Lower / Upper Pajarito Canyon Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Typically done as an out-and back, over all distance is 8 miles. Can also be done as a car shuttle by parking a car at Pajarito Ski hill and another car at the entrance to Pajarito Canyon. Car shuttle distance is typically 6 to 7 miles depending where you start running at the ski hill.

One of my favorite trails in the area. Best run when there is low lying clouds in the morning, chances are you'll ascend through a cloud bank and be treated to similar views you would experience in the Andes. Fall colors are spectacular. If your feeling strong you can continue running west at the ski hill all the way to the rim of the Valles Caldera. This should add 4 extra miles to your round trip.

Bighorn, bear, Elk, deer, ponderosa, scrub oak and aspen.