Contact Info
3005 E. Camino del Bosque
Silver City, NM 88061
- Phone:
- 575-388-8201
Basics
- Length:
- 10 miles
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time:
- 6 - 7 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 6500 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 6500 feet to 8000 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 1500 feet
- Usage:
- Moderate
- Season:
- Year Round
Description
The Sawmill Wagon Road was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1979. The trail was an integral part of the original Fort Bayard Military Reservation in the late 1800s. Soldiers used the trail to transport fuelwood and construction timber from the high ponderosa pine forests of the Pinos Altos Mountain Range to the military reservation. Currently, the trail is used by hikers, bikers, and equestrians wanting a quick and historic day of exploring.
National Recreation Trail.
The Forest Service uses this area as horse pasture in the winter. Expect to encounter stock.
Details
Length:
Difficulty:
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
Usage:
Season:
Useful Map(s):
Additional Details:
Parking at the Arenas Valley Trailhead is limited to six vehicles. There is a toilet available at the trailhead
Silver City is located 5.5 miles west of the trailhead where gas, food, and lodging are available.
No water is available. It is advisable to carry your own.
The Fort Bayard area is a popular calfing area for elk. It is not unusual to see heards of 50 - 100 elk in July and August along the Sawmill Trail.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Silver City travel east on US Hwy. 180 approximately 4 miles to the Arenas Valley Road. Travel the Arenas Valley Road 1.5 miles north. The trailhead is at the end of the road.