HAW001
Location: 35.0763664, -106.444252
Park in small primitive lot with no facilities and head north from the trailhead.
HAW002
Location: 35.0805588, -106.4436417
Follow a sandy wash past a trail marker and climb an old road that skirts a distinctive rock jumble.
HAW003
Location: 35.0825462, -106.4435959
A fence marks the national forest boundary and signs for the Hawk Watch Trail lead east toward a series of drainages.
HAW004
Location: 35.0837975, -106.4381332
Traverse along mountain contours and around rocks. The trail is easy to follow and prime cottontail territory. Note: This section of trail is easy to follow when dry, but can easily be lost in a few inches of snow.
HAW005
Location: 35.0834961, -106.4361343
Pause before the trail's biggest climb in this open area with expansive views to the south and east.
HAW006
Location: 35.0869789, -106.4325867
Although the trail continues 0.5 mile higher to the trapping operations area, stop at these large rock formations to avoid disturbing conservation efforts. Retrace your route to the trailhead.
Enjoy a springtime trek into one of the Sandia's most prominent southern canyons. You’ll cross an arroyo and begin a moderate climb that continues as this route branches east at the national forest boundary.
Rewards await: Expansive views of the Manzanita Mountains and a bird-watching outcrop 1,000 feet above the parking area. Schedule your hike during Hawk Watch International’s banding season (early March-May 5) and you may get an up-close raptor education from on-site volunteers.
-Mapped by Bill Velasquez
ADD A COMMENT