Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Joaquin Canyon
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
Jemez Springs
Hike Difficulty:
Moderate
Total Length of Hike:
8.7
Max to Min Elevation:
1429 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
1572 /
1546 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Out-and-back
Exposure Type: Mixed sun/shade
Seasons :
Not Winter
"Wow" Factor: Waterfall and Canyon Views
Authors last hiked: 2024-05-01
More!
View Full Page Map
Download GPX File
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.
If you are having problems with this page, please: send us a note!
Joaquin Canyon is an unmarked trail not appearing on various hiking/trail apps. It is easily accessed off FR376, just north of the Holiday Mesa trail access. Though the elevation gain is over 1,400 ft, it is accomplished via a relatively long and easy-to-moderate grade. One of the pleasant features of this hike is the prevalence of water, even in very dry years (as was 2023). The waterfalls in the Spring of 2024 were gushing, and water in the creeks was abundant. In order to see the second and third waterfall, be sure to diverge from the road and follow a faint trail downhill, as indicated on the interactive map.
Higher up, the trail parallels Joaquin Canyon, which is a deep and rocky gorge with sheer sides most of its length. Continuing up the trail takes the hiker into a nice Fir/Spruce forest which hosts some Aspen further in. The trail then proceeds up to the Jemez Reservation boundary, where it is necessary to turn around.