RDP007
Location: 35.9070702, -105.5988998
24 Intersection: Cross over Pecos River footbridge to grassy meadow. This is a no-camping zone. Native trout flourish in wild river.
RDP012
Location: 35.9699516, -105.6048965
25-251 Intersection: Steep climb through jumbled downfall reveals Skyline Trail at the base of Chimayosos Peak. Turn left to head west on 251.
RDP008
Location: 35.9079704, -105.5983963
24-25 Intersection: Stay on Trail 25 as you leave meadow near rocky outcrop and travel up stream.
RDP003
Location: 35.8475189, -105.6119003
Trail divides. Follow upper trail; lower trail goes to Mora Flats.
RDP016
Location: 35.9306602, -105.6044998
Trail splits, but rejoins itself. Higher trail avoids drop to river.
RDP002
Location: 35.8397903, -105.6160965
Trail levels out. Proceed north at intersection (stay on 249) and follow dusty trail as it clings to hillside.
RDP011
Location: 35.9483795, -105.5979004
Camp 1: Trail crosses rito in opening surrounded by mixed conifer and skunk cabbage with views of the surrounding peaks. This is the last reliable water source before reaching Skyline Trail and good place to spend the night.
RDP009
Location: 35.9224396, -105.5991974
25-246 Intersection: Steep climb from river crossing to the common point of this loop. Lollipop stick ends, loop starts. Go right to stay on 25.
RDP015
Location: 35.9596672, -105.6191254
257-246 Intersection: Bear left onto 246. Trail becomes faint in spots and hard to follow. Keep an eye out for blazes for 246 as you negotiate deadfall. Route-finding skills required.
RDP017
Location: 35.9302101, -105.604599
246-264 Intersection: Rito Azul rushes in to join Rito Chimaysos as white water tumbles over rocky sections. Go straight to stay on Trail 246.
RDP006
Location: 35.899929, -105.6007996
Pass through cattle gate near Bob Grounds Trail intersection as you continue descent. Trees break occasionally to reveal views of grassy hillside to the east. Keep an eye out for views of Beatty's Cabin.
RDP013
Location: 35.968441, -105.6141968
Trail splits. Follow lower trail toward Truchas Lake (stay with 251). Upper leads to Santa Barbara Divide.
RDP005
Location: 35.8828316, -105.5936966
Leave Hamilton Mesa and drop down hillside on gentle grade through small meadows and aspen groves on Trail 260.
RDP014
Location: 35.972641, -105.6194
Follow faint path and small cairns as you head downhill on Trail 257. Optional: Follow Trail 251 for a side trip to Truchas Lake.
RDP004
Location: 35.8566399, -105.6031036
Pass through gate and break out of tree cover onto Hamilton Mesa, with 360-degree views.
RDP010
Location: 35.9334984, -105.5903015
25-239 Intersection: Travel mucky trail up Rito Del Padre (left).
RDP018
Location: 35.929081, -105.604599
Camp 2: High flat spot nestled between grassy shelf and roaring rito provides excellent location for second camp. Clear views of stars at night will keep you enthralled. Return to Waypoint 1 the next day.
RDP001
Location: 35.8403893, -105.6204987
Iron Gate Trailhead: Locate trailhead at north end of campground. Cross wilderness boundary and start with initial gentle climb up Trail 249.
Truchas Peaks
Location: 35.9696465, -105.6090317
Views to the east
Trail Riders Wall and Pecos Baldy
Location: 35.9688759, -105.6108704
Views to the southeast
Cairn
Location: 35.960434, -105.619545
Large cairn marks trail intersection
Truchas Peaks
Location: 35.9428406, -105.6018372
Looking back through the storm (frequent in summer) to the Truchas Peaks
Though it starts on a well-trodden path, this gorgeous mountain trek around Cerrito del Padre to the base of Chimayosos Peak fades into a short route-finding challenge for adventurous backpackers.
Head northeast from the Iron Gate Trailhead and climb to Hamilton Mesa. Descend to the Pecos River, passing Beatty’s Cabin, and cross the river at mile 5.8. From here, continue north to follow the sometimes swampy trail along the Rito del Padre. On the east side of Cerrito del Padre, tackle a stiff climb out of the drainage at mile 8.3 and continue uphill through conifers on Trail 25; there’s a good campsite when the trail crosses the Rito again at mile 9.25.
The next day, continue north to the foot of Chimayosos Peak on drier trail. Take in views of the 13,000-foot Truchas Peaks as you traverse the treeline west at the base before cutting south on Trail 257 at mile 12.25. Trail 246 fades on the western flanks of Cerrito del Padre before meeting the start of the loop; don’t attempt this unless you have good route-finding skills and a sense of adventure. Camp 2 is on the far side of this stretch at mile 16.
TO TRAILHEAD: From Pecos, take NM 63 north 18 miles to FR 223. Bear right; take FR 223 4.2 miles to end of road at Iron Gate Trailhead.
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