Deer Creek to Cabin Ruins Hike
In Jemez Mountains Region
Map File Source: Garmin BaseCamp
Hike Key: H10025Last Updated: 12/05/2023 8:55pm
Last Updated By: Marilyn Fixer
Hike Class: B (Moderate)
Hike Distance: 3.6 mi
Minimum Elevation: 6380 ft
Elevation Change: 700 ft
Total Uphill: 715 ft
Total Downhill: 715 ft
Avg. Grade: 7 %
Route Type: InOut
On Trail: No
Paved or Gravel Roads: Yes
GPS Advised: Yes
Drive Distance Round Trip: 110 mi
Drive Time One-Way: 1:30
Hiking Seasons: Spring and Fall
New Mexico Game Unit: 6A
Hike Status: Published
Highlights
Tall cliffs along one side of the trail. Great view from the cabin ruins.
CautionsTrail has eroded somewhat. Some exposure. This hike can be hot.
Trailhead Directions
North on I-25 to exit 242, west on US 550 23 miles to San Ysidro, north on SR 4 past Jemez Pueblo and milepost 9 to SR 485. Follow SR 485 NW for 6.6 miles to trail head. You will pass through Gilman tunnels and SR 485 turns into unpaved FR 376 at the end of the pavement just beyond the tunnels. Drive a mile past that and park on the left just before (or after) a fence with cattle guard.
Actual Hike
Hike a rocky road a short distance until you reach a fence on the right to get onto an old road that is lined with with boulders. Climb over the low section in the fence. Follow the old road along a very tall and nearly vertical canyon wall (Mesa Venado “Deer Mesa”) with hoodoo features on the right and a small stream on the left. When the cliffs end (don’t be fooled by the first slight corner) and an apparent lone pinnacle appears, you will find an opportunity to cross the stream beyond the base of that pinnacle. After crossing the stream turn right. You will be in a meadow. Continue a short distance until you reach the prospector’s abandoned log cabin just beyond the meadow. This is a great place for lunch. Return the way you came, or walk back on the cabin side of the stream, through the forest for about a third of the way, for a more picturesque walk. Re-cross the stream to finish on the original dirt road when you see an easy passage.
Comments
The road we hike on could very well have been an old railroad since it has such a steady gradual grade of about 7%.
There are gates just before and just after the Gilman Tunnels. Call the Jemez Ranger Station to make sure the gates are open in the spring or fall.
WaypointsPARK: N35 44.784, W106 46.768
LV TRL: N35 44.593, W106 48.032
CABIN: N35 44.596, W106 48.153
Hike GPS File Name: DeerCreekToCabinRuinsWayTrack_MW.gpx
Hike GPS File: Click link to download hike waytrack file
Text Author: Joan Weissman
Map Author: Marilyn Warrant
Waypoints Author: Marilyn Warrant
Track Author: Marilyn Warrant
Maintainer: Marilyn Warrant
Editor: Randy Simons
