Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Palomas Peak via Faulty Trail
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
Placitas
Hike Difficulty:
Med-Difficult
Total Length of Hike:
7.5
Max to Min Elevation:
1429 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
1831 /
1831 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Out-and-back
Exposure Type: Mixed sun/shade
Seasons :
Not Winter
"Wow" Factor: Multiple Interior Views of Sandias
Authors last hiked: 2019-07-01
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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TRAIL TIPS!
When NM 165 turns to a dirt road (approx. 2-1/2 miles before the Sandia Cave parking), the road is generally not well-maintained and requires 4-wheel drive and reasonable ground clearance. On the trail, there is a prodigious amount of scrub oak overgrowth much of the way, causing the trail to sometimes seem to disappear. For this reason, it is recommended to wear long pants for wading through the brush. The trail does not appear to be maintained and, though mostly well-defined, assumes only a fair condition at points. Proceeding up the Palomas Cliffs Trail can be somewhat steep, and along the cliff's lower ledge, the trail is uneven, occasionally requiring light scrambling.
Palomas Peak via Faulty Trail begins by following the Sandia Cave Trail for about 20-30 meters, where the North Mystery Trail (aka Faulty Trail) turns sharply right. A short distance in, note that there is another sharp turn to the right (see the interactive map's red flag). The trail may appear to go straight at that point, but that segment soon disappears.
There are multiple views en route, including interior views of the Sandias, points north and east as well, such as the San Pedro and Ortiz ranges. The Palomas Cliffs Trail portion of the hike also provides nice interior views and an up-close view of the ledges. That start of that segment is also indicated by a red flag on the interactive map, where a right turn is required for access. The yellow triangle shows a dried up pool named Legunita Seca.