Arroyo Tinajas Upper Hike
In Socorro Region

Map File Source: NG Topo

Hike Key: H10509
Last Updated: 12/05/2023 6:41pm
Last Updated By: Marilyn Fixer
Hike Class: D (Difficult)
Hike Distance: 7.5 mi
Minimum Elevation: 5135 ft
Elevation Change: 1050 ft
Total Uphill: 1050 ft
Total Downhill: 1050 ft
Avg. Grade: 6 %
Route Type: Figure8
On Trail: No
Paved or Gravel Roads: No
GPS Advised: Yes
Drive Distance Round Trip: 180 mi
Drive Time One-Way: 1:45
Hiking Seasons:
New Mexico Game Unit: 18
Hike Status: Published
Access Description: Quebradas Access

Highlights

Hike to the east ridge at Quebradas.

Cautions

Some difficult terrain and steep pitches. Trekking poles recommended.

Trailhead Directions

From Albuquerque take I-25 south to the Lemitar exit. Go east for 0.5 mile on SR 408 E. Turn right onto SR-408 and go 3 miles to Escondido (Hidden) Lake. Turn left and go 1.6 miles (the road curves to the right after crossing the Rio Grande) to a sign “Quebradas Back Country Scenic Byway.” Turn left and go 8 mi. to PARK (0.0 mi). Park on the left in the arroyo.

Actual Hike

Go east (up) in the arroyo. After less than one mile there will be a branch, Go RIGHT (0.9 mi), leaving the main arroyo. The main arroyo goes to State Land Office land and beyond that private land. Follow the side arroyo and LEAVE (2.7 mi) the arroyo going north on a relatively flat area to the UP (3.5 mi) point and climb the steep (30%) slope to the ridge above. Go south to the DOWN (4.0 mi) point. Enjoy the view here, then go left to the TOP (4.3 mi). Return to DOWN and go left and down another 30% slope to the point where the route crosses. Go left to return on the route you came in on, or continue to the NOTCH (5.5 mi) for a difficult “bouldering” experience and beyond that join the arroyo back to parking at the WYE.

Comments

This hike’s rating raised to D due to difficulty of attaining the top and returning down and hiking the NOTCH. This hike is in the Presilla WSA, wilderness restrictions apply. Hike to the highest point in the Quebradas for a terrific view.

Waypoints

PARK: N34 05.024, W106 46.810
RIGHT: N34 04.799, W106 46.110
WYE: N34 04.753, W106 45.821
LEAVE: N34 04.736, W106 44.890
UP: N34 05.185, W106 44.402
DOWN: N34 04.949, W106 44.476
TOP: N34 04.823, W106 44.236
NOTCH: N34 04.917, W106 45.149

Map Filename: ArroyoTinajasUpperImage_DB.JPG
Hike GPS File Name: ArroyoTinajasUpperWayTrack_DBDB.gpx
Hike GPS File: Click link to download hike waytrack file

Text Author: Dick Brown
Map Author: Dick Brown
Waypoints Author: Dick Brown
Track Author: Dick Brown
Maintainer: Randy Simons
Editor: Randy Simons