Caja del Rio - Cuesta Colorado Trail to the Rio Grande

Cuesta Colorado Trail

4 miles
1,000 foot elevation change
Rugged rocky trail and arroyo hiking
plus bushwhacking
In and out
Poles recommended
Breathtaking canyon views
Destination - Rio Grande

This is my favorite route into White Rock Canyon and involves hiking into a side canyon with amazing geological features. After we reach the canyon floor we will head for the river which requires a short bushwhack. We will have lunch on the banks of the Rio Grande and return the way we came.

The Cuesta Colorado Trail is west of Santa Fe and leads from the top of Chino Mesa in the Caja del Rio to the canyon floor. This rugged moderately difficult trail offers spectacular canyon views as it drops into a side canyon with fascinating geology. The canyon is a maar which results from a violent eruption caused by the sudden contact of magma and groundwater.

The trail down is steep and rocky in places so sturdy boots and trekking poles are recommended. The total elevation change is almost 1000 feet with a hiking distance of about 4 miles.

Getting to the trail head requires a 4wd high clearance vehicle. Everyone will be placed on a wait list and those with the required vehicle will be given priority.

Please offer your driver $6. We will be hiking at a slow pace to avoid injuries.