Trail Run Project Logo

The shortest, easiest way to access Guaje Canyon Trail #282 from the town of Los Alamos.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.7

KM

66%

Runnable

8,846' 2,696 m

High

8,061' 2,457 m

Low

11' 3 m

Up

785' 239 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Waterfall

Need to Know

This trail was considered impassable for a number of years between 2011 and 2017. In 2018, volunteers worked hard to restore the trail and it's now in great shape.

Runner Notes

The trail can be a bit loose and steep on the hillside just below Guaje Ridge but gets better as you get lower on the trail.

Description

The "North Mitchell" trail is the continue of the Mitchell Trail #69 from its junction with the Guaje Ridge Trail #285. This short, often steep trail allows trail users to access the old Guaje Reservoir in Guaje Canyon. The term "reservoir" no longer fits this tiny little pool with a concrete barrier as the reservoir filled up with gravel, rocks and other detritus during the many floods post-Las Conchas fire of 2011. A rope hand-line on the rocky ledges on the south side of the old reservoir dam allows trail users to clamber up above the old reservoir.

The North Mitchell Trail is steep, narrow and loose so it is not suitable for bikes. Runners and hikers should use a bit of caution while descending this volunteer-maintained trail.

Flora & Fauna

Like many of the trails around the town of Los Alamos, the trail can get a bit overgrown by thorny locust bushes. Aspen trees in the drainages that flank the trail offer nice colors in fall.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Halladay

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#8

in Los Alamos

#14401

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
100%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#8

in Los Alamos

#223

in New Mexico

#14,401

Overall
2 Views Last Month
59 Since Aug 10, 2020
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
50%
50%
0%

Photos

Runners on the switchback exiting one of the major drainages the trail crosses. May 2020.
Aug 12, 2020 near Los Alamos, NM
Fall colors along North Mitchell Trail. October 2018.
Aug 12, 2020 near Los Alamos, NM
The old Guaje Reservoir in Guaje Canyon right near where North Mitchell Trail intersects the Guaje Canyon trail. Note the handline on the ledges to the left of the dam. This allows secure passage up and around the dam.
Aug 12, 2020 near Los Alamos, NM
The small sign pointing to the start of North Mitchell Trail where it leave Guaje Ridge trail.
Aug 12, 2020 near Los Alamos, NM

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.