Contact Info
1710 N. Riverside Drive
Española, NM 87532
- Phone:
- 505-753-7331
Basics
- Length:
- 10 miles
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time:
- 7 - 8 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 8200 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 8200 feet to 11600 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 3400 feet
- Usage:
- Moderate
- Season:
- Summer to Fall
Description
From the trailhead the Rio Medio Trail 155 switchbacks quickly down to the canyon bottom and begins to follow the rio upstream. At this point the river can be quite large especially in early spring. Farther upstream as you pass numerous tributaries the river rapidly becomes smaller. For the first 5 miles, the trail stays mainly on the north side of the river. At about the five-mile point the junction with Capulin Trail 158 is encountered.
In another mile a fork in the trail gives you a choice between Trail 155 and Trail 351. Trail 155 continues up along the south tributary of the Rio Medio, but Trail 155 past the 351 junction is little used and can be hard to follow. The more well used and easier to follow route to Trailrider’s Wall is to take Trail 351 at the 155/351 junction, and continue on it, passing the junction with Trail 352 to Joe Vigil Lake, and continuing past the two boggy little ponds sometimes known as Twin Lakes and on up to Trailriders Wsall and the junction with the Skyline Trail 251. However, should you instead choose to stay on the Rio Medio Trail past the 155 and 351 junction, you will find there are still a lot of fords but they become easier as the river diminishes in size. At the head of the canyon, the trail seems to end in a large, boggy field of skunk cabbage.
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:
The incidence of vandalism in this area is slightly higher than in areas closer to Santa Fe. Hikers planning an extended trip from this trailhead may want to arrange transportation.
This trail features a less heavily used route to the heart of the Pecos Wilderness high country. Opportunities for solitude are likely on this trail.
There are many steam crossings as well as good camping areas all the way.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
To get to Trailhead 6 on Borrego Mesa, take State Road 503 out of Pojoaque through Nambe and Cundiyo. Just past the turn off to the west to Santa Cruz Lake you will see the junction with Forest Road 306. Turn right on FR 306. Just after nine miles turn right on Forest Road 435 heading towards the Borrego Mesa campground. Continue past the campground for ¼ mile and you are at the Rio Medio Trailhead 6.
