Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Palomares Canyon Short Loop
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
Jemez Springs
Hike Difficulty:
Easy-Moderate
Total Length of Hike:
2.1
Max to Min Elevation:
490 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
1267 /
1073 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Loop
Exposure Type: Full sun
Seasons :
Not Winter
"Wow" Factor: Hoodoos and Views
Authors last hiked: 2025-11-11
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On-line directions to the trailhead:
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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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TRAIL TIPS!
When gates on FR10 are unlocked, drive up highway 4, then right on road 290 that turns into FR10 past Ponderosa. Follow FR10 about 11 miles to the high point which is where FR135 intersects, then left on FR135. The 11 miles on that rough light duty 4x4 track with rocks and ruts of 8 inches or more which is easy in a high clearance 4x4 (I.e. Tacoma, 4Runner, Rubicon,...) but difficult in light duty vehicles. Park at the sign that says "No Exit"
Palomares Canyon is a fantastic canyon of red and white volcanic tuff landscape southwest of Jemez Springs that contains exceptional rock formations (tent rocks and hoodoos both white and red) and numerous ancient sites. "Palomares" means "dovecotes" or "pigeon houses" in Spanish and can refer to a place name or a surname.
Route starts with a walk down the 4x4 road, ATV tracks and then slowly bushwhacking into two hoodoo rich forks Palomares Canyon. The down canyon contains many 4-8 foot pour overs and rubble piles so it is totally scrambling and no hiking.
Once in the main canyon it is pretty much wandering about and taking PICs of rock formations and canyon walls.