Las Conchas – East Fork Box Overlook Hike
In Jemez Mountains Region

Map File Source:

Hike Key: H10677
Last Updated: 12/15/2020 12:00am
Last Updated By: Marilyn Warrant
Hike Class: C (Challenging)
Hike Distance: 4.5 mi
Minimum Elevation: 0 ft
Elevation Change: 0 ft
Total Uphill: 0 ft
Total Downhill: 0 ft
Avg. Grade: %
Route Type: InOut
On Trail:
Paved or Gravel Roads:
GPS Advised:
Drive Distance Round Trip: 160 mi
Drive Time One-Way: 2:00
Hiking Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
New Mexico Game Unit: 6A
Hike Status: In Process

Highlights

Scenic canyon following the river passing through meadows of wildflowers. View of the Box Canyon from the top.

Cautions

Steep climb and scramble to access view at Head of the East Fork Box. Hiking poles may be helpful

Trailhead Directions

I-25 N to exit 242, W on US 550 to San Ysidro, right (north) on SR 4 to La Cueva. Take SR 4 12.4 mi. east of La Cueva to Las Conchas C.G. Parking area and TH on north side of Highway.

Actual Hike

Las Conchas Canyon is a small and scenic canyon. The trail starts on the west side of the river and is marked Trail 137. The trail follows the stream down the canyon passing through meadows and beneath vertical rock formations. There are many crossings of the river on this part, all of them rebuilt as real foot bridges. At 2 miles you will see sign for East Fork Trailhead. Do not take this trail. Instead at this junction there is an unmarked spur trail that climbs over the rocks on the south side of the stream and then traverses along the upper hillsides paralleling the Box. This trail is steep and rough leading to the head of the Box. Here the stream enters the gorge as a tiny waterfall. This is the turnaround point and a nice place to stop for lunch.

Hike GPS File Name: LasConchasBoxWade_MW.gpx

Text Author: Vivian Heyward
Map Author:
Waypoints Author:
Track Author:
Maintainer: Vivian Heyward
Editor: