Contact Info
- Phone:
- 505-757-6121
Basics
- Length:
- 10 miles
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate,
Difficult - Time:
- 6 - 7 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 9200 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 9200 feet to 11400 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 2200 feet
- Usage:
- Light to Moderate
- Season:
- Year Round
Description
From Iron Gate Campground take Hamilton Mesa Trail 249 to this trail. The Rociada Trail splits off to the right after one mile. The trail drops two miles down the hillside through mixed confer forests as a gentle grade to the meadows of the Rio Mora. To get to Las Trampas or Los Esteros Trails, double back and cross the river as soon as you reach the flats and head downstream. To get to the Rio Valdez and the main portion of Mora Flats, continue upriver on the Rociada Trail. Remain on the west bank and travel north for one mile to the junction with the Valdez Trail 224. The Valdez Trail goes straight up the Rio Valdez from this point. After this junction, the Rociada Trail recieves little use. The trail crosses the Valdez and travels up the Rio Mora for about a mile to the obscure junction with Bordo del Medio Trail 252. The trails can be difficult to follow in the underbrush. There are also many side trails made by fishermen. The Rociada Trail bears right at the junction with the Bordo del Medio Trail and crosses the Rio Mora and the Rito del Oso.
The climb out of the river bottom along the Rito del Oso is very steep, rocky, eroded and has multiple trails. The trail enters meadows slightly before the junction with Skyline 251 and can be difficult to follow. Continuing to climb to the ridgeline will bring one to the trail junction. The Rociada Trail crosses the ridgeline, passes through an area of stunted trees and rocks where it may be difficult to follow, and then descends a series of well-designed switchbacks toward the Sparks Canyon area. The trail eventually intersects an old road which, followed to the south, will bring one to the county road in Maestas Canyon. The trail is entirely on National Forest land. The road to the county road crosses private land in the last 1/2 mile.
Tour Companies
Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing
- Santa Fe Area
- Snowshoeing, Hiking
- 505-660-0394
Helpful Links
Tour Companies
Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing
- Santa Fe Area
- Snowshoeing, Hiking
- 505-660-0394
Details
Length:
Difficulty:
Difficult
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
Usage:
Season:
Useful Map(s):
Additional Details:
This trail is in the Pecos Wilderness. Motorized equipment and mechanized transportation, including mountain bikes, hunter carts, and chainsaws are prohibited.
Please use existing campsites. All campsites must be located a minimun of 50 feet from the rivers.
This trail does not recieve annaul maintenance east of Mora Flats.