Contact Info
1710 N. Riverside Drive
Española, NM 87532
- Phone:
- 505-753-7331
Basics
- Length:
- 2.5 miles
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time:
- 1.5 - 2.5 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 7700 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 7700 feet to 9000 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 1300 feet
- Usage:
- Light
- Season:
- Spring to Fall
Description
This trail was formely a wagon road and then a jeep trail leading up the Cañon de Valle. The first half mile from the gate follows the road; just before the road makes a sharp swing to the north you encounter a junction with the Perimeter Trail to the south. Passing this junction, you leave the road here and continue straight up the canyon on the narrower Valle Trail. The trail continues at a gradual incline up the canyon parallel to the creek, crossing from side to side. There are a few difficult spots where the trail has suffered from effects of the Cerro Grande Fire (see below). The upper sections of the trail are very pleasant, and the old wagon road nature of the trail are very apparent. At the top of the trail is the fenceline bordering the Valle Caldera National Preserve.
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, like many in the Los Alamos area, is at least partially within the area burned by the Cerro Grande Fire of 2000. The trail has suffered some extreme damage in a few places, and trail rehabilitation efforts have failed to fully restore the trail to pre-fire conditions.
Visitors should be aware of dangers and hazards in the burned area. In particular, recreation in the burned area should be avoided during windy days and during rainstorms due to the danger of flash floods and falling trees.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Follow Highway 501 south from Los Alamos for 2.5 miles to a small turn off to the right, onto the old Forest Road 2996. The road is now gated and managed for non motorized recreation. Park before the large gate and follow the old road up the canyon. On the map this area is called Canon de Valle.
