Arroyo Piedra Lumbre West Outer Loop Hike
In Cabezon Region

Map File Source:

Hike Key: H10685
Last Updated: 03/27/2023 3:24pm
Last Updated By: Marilyn Fixer
Hike Class: C (Challenging)
Hike Distance: 6.9 mi
Minimum Elevation: 6150 ft
Elevation Change: 270 ft
Total Uphill: 750 ft
Total Downhill: 750 ft
Avg. Grade: 3 %
Route Type: Loop
On Trail: No
Paved or Gravel Roads: No
GPS Advised: Yes
Drive Distance Round Trip: 145 mi
Drive Time One-Way: 1:30
Hiking Seasons: Spring, Fall, and Winter
New Mexico Game Unit: 9
Hike Status: In Process
Access Description: Cabezon Area Access
Attractions: Arroyos, Badlands, Historical Sites, Rock Formations, and Views

Highlights

Lots of formations and interesting cliffs on this wandering hike.

Cautions

The hike is off trail. Poles may be useful.

Trailhead Directions

From Albuquerque take I-25 north to Bernalillo. Take US 550 to San Ysidro. Drive west 18 mi. past intersection of SR 4 and US 550 to San Luis Rd.. Turn left and drive 8.5 miles to Torreon Road just after a cattle guard, where the road turns to dirt. Turn right onto paved Torreon Rd (SR 197) and drive 3.6 miles to the top of the rise. TURN LEFT onto a dirt road. Go 6.3 miles to PARK on the left just before and fence and cattle guard.

Actual Hike

From PARK (0.0 mi) go north across the road and follow fence first north and then west around the arroyo. Then at ARROYODOWN (0.2) follow the cattle trail through the arroyo. Go across the desert and up the hill to CAIRN (0.55 mi). Then continue Northeast to FENCE (0.85 mi). Either pass under the fence at the arroyo or continue east and step over it. Next follow the bottom of the formations and ENTERCANYON (1.70 mi). Continue up the main canyon until you hit the side canyon for LUNCH (2.2 mi). After lunch, start moving northwest and follow the main canyon to UP (2.4 mi). Ascend the canyon and explore the CAVE (2.45 mi). Next keep ascending and enjoy VIEW1 (2.5 mi), VIEW2 (2.6 mi) and VIEW3 (2.7 mi). Go OVERSADDLE (2.85 mi) and walk around to the west to find DOWN (3.05 mi). At this point follow the arroyo to the bottom of the canyon. Go west around mesa and head south to STAGECOACHSTOP (3.9 mi). Follow the base of the mesa south and then southeast to the NEEDLE (5.8 mi). Continue on southeast track to FENCE2 (6.2 mi). Slide under the fence and retrace your steps to and through the arroyo and around the fence to PARK (6.9 mi)

Comments

The use of a GPS for leading this hike is recommended, as this hike is off trail.

Text Author: Carl Gervais
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Maintainer: Carl Gervais
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