Cibola National Forest Guide

Cibola National Forest Hiking Trails

• North Baldy Trail #8

  Climb to the elevation of 8,858 feet on North Baldy's crest by hiking Trail #8. The trailhead sits at 6,000 feet, so you are climbing over 2,800 feet in a short span. The pathway travels along a ridgetop that sometimes runs along the ridge's edge on carved out paths that hover over a 1,000-foot vertical drop. This is not a trail for inexperienced hikers, but the view and the colors are magnificent.

  Length: 10 miles

  Intensity: Difficult

• 10K Trail (South Section)

  The 10K Trail is an in-and-out pathway that travels through thick spruce forests in the Sandia Mountains. The trail ends at an overlook that takes in Albuquerque with the Ortiz Mountains beyond. This is an easy pathway that gradually climbs 971 feet. 

  Length: 5.2 miles

  Intensity: Easy

• Spruce Spring Trail

  The Spruce Spring Trail begins at the Red Canyon Campground near Torreon, NM, and loops close to Manzano Peak to return along a ridgeline. The hike is fairly level for most of the way, with a few inclines here and there. Views along the path are spectacular, with deep canyons and high peaks visible at every turn.

  Length: 7.1 miles

  Intensity: Easy to Intermediate

• Tree Spring Trail

  Tree Spring Trail is a multipurpose path that hosts hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists. The in-and-out trail located near Sandia Park, NM, features beautiful wildflowers. Forests shade the path for 80% of the hike.

  Length: 3.7 miles

  Intensity: Easy to Intermediate

• Chamisoso and Coyote Trails

  These trails form a loop that travels through rough and muddy terrain. Hikers share the pathway with mountain bikers who also find the trail challenging. There is no tree cover, so the hot sun beats down on travelers during the summer months. In the spring, this trail features excellent colors as wildflowers blanket the hillsides. 

  Length: 7.9 miles

  Intensity: Difficult