MT. TAYLOR

6-Mile Hike

Description Hike to the peak of Mt. Taylor, the highest mountain in western New Mexico and one of the four sacred mountains of the Navajo Nation. Much of the trip offers scenic views in all directions and the colors of turning aspen in the fall. From Mt. Taylor, hike to the La Mosca lookout tower.

Difficulty Easy

Comments Mt. Taylor is one of the four sacred mountains of the Navajos. Should you see fetishes or other items of religious significance, DO NOT DISTURB THEM. A Scout is Reverent, he respects the religious beliefs of others.

There is no Forest Service trail from Mt. Taylor to the La Mosca lookout. However, there is a well worn path. If a ranger is on duty, you may be able to receive a tour of the lookout. Returning, it is not necessary to return to the summit of Mt. Taylor; you may instead chose to hike around the west side of the peek. Little water exists along the trail, so bring a good supply with you.

To Earn
Feather Hike to Mt. Taylor, La Mosca Lookout and return.

Maps Cibola National Forest, Mt. Taylor Ranger District. USGS: Lobo Springs, Mt. Taylor

Trail From Forest Road 501: Trail 77 (2.4 mi.) -> Mt. Taylor (0.7 mi.) -> La Mosca Lookout Tower (0.7 mi.) -> Trail 77 (2.4 mi.) -> Forest Road 501. (See map)

Elevation
Profile

Transportation
Requirements From U.S. 66 in Grants, turn north on First Street (NM 547) and drive about 13 miles to the second turn-off for Forest Road 193. Drive 5 miles to FR 501; turn left and go about 0.5 miles to the Gooseberry Springs Trail (Trail 77).

VEREDAS DE LAS MONTANAS SERIES
(Trails of the Mountains)

LODGE 66 TRAILS PROGRAM

EXIT TRAILS

Last updated: November 11, 1998

Description	Hike to the peak of Mt. Taylor, the highest mountain in western New Mexico and one of the four sacred mountains of the Navajo Nation. Much of the trip offers scenic views in all directions and the colors of turning aspen in the fall. From Mt. Taylor, hike to the La Mosca lookout tower.
Difficulty	Easy
Comments	Mt. Taylor is one of the four sacred mountains of the Navajos. Should you see fetishes or other items of religious significance, DO NOT DISTURB THEM. A Scout is Reverent, he respects the religious beliefs of others. There is no Forest Service trail from Mt. Taylor to the La Mosca lookout. However, there is a well worn path. If a ranger is on duty, you may be able to receive a tour of the lookout. Returning, it is not necessary to return to the summit of Mt. Taylor; you may instead chose to hike around the west side of the peek. Little water exists along the trail, so bring a good supply with you.
To Earn Feather	Hike to Mt. Taylor, La Mosca Lookout and return.
Maps	Cibola National Forest, Mt. Taylor Ranger District. USGS: Lobo Springs, Mt. Taylor
Trail	From Forest Road 501: Trail 77 (2.4 mi.) -> Mt. Taylor (0.7 mi.) -> La Mosca Lookout Tower (0.7 mi.) -> Trail 77 (2.4 mi.) -> Forest Road 501. (See map)
Elevation Profile
Transportation Requirements	From U.S. 66 in Grants, turn north on First Street (NM 547) and drive about 13 miles to the second turn-off for Forest Road 193. Drive 5 miles to FR 501; turn left and go about 0.5 miles to the Gooseberry Springs Trail (Trail 77).