Contact Info
- Phone:
- 505-757-6121
Basics
- Length:
- 10 miles
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 6 - 7 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 11800 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 11800 feet to 12400 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 600 feet
- Usage:
- Light
- Season:
- Year Round
Description
This east-west section of trail runs the length of the Santa Barbara Divide. Starting from Jack's Creek Trail 257 on the west, there is first a junction with West Fork Trail 25 to the north (Carson National Forest) and then with Beatty's Trail 25 to the south. Several more miles along the divide brings one to Middle Fork Trail 24 to the north (Carson), Pecos Trail 24 to the south, and East Fork Trail 36 to the northeast (Carson).
Along this entire section of trail, there is virtually no shelter and water is difficult to find. Continuing along the ridge the trail finally drops to the saddle between the Rio Valdez and the Rincon Bonito, intersecting the Rio Valdez Trail 224, North Fork Trail 269, and Pecos River Trail 456. The trails can be difficult to follow in this eroded hummocky area. Skyline Trail continues east through some forest and then emerges into a large alpine meadow.
Continue to the east, looking for guide posts and cairns. There is no trail tread visible in the ground. At the junction with Trail 274 to Santiago Lake, the trail turns sharply south and goes through a series of meadows and wooded stands, following the edge of the Divide. Use tree blazes to find where the trail enters the forest from the meadows. The trail eventually intersects Gascon Trail 239 in a large grassy area north of Cebolla Peak.
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 in the Pecos Wilderness. Motorized equipment and mechanized transportation, including mountain bikes, hunter carts, and chainsaws are prohibited.
Please use existing campsites and pack out all trash. All campsites must be 50 feet from the trail and at least 200 feet from the lakes.
Careful planning is required to avoid exposed ridges and high passes during inclement weather and lightning storms. Be prepared for cold and stormy weather and limited visibility at any time of the year.
