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An entire spectrum of views of Los Alamos, Pajarito Mountain, Valles Caldera, and Caballo Mtn.


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Map Key

8.7

Miles

14.1

KM

86%

Runnable

9,816' 2,992 m

High

7,499' 2,286 m

Low

770' 235 m

Up

2,500' 762 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is a long, predominantly downhill point-to-point run from the Pajarito Mountain Ski Area back to Los Alamos. In the reverse direction, it is a very long, strenuous climb starting at the Mitchell Trailhead in Los Alamos to the ski area. As described, the run starts near the Pajarito Mountain Ski Area and is initially a well-shaded route heading north with a gradual ascent through Canada Bonito.

There are many excellent views of the Valles Caldera National Preserve to the west and Pajarito Mountain to the south. At the intersection with Pipeline Road, turn east to the intersection with Guaje Ridge Trail #285 (a narrow, partially overgrown trail). Continue east-northeast until the intersection with Mitchell Trail #69 and turn south down a steep, rocky, descent to the canyon bottom. The terminus is the Mitchell Trailhead in the north community of Los Alamos.

Need to Know

There may not be a place to stop to fill water, so be sure to bring enough for your whole journey.

Description

This run requires a shuttle. Leave one vehicle at the Mitchell Trailhead parking area on Arizona Street near the intersection with 45th Street in Los Alamos. Using another vehicle, drive to the Pajarito Mountain Ski Area via Camp May Road and park at the far western end of the ski area parking lot. The Guaje Ridge Trailhead is easily found a short distance west down Camp May Road on the north side of the road.

The trail starts in a forested area and heads north through a burn scar in a gradual ascent to Canada Bonito. After Canada Bonito, the trail climbs and intersects Pipeline Road. Turn east and proceed to the intersection with Guaje Ridge Trail #285 (a narrow, partially overgrown trail). Be careful and look for a rock cairn since the start of the Guaje Ridge Trail off of Pipeline Road is NOT marked with a sign and can be easily missed.

Continue east-northeast descending along the north side of a series of ridges until the intersection with the Mitchell Trail #69. Turn south and continue down a steep, rocky, descent to the canyon bottom. Proceed eastward to the terminus of the Mitchell Trail in the north community of Los Alamos.

Note: The lower portion of the trail can be very sunny and hot in the summer. Use sun protection and carry plenty of water.

Contacts

Shared By:

Bill Blumenthal

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#1407

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#15

in New Mexico

#1,407

Overall
7 Views Last Month
2,552 Since Jul 10, 2016
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Photos

Redondo Peak looking west into the Valles Caldera.
Jul 10, 2016 near Los Alamos, NM
Wild Iris in full bloom in the Canada Bonito.
Jul 10, 2016 near Los Alamos, NM
The small sign pointing to the start of North Mitchell Trail where it leave Guaje Ridge trail.
Aug 12, 2020 near Los Alamos, NM

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