Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Step Canyon Red Mesa
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
San Ysidro
Hike Difficulty:
Difficult
Total Length of Hike:
6.2
Max to Min Elevation:
922 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
2199 /
2158 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Loop
Exposure Type: Full sun
Seasons :
Not Winter
"Wow" Factor: Great Canyon Views
Authors last hiked: 2024-11-30
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!
The access to this hike is directly off of NM 550 north of San Ysidro. It is a very small access to a fence and small dirt parking lot and entrance. It is easy to miss, so use of this site's directions link would be helpful.
The Step Canyon hike explores some of the Red Mesa's canyon area. After ascending to the top of the mesa, the canyon is accessed by looping around a northeasterly branch of the canyon and then descending the canyon to the west. It requires Class 3 scrambling at points, and is difficult terrain, but with fascinating features and views. It is rarely visited and makes for a unique and scenic experience. It is recommended you have other hikers along as a measure of safety. The hike area is just south of the Jemez Pueblo-owned land, so excursions further north are not available.
Note: a number of the photos were taken by group members and do not contain location data, so they do not appear as markers on the map.