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Recreational Activities
Home : Ranger
Districts : Española Ranger District
: Trails
Trail 183 Chamisa Trail
 
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Use: Heavy
Seasons: Spring, summer, fall and early winter
Highest and Lowest Points: 7,800 feet to 8,400 feet
Trail Access: Take State Road 475, also known as the Hyde Park
Road, east from Santa Fe approximately 5 miles. About 1 mile beyond
the Santa Fe National Forest entrance sign there is a small canyon
with a small parking area on the left and a very large area for
parking on the right side of the road. Chamisa trailhead is on the
left or north side of the road.
USGS Maps: McClure Reservoir
Description:
There are two trails which leave from the parking area. The
main Chamisa Trail heads heads uphill and east through the
trees, and the alternate route runs north through the canyon.
The alternate route joins up with the main trail at a low
saddle in approximately one mile. This alternate route can
be used to make a loop route from the trailhead and back again.
The first quarter mile of the main trail climbs steadily from
the parking area. This climb is somewhat steep but should
not turn anyone back, since it is just a short stretch. The
trail levels out and is almost flat for the next mile when
you reach the top of the ridge and the saddle. The trail then
continues north and drops down into a draw all the way to
Tesuque Creek and the intersection with the Winsor
National Recreation Trail 254. Lush meadows along Tesuque
Creek make an ideal picnic or campsite.
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Notes:
 It
is so close to town that a hike on the Chamisa can be completed
in just a few hours. Also, the low elevation makes this ideal
for the hiker with spring fever; it is clear of snow long
before trails open up in the Pecos Wilderness and higher elevations.
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