Kitchen Mesa Canyon

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Hike Statistics

Nearby City / Locale: Abiquiu
Hike Difficulty: Med-Difficult
Total Length of Hike: 8.7
Max to Min Elevation: 922 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent: 2281 / 2238 ft Estimate based on track data

Logistics: Out-and-back
Exposure Type: Full sun
Seasons : Any
"Wow" Factor: Unique views in the Kitchen Mesa area
Authors last hiked: 2026-01-13

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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.

NOTE: The topmost checked item in the 'Tracks' box (in the upper right-hand corner of the map) will display its elevation chart and hike data. Turn tracks on and off for display.

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TRAIL TIPS!

 The hike begins from a parking area right off of NM 84, 1.5 miles east of the turnoff for Ghost Ranch. Cross the highway and hike northeast up the red arroyo following tracks and some pink flags past a few easy to bypass pour overs. At about 6640' resume walking in the arroyo and take right hand (east) bypasses of small 6' to 8' pour overs. At about 6820' there is a 20 foot pour over that needs to be bypassed on the right (east) with a 200' climb of moderate steepness.  From there contour northwest and regain the arroyo bottom and follow that to 7045' and make a hard left to track due west on low ridges of gypsum that lead to the top of Kitchen Mesa. Great views there!  Then backtrack to the start. 

About this hike:

The hike is 90% off trail, rated as Class 2, with no technical ascent of pour-overs.

Related Hike Information REFERENCES: List of All Site Book References
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