Chamisa Trail

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.