Survey – 10K – Osha Loop – Crest Hike
In Sandia Mountain East Region
Map File Source: DeLorme
Hike Key: H10192Last Updated: 03/20/2023 2:42pm
Last Updated By: Marilyn Fixer
Hike Class: D (Difficult)
Hike Distance: 7.6 mi
Minimum Elevation: 9240 ft
Elevation Change: 1290 ft
Total Uphill: 1615 ft
Total Downhill: 1615 ft
Avg. Grade: 10 %
Route Type: CCW Loop
On Trail: Yes
Paved or Gravel Roads: Yes
GPS Advised: No
Hiker Limit (NF/BLM/NP): 15 (Sandia Wilderness)
Drive Distance Round Trip: 60 mi
Drive Time One-Way: 1:00
Hiking Seasons:
New Mexico Game Unit: 8
Hike Status: Published
Highlights
Spectacular views from several overlooks on the Crest Trail, including the lunch stop and Del Agua overlook. A chance to hike on the seldom-traveled north Osha Loop trail.
CautionsThe very beginning of the hike contains a short but very steep, rocky descent. Lots of uphill after lunch. Hiking poles recommended.
Trailhead Directions
I-40 to Tijeras exit 175, north on SR 14 to Crest Road 536 almost to the Crest. PARK (0.0 mi) on the inside of the curve at the last switchback (just under the antennas).
Actual Hike
Hike down the road from PARK and do not cross the road until reaching the power lines SURVEY-PWR (0.1 mi). Walk down just past the power lines and look for a faint trail down the rocky slope. Follow Survey out to the north until you reach the 10K-SURVEY (1.6 mi) intersection. Follow 10K to the right (southeast) past the ELLIS-10K (1.8 mi) intersection until you come to the signpost for OSHA LP (2.0 mi) going off to the left (north). Follow the Osha Loop Trail down and around to the northeast to the intersection with the OSHA SPRING (3.1 mi) Trail, then northwest past two switchbacks (OSHA LP SB1 (3.7 mi) and OSHA LP SB2 (4.0 mi)). At JCT ELLIS (4.4 mi) turn right onto Ellis Trail and follow it until it reaches the CREST (4.8 mi) Trail. This is a good place for lunch. Take the Crest Tr. Back south to the DEL AGUA (5.8 mi) overlook, take a look at the view, then continue south past the intersection with the CHIMNEY (7.5 mi) Canyon Trail to the parking place.
Comments
This hike is much longer if you park at the Crest parking lot. One of those hikes with uphill after lunch.
WaypointsPARK: N 35 12.997, W 106 27.011
SURVEY-PWR: N 35 13.006, W 106 26.865
10K-SURVEY: N 35 14.150, W 106 26.945
ELLIS-10K: N 35 14.057, W 106 26.852
OSHA LP: N 35 13.952, W 106 26.654
OSHA SPRING: N 35 14.556, W 106 26.189
OSHA LP SB1: N 35 14.783, W 106 26.788
OSHA LP SB2: N 35 14.538, W 106 26.729
JCT ELLIS: N 35 14.692, W 106 26.990
CREST: N 35 14.967, W 106 27.017
DEL AGUA: N 35 14.274, W 106 26.980
CHIMNEY: N 35 13.089, W 106 27.085
Hike GPS File Name: Survey-10K-OshaLoop-CrestWayTrack_MCMC.gpx
Hike GPS File: Click link to download hike waytrack file
Text Author: Roger Holloway
Map Author: Marilyn Warrant
Waypoints Author: Mike Coltrin
Track Author: Mike Coltrin
Maintainer: Howard Carr
Editor: Marilyn Warrant