Continental Divide South Hike
In Cabezon Region
| Hike Id | H10110 |
| Last Update | 2018-05-22 22:02:33.0 |
| Hike Class | B |
| Hike Miles | 5.8 |
| Minimum Elevation | 6545 |
| Elevation Gain | 182 |
| Total Uphill | 706 |
| Total Downhill | 706 |
| Avg Grade | 8 % |
| Route Type | InOut |
| Drive Miles Round Trip | 140 |
| Drive Time Oneway | 1:30 |
| Hiking Seasons | Sprg, Fall, Wntr |
| Hike Rating | 
(3.7 by 3 hikers) |
| New Mexico Game Unit | 7 |
| All On Trail | Yes |
| All Paved/Gravel Roads | Yes |
Highlights Hike along the edge of a mesa with sandstone formations. Views of Cabezon to the south and the many volcanic formations receding in the distance down the Rio Puerco valley. |
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Trailhead Directions From Albuquerque take I-25 north to Bernallio and take 550 to San Ysidro. Drive 18 mi. west (and NW) to San Luis Rd (Hwy 279); turn left onto Hwy 279 and continue 8.5 mi. west (and SW) to TORREON RD (paved) where you will turn right (north) for 3.6 mi. See Hike accesses, region order, Cabezon on the website under Hikes on the menu. At that point, TURN LEFT and drive to PARK (0.0 mi). For additional information on getting to the trailhead, click here. |
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Actual Hike Hike 350 feet downhill to the CDT cairns on the right shoulder. Follow the cairns along the mesa south rim providing spectacular views of the Rio Puerco valley, Cabazon Peak and many other volcanic plugs. Red sandstone bluffs, twisted juniper trees and soaring hawks all add to the splendor of your hiking experience. At VIEWPOINT (2.0 mi) enjoy the panoramic view. If the group is interested in a total hike of five miles, go to FIVE MILE (2.4 mi) at the edge of a steep descent; stop, eat lunch, turn around and hike north along the mesa edge back to the vehicle. If the group still has plenty of energy left, hike to SIX MILE (2.9 mi) (300 feet off the CDT) and enjoy a view into the valley to the west where there are a number of hoodoo towers. Either waypoint makes for a good lunch spot before turning around for the return trip back. |
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Comments This hike is quite scenic and pleasant. The Total Vertical makes it a high "B" or a low "C" class hike. Most hikers would consider it a "B" class hike. For views and a relaxing day, it's enchanting and hard to beat. |
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© DeLorme. Topo North America ™ 9
Map File Download it. Usually a larger image.
Waypoints
TORREON RD: N 35 40.177, W 107 03.665
TURN LEFT: N 35 42.486, W 107 06.312
PARK: N 35 42.407, W 107 06.654
VIEWPOINT: N 35 41.433, W 107 07.895
FIVE MILE: N 35 41.443, W 107 08.218
SIX MILE: N 35 41.571, W 107 08.643
GPS Files Click link to download file.
GPX:WayTrack, 05Nov10, Garmin, Dick Brown
GPX:WayTrack, 04Apr13, Garmin, Bill Gloyd
Pictures Click here to see them.
| Text Author | Roger Holloway |
| Map Author | Bill Gloyd |
| Waypoints Author | Bill Gloyd |
| Track Author | Dick Brown |
| Maintainer | Bill Gloyd |