The Paliza Canyon Goblins Trail, while relatively easy, has some fascinating features: in particular the hoodoos and goblins. The location is north of the little village of Ponderosa in the Jemez Mountain Region, home of a very good winery (Ponderosa Winery) - a logical stopping place on the return trip.

Much of the early hike takes you through some lovely, tall Ponderosa trees at a slow incline up to the hoodoo area. Some climbing into the hills is required to access the unusual geology (note the spikes in the elevation chart!). Note also that on the map link in the GPS Data section below: "Proposed + Actual Hike Trails", the two red triangles mark the beginning and end points of the area in which the goblins are to be found. Continuing to follow the dirt jeep track after the 'hairpin turn' near the end of the goblin area results in a moderate climb up to a ridge where there are some very nice views of the Ponderosa Valley. There is a campground not far from the pullover-parking, which may feed additional activity in the Summer, but otherwise the authors, on two visits, did not encounter other hikers.

Note that there is an alternate hike track indicated on the interactive map in the upper right-hand corner. Check the box for Paliza Creek to show the trail that follows the 'Paliza Creek' for an out-and-back that you can follow and turn around at any point. You will bypass the goblin area on this trail. The year this hike was taken, there was a good deal of water, even at some points on the trail.