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Nambe Trail No. 160

Contact Info
Santa Fe National Forest
1710 N. Riverside Drive
Española, NM 87532

Phone:
505-753-7331
Basics
Length:
12 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
9 - 10 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
7100 feet
Elevation Range:
7100 feet to 11000 feet
Elevation Change:
3900 feet
Usage:
Moderate
Season:
Spring to Fall

Description

From the Nambe Reservoir pick up the trail at the north end of the dam and follow the river upstream. The canyon becomes narrow at times with the trail traversing narrow, rocky passages along the cliffs above the stream. Horse travel is possible with an experienced and sure-footed animal. As the canyon widens, the trail drops back down to the river level and crosses back and forth numerous times.

At the first major fork in the river, two side canyons come together. Take the north fork for the continuation of the Nambe Trail. As the trail progresses farther upstream, the canyon begins to widen considerably and soon the lower grasslands of Rancho Viejo are encountered. At this point there is the intersection of the Rio Capulin and the Rio Nambe called La Junta. The south fork is the Rio Nambe. Cross both rivers and continue up the Rio Nambe along its north bank. From here the trail makes only a few crossings back and forth across the river, and remains mostly on the north side. Along the way, intersections with Borrego Mesa Trail 150 and the Capulin Trail 158 may be spotted. About one and one half miles before Puerto Nambe, the large grassy meadows of La Vega are encountered. From here the trail climbs up to join the Winsor Trail 254 just below the flat grassy meadows of Puerto Nambe.

Tour Companies

  • Santa Fe Area
  • Snowshoeing, Hiking
  • 505-660-0394

Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing 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.

Details

Length:
12 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
9 - 10 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
7100
Elevation Range:
7100 feet to 11000
Elevation Change:
3900
Usage:
Moderate
Season:
Spring to Fall
Useful Map(s):
USGS: Aspen Basin and Tesuque, and Pecos Wilderness
Additional Details:

This trail follows the entire length of the Rio Nambe from the Reservoir to the headwaters at Puerto Nambe. There are 3 vegetation zones.

Although there is a 3,000-foot elevation change it is gradual and spread out over 12 miles.

The river is quite large at the lower elevations and may be impassable early in the season when runoff is heavy.

Map + Directions

Basic Directions

This trail is accessed easiest from the either the Aspen Ranch or the Aspen Basin areas (Trailheads 9 and 10, respectively, on the 2003 Pecos Wilderness map). The Borrego Trail and the Winsor Trail are both good trails to use to access the Rio Nambe Trail. Access from Nambe Reservoir is difficult because no trailhead exists, and the trail just upstream from the reservoir receives little maintenance. A fee is charged by Nambe Pueblo to use the area.


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