frijoles to the Pecos River drainages, and can be accessed from either side.
