Hiking

South Base Trail (T57) begins on the north side of Forest Road FR 338 about 1.2 miles from the junction of FR 56. It crosses trails 59 and 60 and ends at trail 61. Length of trail is 10.1 miles.

Summit Trail 58 (T58) follows the main ridge of the Capitan Mountains from the electronic site at the end of FR 56 to the junction of trails 62 and 64. Length of trail is 8.2 miles.

Padilla Canyon Trail (T59) originates at Padilla Point and FR 56. It drops off the south side, but turns east at he base of the Capitan's where it terminates at trail 60 (Mitten Bar). Length is 3.3 miles.

Mitten Bar Trail (T60) originates on the south side of the Capitan's on trail 57 and connects to FR 56 about 1 mile west of the electronic site. This trail passes through the wilderness for a short distance only. Length of trail is 2.5 miles.

Pancho Canyon Trail (T62) takes off from the south side of the wilderness at the end of FR 536 and travels up the canyon to the junction of trails 58 and 64. Length of trail is 3.5 miles.

Capitan Peak Trail (T64) originates near the Pine Lodge Summer Home area at the northeast portion of the Capitan range. This trail is very steep and has many switchbacks. Length of trail is 5.7 miles.

North Base Trail (T65) travels near the Pine Lodge Summer Home area at the northeast portion of the Capitan range. This trail is very steep and has many switchbacks. Length of trail is 5.7 miles.

North Base Trail (T65) travels between FR 130 near Pine Lodge to FR 616. It crosses Seven Cabins Canyon and continues past it to the west for about another mile. It primarily follows the foothills through pinyon-juniper woodland. Length of trail is 4.6 miles.

Seven Cabins Trail (T66) is located on the north side and begins at the termination of FR 256 and meets trails 58 and 61 on the main ridge of the mountain range. This is also a steep trail. Length of trail is 3.8 miles.

South Fork Trail (T19) begins at the upper end of south Fork Campground, changes in elevation 2700 feet and ends at its junction with Crest Trail 25. The length is 5.7 miles. This trail is a relatively steep climb to the crest. The trail follows the course of the South Fork Rio Bonito which empties into Bonito Lake.

Crest Trail (T25) begins in the parking lot .5 mile below Monjeau Lookout, changes in elevation 2250 feet and ends at FR 108. The length is 21.1 miles. The trail passes through sub-alpine meadows, grass-oak savannahs, plus mixed conifer and aspen stands giving visitors a special view of White Sands, the Malpais and the desert to the west. A small campground and parking lot are situated at Monjeau Lookout where the trail begins.

Bluefront Canyon Trail (T33) begins at its junction with South Fork Trail 19, has a change in elevation of 2850 feet and ends with Crest Trail 25. The length is 5.2 miles. This trail is a steep climb leading to the crest. The trail passes by he ruins of the Great Western Mine.

Aspen Canyon Trail (T35) begins at trail 36, has a change in elevation of 1500 feet and ends at trail 25. The length is 2.4 miles. This trail climbs through large stands of Quaking Aspen and follows Aspen Canyon Spring offering outstanding views form the crest of Elk Point and White Horse Hill. The trail may be used as a loop with Bonito Creek Trail 36 as a one-day trip or as an access rail to the crest. This trail is shared by both hikers and equestrians.

Bonito Creek Trail (T36) begins at the end of FR 107, has a change in elevation of 1100 feet and ends at trail 25. The length is 4.6 miles. This trail follows Bonito Creek through heavy stands of Aspen and small meadows with good camping sites just off the trail. The view from the crest allows hikers and/or equestrians to see Elk Point, White Horse Hill and a panoramic view of Tularosa Basin. Bonito seep is located north of the trail just prior to reaching the crest. This offers a prime example of the origin of the White Mountain Wilderness streams that make up the Bonito watershed.

Little Bonito Creek Trail (T36) begins at its junction with Bonito Creek Trail 36, changes in elevation 525 feet and ends at its junction with Crest Trail 25. The length is 1.4 miles. Both hikers and equestrians can follow this trail that climbs gradually through wooded area and mountain meadows to the crest, following the Little Bonito spring. Combined with the lower par of Bonito Creek Trail 36, this trail is the easiest access to the upper end of Doherty Ridge Trail 50. Elk and deer may be observed in the meadows on the upper end of the trail. This trail may be used as a connecting trail to Doherty Ridge Trail 50 or to Crest Trail 25. By using the Crest Trail as a linking trail, a one-day trip may be obtained by returning down Bonito Creek Trail 36, Aspen Canyon Trail 35, or Argentina Canyon Trail 39. There are a variety of camping sites available along these trails.

Argentina Canyon Trail (T39) begins at the end of FR 107, has a change elevation of 1300 feet, and ends at its junction with Crest Trail 25 for a total of 2.5 miles in length. Easy, nearby access to riding facilities, plus corrals, toilets, and pull-off areas at the trailhead make it a favorite of equestrians as well as hikers. Following Argentina Canyon and a stream tat has water the year round, the trail gradually climbs to the crest through stands of White Pine, Ponderosa Pine, White Fir and Quaking Aspen. The view from the crest includes a spectacular view of Carrizozo and the Malpais, as well as various views of the White Mountain wilderness.

Three Rivers Trail (T44*) begins at Three Rivers Campground, changes in elevation 3650 feet and ends at its junction with Crest Trail 25. The length is 5.6 miles. The trail follows Three Rivers Creek nearly to the Crest Trail. This is one of the largest live streams in the wilderness and supports a population of brook trout ranging from 4" to 7" in length.

Doherty Ridge Trail (T50*) begins at its junction with Crest Trail 25, changes in elevation 2050 feet and ends at Spring Canyon Well. The length is 4.2 miles. This trail has the most diverse terrain of the wilderness trails. Starting from a wooded area with mountain meadows thru brush thickets, a popular habitat for deer, to semi-desert atmosphere at the bottom end.

La Pasada Encantada Trail (T233) was developed primarily for the visually handicapped, is a short trail near the west end of Sleepy Grass Campground. It has informative Braille signs along a bordered path, which allows one to feel the different trees and shrubs while listening to the birds and squirrels.

Rim Trail (T105) is a National Recreational Trail. The registered 13.5 miles long trail begins near Slide Group Campground and parallels the Scenic By-Way 6563 to Atkinson Field. The remainder of this trail continues on to Sunspot and then on south to Hornbuckle Hill on FR 90 (West Side Road). It affords many beautiful views of the Tularosa Basin below.

Cathey Vista Trail is approximately .25 mile long and terminates at the vista overlooking the Tularosa Basin. Cathey Vista is 2 miles north of Sacramento Peak Observatory on Scenic By-Way 6563. Elevation is 9500 feet. It has picnic tables and a large paved parking lot.

Dog Canyon Trail (T106) is another National Recreation Trail starting at the mouth of Dog Canyon in Oliver Lee Memorial State Park and ending at FR 90B on Joplin Ridge. Oliver Lee State Park is approximately 13 miles south of Alamogordo. Dog Canyon Trail is 5.2 miles long, with an elevation gain of 3,130 feet to 4400 feet at trailhead to 7600 feet on Joplin Ridge. Trail conditions vary from good to poor for the first two miles. Last 2.5 miles are arduous – steep grades and rocky trail tread. Scenic and historical, the trail provides magnificent views of Dog Canyon and the Tularosa Basin plus the San Andres Mountains. An old stone cowboy cabin is located approximately 2.5 miles up the trail from the trailhead and is often on the terminus for hikers.

Nelson Vista Trail is .25 mile in length. Located 5 miles south of Cloudcroft, just off the Scenic By-Way 6563. With a good view of the Tularosa Basin and Nelson Canyon, there are seven interpretive stations related to Forest resource management. Foot traffic ONLY.

Osha Trail (T10) is a loop trail approximately 2.5 miles long, starts opposite the old railroad trestle on US 82. This trail offers an outstanding view of White Sands and the Tularosa Basin and has interpretive flora signs the entire length.

Willie White Trail (T113) is at the junction of Willie White Canyon and Rio Penasco. The trail is 5.5 miles in length. There is water in both Willie White and Water Canyons. This trail encircles Bluff Springs and utilizes railroad bed for its path.

Alamo Peak Trail (T109) trailhead is on south side of Alamo Peak Road FR 64D just before it enters the Alamo Peak Military Compound fence. The trail is 3 miles in length with a steep 15 – 20% grade. Connecting with Pipeline and Atkinson trails which in turn connect with Rim Trail at Atkinson Field providing several loop possibilities. The trail ends at West Side Road (FR 90). This trail receives heavy trail bike use during the summer and fall, especially on weekends.

Pipeline Trail Trailhead (T110)is at Atkinson field and is 1.7 miles in length. Connecting at Alamo Peak Trail and the south end of Rim Trail, this trail has a very steep grade. Lower two-thirds follows City of Alamogordo’s aqueduct. The trail also receives heavy motorcycle use.

Atkinson Trail (T111) is a 1.6 miles trail connecting with Alamo Peak Trail and Rim Trail. The trail has a very steep grade and is mostly in a canyon bottom. The trailhead is at Atkinson Field.

Monument Spring Trail (T123) is a foot trail for hiking or horseback riding. Go south on Sunspot Road (FR 6563) 17 miles to Sacramento River Road (FR 537), also know as Timberon Road. Going south on FR 537, turn east onto Scott Able Road (FR 460). Continue north and east to junction with FR 64. Turn south on FR 64 to junction with FR 255, turn south across the Agua Chiquita Creek on FR 255 to top of ridge, continue south onto FR 5600 (Monument Canyon), travel about 1.5 miles to trailhead. There is room at the trailhead for 2-3 campers. The three-mile trail leads down a canyon bottom past a beautiful running spring. Ideal area for picnicking and wildlife watching. The surrounding area was burned in the early 1950’s by the Circle Cross Fire.

Weed Lookout Trail (T120) is the trail beginning behind the service station at Sacramento, NM and terminating at Weed Fire Lookout Tower is 1.1 miles. This trail follows the canyon bottom and then climbs out to the top of the ridge. The trail wanders thru the devastation and sterilization left by the 15,500 acre forest fire named the Spring Burn which raged through the area in 1974.

Lick Canyon Trail (T5543) is a 4.5 mile ATV trail located in Lick Canyon between FR 9632D and FR253A. From SH 24 between Weed and Pinon turn west on FR 183 (Pinon Draw), travel about 5.5 miles to junction with FR 253 (Lick Ridge) go about 7.5 miles to junction with FR 9642D turn south on FR 9642D, travel about .1 mile. Trail is located in the bottom of the canyon. This area is great for hunting deer, elk, and turkey. There are several good dispersed camping areas on Pinon Draw and Lick Ridge.

Wayland Canyon Trail (T433) is an ATV trail located in Wayland Canyon. Length of trail is 4.1 miles. Go west from Sacramento on FR 64 for about 4 miles, turn left on Skyridge Church Camp road, travel about .6 mile. The trail is located on the left of wide turnout area. Wayland Canyon is beautifully wooded, ranging from ponderosa pine to Douglas fir stands. The aspen, maple and gambol oak trees sport wonderful colors in the fall. Wildlife such as black bear, elk, mule deer, wild turkeys and a wide variety of smaller animals make their home in the area.

Bear Track Trail (T966A) is an 1.2 mile ATV trail from Long Canyon up to Lick Ridge. From SH 24, between Weed and Pinon, turn west on FR 183 (Pinon Draw), travel about 5.75 miles to junction with FR 557, go about 3 miles to fork in the road and trail sign. Trail leads up out of Long Canyon and terminates on FR 253 (Lick Ridge). This area is great for hunting elk, deer and turkey. There are several good dispersed camping sites along Pinon Draw and in Long Canyon.

Long Canyon Trail (T9652) is a 2.2 mile ATV trail in Long Canyon, following canyon bottom and then climbing out to Lick Ridge. From SH 24, between Weed and Pinon, turn west on FR 183 (Pinon Draw), travel about 5.5 miles to junction with FR 557, go about 3 miles to fork in the road, take trail T9652 on the right. Trail terminates on FR 253. A good area for hunting deer and turkey. There are some elk ranging in the area also. There are several good dispersed camping sites along Pinon Draw and in Long Canyon.

Elk Canyon Trail (T253D) is an ATV trail located in Elk Canyon leading out of canyon to Lick Ridge. Length of trail is 2.9 miles. From SH 24, between Weed and Pinon, turn west on FR 183(Pinon Draw), travel about 5.5 miles to junction with FR 253 (to Lick Ridge), go about 3 miles take FR 253X on the right. The trail is on the left about .05 miles from the junction. Trail terminates on FR 253 (Lick Ridge). This area is great for hunting deer and turkey. There are elk ranging in this area also. There are several good dispersed camping sites along Pinon Draw and in Elk Canyon.

Middle Tank Trail (T9611B) is an ATV trail located on Prestridge fuel break, leading down into Bear Canyon, terminating at Camp Mary White (Girl Scout Camp). There is no access right of way through this private property, so plan on traveling back on trail to Prestridge Ridge. Length of trail is 1 mile round trip. Go west from Sacramento on FR 64 about 2 ½ miles, turn right onto FR 257 (Hay Canyon), travel 3 miles, turn right onto FR 541 (Prestridge Hill), go to the top of the hill, turn right onto FR 551, go .75 miles. The trail is located on the left. This area is heavily timbered with lots of wild animals to observe.

West Tank Trail (T9611A) is a round-trip 2 mile ATV trail located off Prestridge Ridge fuel break, leading down into Bear Canyon, terminating at Camp Mary White (Girl Scout Camp). There is no access right of way through this private property, so plan on traveling back on trail to Prestridge Ridge. Go west from Sacramento on FR64 about 2 ½ miles, turn right onto FR 257 (Hay Canyon), travel 3 miles, turn right onto FR 541 (Prestridge Hill), go to the top of the hill, turn right onto FR 551, go .25 miles. The trail is located on the left. Black bear, elk, mule deer, wild turkey and a wide variety of smaller animals make their home here.

Sitting Bull Falls Trail (T68) is 3-1/2 miles long. WATER is available at picnic area. Go 12 miles north from Carlsbad on US 285 to Hamilton Station and turn left on NM 137; continue southwest for about 41 miles. There is a sign at the beginning of the trail, just off of NM 137. Stick to the main trail, which runs approximately 3-1/2 miles from NM 137 to the Sitting Bulls Picnic Area. There are scenic overlooks of canyons and plains.

No water is available on Devil's Den Trail (T202) is a 4-mile loop, winding off the west side of the Guadalupe Mountains. It offers a spectacular challenge for visitor. It is approximately 7 miles southwest of Carlsbad. Go north form Carlsbad 12 miles on US 285. Turn left on NM 137 and proceed for about 45 miles. Turn left at Mailbox Corners onto FR 540 and proceed for about 10 miles. There is a trail sign adjacent to FR 40. The trail makes a loop to the south.

No water, close gates, 4-wheel drive access on (T201). From Carlsbad go 12 miles north on US 285. Turn left on NM 137 and proceed for about 45 miles to FR 540 (Mailbox Corners). Turn left on FR 540 and go about 12 miles. From this point access is for 4-wheel drive only. Turn left on Trail 201 and go approximately 6 miles to Dark Canyon Lookout. The scenic canyons offer an ideal place for solitude, taking photographs, and seeing wildlife. Vegetation is pinyon, juniper, oak, Ponderosa Pine and Texas Madrone (an endangered species). Please close all gates.

No water is available. Go 12 miles north on US 285 form Carlsbad, turn left on NM 137 and proceed for 45 miles. Turn left on NM 137 and proceed for 45 miles. Turn left on FR 540 (Mailbox Corners) and proceed for approximately 12 miles to where Guadalupe Ridge Trail 201 intersects. Turn right and follow Trail 201 for about 1 mile, then turn left on to Camp Wilderness Ridge Trail. This is a spur trail off of 201 which runs for about 4 miles on Lincoln National Forest land. The trail then passes on to Guadalupe Mountains National Park land where is continues for an additional 5 miles as the Geology Trail. The walking is easy to the forest boundary, then becomes more difficult. The trail overlooks North McKittrick Canyon in Texas.

No water is available on this trail (T56) located approximately 72 miles southwest of Carlsbad. Follow US 285 north from Carlsbad for 12 miles, then make another left turn from FR 540 on to the Guadalupe Ridge Trail 201. Proceed for approximately 3 miles to the intersection with Trail 56. Lonesome Ridge Trail winds off the south end of the Guadalupe Ranger District. It runs for approximately 3 miles on forestland, an additional mile on BLM land, and ends on private land. This trail is quite difficult, especially in the Golden Staircase area and is recommended for experienced hikers only.

No water is available on Pacific Slope Trail (T203). The trail winds down the south end of the Guadalupe Ranger District for approximately 3 miles and the proceeds onto Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It is a challenging trail and is recommended for experienced hikers only. It is located approximately 75 miles southwest of Carlsbad. Go north from Carlsbad on US 285 for 12 miles, turn left on NM 137 and proceed for about 45 miles. Turn left again on FR 540 and go about 12 miles. Make another left turn from FR 540 on to Guadalupe Ridge Trail 201. Continue for approximately 7 miles to the intersection with Pacific Slope Trail 203. The trail overlooks Gunsight Canyon.