Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Guaje Canyon
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
Los Alamos
Hike Difficulty:
Moderate
Total Length of Hike:
7.5
Max to Min Elevation:
686 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
2440 /
2421 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Out-and-back
Exposure Type: Mixed sun/shade
Seasons :
Not Winter
"Wow" Factor: Canyon views
Authors last hiked: 2017-08-16
More!
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On-line directions to the trailhead:
Google Directions
Scroll down to see photos and additonal information. Click on photos for enlarged view. Red segments on the elevation chart indicate slopes of 18 degrees or higher.
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The Guaje Canyon hike takes one through a lot of new growth - shrubs, young Aspens, and tons of wildflowers - a resurgence after the Los Alamos fire in 2011. Most of the elevation change is easy with the exception of traversing Pipeline Road to the overlook area, which is steep though not long.
Because of the open areas from the burn, and some large meadows, wildflowers proliferate. There are several areas where the forest remains intact, the fire having missed. The views into the Valles Caldera, and at the Guaje Canyon Overlook, as well as along the ridge leading up to the overlook, are quite striking and well worth the hike. Parking is located at the west end of the Pajarito Ski Area Parking Lot - the trail begins on the right, shortly up the dirt road extension from the lot.