CABALLO MOUNTAIN

11-mile Hike or Backpack

Description Caballo Mountain is one of two mountain peaks north of Los Alamos with high mountain meadows visible from the distance. Following the Vallecitos de los Caballos stream up the mountain, the trail passes through heavily forested areas. Once at the top, the Espanola Valley, Santa Fe and Los Alamos can be seen. The trail down the back side is relatively steep. Once off the mountain, you hike through Guaje Canyon to the starting point.

Difficulty Moderate

Comments The Caballo Mountain trail is a moderately challenging trail based on the total elevation gain in the first four miles (3000 ft.). It is a scenic trail through heavily forested areas. The initial 2.5-mile portion follows a stream but the water must be purified before use. At the base of the meadow at the top of Caballo Mountain there are areas for overnight camping as well as in the forested area at the top of the mountain. There is no water from the time you leave the stream until you return to trail 282 in Guaje Canyon.

Late morning/early afternoon thunder storms and lightening are a problem during July and August. Plan accordingly so that you are not at the top during this time of day.

To Earn
Feather Hike (or backpack) trail as described.

Maps Santa Fe National Forest. USGS: Guaje Mountain, Valle Toledo

Trail From Forest Service 277 Trail Head (4.0) -> FS 278 (3.6 mi.) -> FS 282 (3.4 mi.) -> End of trail. (See map)

Elevation
Profile

Transportation
Requirements On State Road 502, drive 0.8 mi. west past State Road 30 to Forest Road 57. There is a gate, but no road marking. Follow FR 57 about 4 miles to the intersection of FR 57 and 422. FR 57 turns left (west); follow FR 422 about 5.4 miles to the Forest Trail 277 trailhead. There is a gate about one mile east of the trailhead that may be locked. If so, park at the gate and hike to the trailhead. FR 422 is rough and use of passengers cars on this road is discouraged.

Currently, FR57 is closed. An alternate route is to drive thru Los Alamos and Rendija Canyon to FR422.

VEREDAS DE LAS MONTANAS SERIES
(Trails of the Mountains)

LODGE 66 TRAILS PROGRAM

EXIT TRAILS

Last updated: November 11, 1998

Description	Caballo Mountain is one of two mountain peaks north of Los Alamos with high mountain meadows visible from the distance. Following the Vallecitos de los Caballos stream up the mountain, the trail passes through heavily forested areas. Once at the top, the Espanola Valley, Santa Fe and Los Alamos can be seen. The trail down the back side is relatively steep. Once off the mountain, you hike through Guaje Canyon to the starting point.
Difficulty	Moderate
Comments	The Caballo Mountain trail is a moderately challenging trail based on the total elevation gain in the first four miles (3000 ft.). It is a scenic trail through heavily forested areas. The initial 2.5-mile portion follows a stream but the water must be purified before use. At the base of the meadow at the top of Caballo Mountain there are areas for overnight camping as well as in the forested area at the top of the mountain. There is no water from the time you leave the stream until you return to trail 282 in Guaje Canyon. Late morning/early afternoon thunder storms and lightening are a problem during July and August. Plan accordingly so that you are not at the top during this time of day.
To Earn Feather	Hike (or backpack) trail as described.
Maps	Santa Fe National Forest. USGS: Guaje Mountain, Valle Toledo
Trail	From Forest Service 277 Trail Head (4.0) -> FS 278 (3.6 mi.) -> FS 282 (3.4 mi.) -> End of trail. (See map)
Elevation Profile
Transportation Requirements	On State Road 502, drive 0.8 mi. west past State Road 30 to Forest Road 57. There is a gate, but no road marking. Follow FR 57 about 4 miles to the intersection of FR 57 and 422. FR 57 turns left (west); follow FR 422 about 5.4 miles to the Forest Trail 277 trailhead. There is a gate about one mile east of the trailhead that may be locked. If so, park at the gate and hike to the trailhead. FR 422 is rough and use of passengers cars on this road is discouraged. Currently, FR57 is closed. An alternate route is to drive thru Los Alamos and Rendija Canyon to FR422.