Carson National Forest

Recreational Activities: Trails

Devisadero Loop Trail 108

Location: Camino Real Ranger District

Trail Beginning: 7,200 feet - El Nogal Picnic Area

Trail Ending:7,200 feet - El Nogal Picnic Area

Access:
From Taos, follow US Highway 64 approximately three miles east of Taos.

Attractions and Considerations:
This trail begins across the highway from the El Nogal Picnic Area.

The Devisadero Loop Trail will pass through two very different forest types. On the south facing slope the trail travels through pinons, juniper and some gambel oak. As the trail drops over to the north side of the mountain the environment is much darker and cooler with tall Douglas firs and white firs replacing the smaller drought resistant pinon/juniper forest.

Approximately 1/4 mile from the trailhead you will encounter a fork in the trail. The righthand fork goes directly up to the Devisadero Peak, elevation 8,304 feet. The lefthand fork has switchbacks which will take you up to the ridgeline. Once on the ridgeline you can follow the trail eastward to Devisadero Peak.

Devisadero means a "lookout" point or place. The peak had once been used by the Taos Pueblo Indians to stand guard against the Apaches who would come down Taos Canyon in raid the pueblo.

In summer, there is quite an array of beautiful wildflowers. There are several vista overlook points along this trail. Looking westward are beautiful views of the town of Taos, the Rio Grande Gorge and San Antonio Mountain. Looking northward you will see the Taos Pueblo and the Wheeler Peak Wilderness area.

Length: 5 miles

Use: Heavy. This trail is heavily used by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, so caution is needed.

Recommended Season: Summer and Fall for hiking and horseback, and winter and early spring for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Difficulty: Expert

Elevation: Gains 1,125 feet

USGS QUADS: Taos

Map of Devisadero Loop Trail (kmz map) Need Google Earth

Free download to google Earth: http://www.google.com/earth/download/ge/agree.html

USDA Forest Service - Carson National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 06 September 2011 at 17:01:16 EDT