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Excellent but demanding trail run. Tops out on Pajarito Ski Hill.


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Map Key

3.9

Miles

6.3

KM

77%

Runnable

9,819' 2,993 m

High

7,771' 2,369 m

Low

2,048' 624 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Runner Notes

Typically done as an out-and back, over all distance is 8 miles. Can also be done as a car shuttle by parking a car at Pajarito Ski hill and another car at the entrance to Pajarito Canyon. Car shuttle distance is typically 6 to 7 miles depending where you start running at the ski hill.

Description

One of my favorite trails in the area. Best run when there is low lying clouds in the morning, chances are you'll ascend through a cloud bank and be treated to similar views you would experience in the Andes. Fall colors are spectacular. If your feeling strong you can continue running west at the ski hill all the way to the rim of the Valles Caldera. This should add 4 extra miles to your round trip.

Flora & Fauna

Bighorn, bear, Elk, deer, ponderosa, scrub oak and aspen.

Contacts

Shared By:

Trail Run Project Staff

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#5

in Los Alamos

#8877

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#5

in Los Alamos

#125

in New Mexico

#8,877

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,688 Since Jun 5, 2015
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Photos

Lost in the clouds.
Jun 4, 2015 near Los Alamos, NM
Low clouds fill the valley between Jemez and the Sangre de Christo Mountains.  You can see Santa Fe Baldy and Lake Peak side-by-side.
Apr 7, 2015 near Los Alamos, NM
Low clouds conceal the Rio Grand Valley, leaving the Sangre de Cristo's exposed like a sleeping blue dragon in a bed of cotton.
Jun 4, 2015 near Los Alamos, NM
Scrub oak and aspen prepare for their winter nap as the late fall snow starts revving up.
Jun 4, 2015 near Los Alamos, NM
The haunting remains of the Los Conchas fire peers down like the dark tower of Mordor.
Jun 4, 2015 near Los Alamos, NM

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