Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Bluewater Canyon
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
Grants
Hike Difficulty:
Easy-Moderate
Total Length of Hike:
3.4
Max to Min Elevation:
156 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
262 /
208 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Out-and-back
Exposure Type: Mixed sun/shade
Seasons :
Not Winter
"Wow" Factor: Towering Cliff Walls
Authors last hiked: 2025-03-21
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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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Bluewater Canyon is a beautiful deep canyon with steep cliff walls surrounding the meandering Bluewater Creek. The stream is fed by the Bluewater Lake some miles upstream and to the west, and the canyon itself is very long - perhaps nine miles - but only the first two miles are open to the public as the remainder resides on Navajo land. Due to the steep cliff walls, it has become a somewhat popular area for rock climbing.
The trek is generally easy, although there are nine water crossings, one of which is quite challenging, as the only 'stepping stone' is a huge steep-walled boulder. After speaking with a trail maintenance crew member, that crossing is scheduled to be improved this fall (2025). The canyon flora has been over-taken by salt cedar, which is growing rather tall and can partially obstruct the view in some cases. Nonetheless, it is an exceptional hike in terms of its unique beauty, and the canyon presents ever-changing geology and formations.