Santa Clara Canyon Rim trail

Although Santa Clara Canyon is owned by the pueblo, sweeping views into it are accessible from the ridge to the north, in the Santa Fe National Forest. This is an out and back on the high trail, following hike #32 in the Salzmans' classic hiking guide. We drive up forest road 144 from Fairview, going about 27 miles past the trailhead for Chicoma peak, finally picking up a trail that runs just below the canyon rim, with views far below. If we hike to the end, the round trip is 9 miles, but we are unlikely to go that far. About 1300 feet of elevation is lost and gained in the full hike, a little bit at a time.

We will meet in Los Alamos at 8:00 AM on Saturday July 5, and carpool to the trailhead. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, hat, and clothes suitable for the weather that day.