Cabezon Peak’s dramatic volcanic formation is one of the most well known landmarks in northwest New Mexico. With an elevation of 7,785 feet, the Peak is part of the Mount Taylor volcanic field and is the largest of 50 volcanic necks rising from the Rio Puerco Valley. Dramatic basaltic cliffs on Cabezon provide a close view of an ancient volcano. To the south, the land rises sharply to Mesa Chivato, with cool pine forests and elevations over 8,000 feet. Mesa Chivato is composed of basaltic lava flows that erupted from Mount Taylor 3.3 to 1.5 million years ago. The colorful Cretaceous shoreline and marine rock layers expose lava cap ends and the elevation drops quickly to the Arroyo Chico to the north. The Rio Puerco flows through Cabezon Country, passing close by Cerro Cuate before making a dramatic bend to the south.
New Mexico Public Lands Recreation Guide. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Cabezon WSA
https://www.blm.gov/visit/cabezon-wsa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabezon_Peak
Cabezon Peak’s dramatic volcanic formation is one of the most well known landmarks in northwest New Mexico. With an elevation of 7,785 feet, the Peak is part of the Mount Taylor volcanic field and is the largest of 50 volcanic necks rising from the Rio Puerco Valley. Dramatic basaltic cliffs on Cabezon provide a close view of an ancient volcano. To the south, the land rises sharply to Mesa Chivato, with cool pine forests and elevations over 8,000 feet. Mesa Chivato is composed of basaltic lava flows that erupted from Mount Taylor 3.3 to 1.5 million years ago. The colorful Cretaceous shoreline and marine rock layers expose lava cap ends and the elevation drops quickly to the Arroyo Chico to the north. The Rio Puerco flows through Cabezon Country, passing close by Cerro Cuate before making a dramatic bend to the south.
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Cabezon
Peak
In case of emergency:
Leave No Trace: Plan ahead and prepare - Travel and camp on durable
surfaces - Dispose of waste properly - Leave what you find - Minimize
campfire impacts - Respect wildlife - Be considerate of other visitors.
BLM Rio Puerco Law Enforcement – 505/761-8700
Immediate Emergency – 911
BLM 24-hour Santa Fe Law Enforcement – 505/827-9377
BLM/NM/GI-06-05-1220
Bureau of Land Management
Albuquerque District, Rio Puerco Field Office
100 Sun Ave. NE
Pan American Bldg., Suite 330
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
505/761-8700
or
www.blm.gov/new-mexico
B
reathe in all the mystic lore and outdoor adventure
New Mexico has to offer, at this well-known landmark
in the Rio Puerco Valley—Cabezon Peak. Rising nearly
8,000 feet above sea level, Cabezon is the most
prominent of about 50 volcanic necks in the lava fields of
Mount Taylor.
Legend
The name “Cabezon” is derived from the Spanish noun
“cabeza,” meaning “head.” Cabezon translates as “big head.”
The peak is believed to have religious significance for the
Pueblo and Navajo Indians, and remnants of their visits still
exist. The Navajos have various lore associated with Cabezon,
one of which explains that the peak and local lava flows came
from a giant who was slain upon Mount Taylor. The giant’s
head became Cabezon Peak and his blood congealed to form
the Malpais, or “bad land” volcanic flow to the south.
Geology
The region’s volcanic
necks formed when
molten lava worked
its way to the earth’s
surface through
sedimentary rock
layers deposited by
an ancient inland sea
that covered the area.
Millions of years of
erosion have removed
much of the softer
sedimentary rock,
exposing the basalt
columns or “necks.”
Climbing
Cabezon, rising nearly
2,000 feet above
the valley floor, is a
popular area for rock
climbing and scrambling. A visitor’s register, located at the
parking area, indicates that hikers come from as far away as
Europe to experience a climb that is considered appropriate for
both beginning and intermediate-level skills. The climb is not
recommended for either children or pets.
A dirt road located on the west side of Cabezon, which
connects with BLM Road 1114, leads to the trailhead. A
primitive trail along the south side of the peak, which leads to
the summit (refer to the map), takes between 4 and 6 hours
to climb. The round trip hike is approximately 2 ½ miles. The
ascent of the chimney near the south-east portion is marked
by cairns. A hand line (special rope used by climbers) may
be needed to ascend the rocky ledges to the top. The trail is
accessible year round, however, the upper trail and chimney
can be treacherous when there is ice and snow.
primitive recreation, including grazing, outfitting/guiding,
commercial filming, group activities, educational group
activities and scientific research.
Vehicles
Vehicle travel off existing roads is prohibited. Restrictions
apply to all off-highway vehicles (OHV’s), all-terrain vehicles
(ATV’s) motorcycles, and bicycles.
Camping
Unless authorized, camping, or occupying any site on public
lands, for a period longer than 14 days within any period of 28
consecutive days is prohibited.
Because of loose rock, we recommend that you wear a hard
hat and sturdy footwear for safety; also, take along plenty of
water. A successful climb to the summit will reward you with
an expansive view of the Rio Puerco Valley. You may want to
bring a compass and map to locate and identify surrounding
land formations.
Plants and Wildlife
Piñon and juniper trees are dispersed among the rock-strewn
foothills of the peak. The desert floor offers numerous grasses,
cacti, and shrubs. Summer showers encourage the blooms of
sunflower, cactus flowers, evening primroses and asters.
Bird life at Cabezon includes meadow larks, jays, quail, doves,
red-tailed hawks and sharp-shinned hawks. Area mammals
include rabbits, prairie dogs, badgers, and rodents such as
kangaroo rats, rock mice and pack rats. The elusive coyote is
always present and serves to help keep the numbers of small
mammals in balance.
Hikers should be aware that rattlesnakes are active during
warmer months.
Fires
Obey posted fire orders. No fires shall be left unattended.
Fireworks are never allowed on public land.
Access
Entry into the area is best gained by turning westward from US
550 onto County Road 279 approximately 20 miles northwest
of San Ysidro. A green highway sign (labeled “San Luis,
Cabezon”) marks the turnoff. Continue 12 miles (south-west
past the village of San Luis) to the Cabezon turn-off onto BLM
Road 1114. The pavement ends just beyond San Luis.
At the intersection of CR 279 and BLM Road 1114, you will
pass by the ghost town of Cabezon. Follow BLM Road 1114 for
2.9 miles to the dirt route that leads east to the trailhead.
Travel on CR 279 and BLM Road 1114 is good during dry
conditions. During the rainy season, normally in spring and late
summer, the roads can get slippery an
Alien Run Mountain Bike Trails
NORTHWEST NEW MEXICO
The 7,242-acre wilderness is in a badland area of rolling,
water-carved clay hills. The area, rich in fossils, has yielded
numerous specimens important to science.
Alien Run Mountain Bike Trails
Ojito Wilderness
Alien Run consists of three looped mountain bike trails
that cover more than 26 miles. The original loop and the
Outer Limits Trail encircle a rumored UFO crash site. The trail
features swooping flow trail, rim riding, slickrock sections,
and tight turns through the piñon-juniper woodland. The
Alien Run Outer Limits extension features rocky climbs and
plunging downhills. The trail is known for including one of
the largest selections of slickrock in New Mexico.
Deep, meandering arroyos offer miles of terrain in which to
wander amid canyons, cliffs, and some colorful geological
formations. Summer monsoon rains often provide just enough
rain to make this area flourish with blooming desert plants.
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness
Angel Peak Scenic Area
Within this 10,000-acre area rises the scenic Angel Peak, at
nearly 7,000 feet. A short nature trail leads to an overlook
of blue and gray shale badlands formed from floodplains of
ancient rivers. Angel Peak has three picnic areas with ADA
accessible toilets. The campground has nine sites available
for tent camping. There are ADA accessible restrooms. No
drinking water or electrical hookups are available.
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
A favorite with photographers for its hoodoo formations,
the wilderness is a remote, desolate area of steeply eroded
and colorful badlands. Time and natural elements have
created strange rock formations here and some of the most
extraordinary scenery in New Mexico.
Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area
More than 800 acres are available for off-highway vehicle
(OHV) enthusiasts in this sand dune area.
Glade Run Recreation Area
The Glade Run Recreation Area offers many miles of
motorized and nonmotorized trails through piñon-juniper
woodland with sandstone bluffs, sandy arroyos, and
badlands. Jeeps, utility-type vehicles (UTVs), all-terrain
vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, mountain bikes, equestrians, and
hikers will all find a place to play. Ten designated campsites
are available at the Brown Springs Campground, which
has shelters, picnic tables, campfire rings, two vault toilets,
a group shelter with large grill, and a tot lot track for kids
on dirt bikes or ATVs. Designated and dispersed camping
in the recreation area requires a free permit from the BLM.
The recreation area is known for its national class rock
crawling, having hosted the Grand Nationals Rock Crawling
Championships for many years. The oldest continuously held
mountain bike race in the United States, the Road Apple
Rally, also takes place here.
Details are available in site
descriptions or on the map side charts.
Bring plenty of water for you and
your pet. Many BLM sites do not offer
facilities or drinking water.
NM Statewide Recreation Brochure
BLM/NM/GI-19/006+8000
Looking for a map, book, permit, or
recommendation to explore your
public lands? Visit the Public Lands
Information Center at the BLM’s
New Mexico State Office; 301
Dinosaur Trail, Santa Fe, NM
87508. Call (505) 954-2002 or
(877) 276-9404 (toll free), or
visit www.publiclands.org.
Head Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle
Recreation Area
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Bureau of Land Management
BLM New Mexico State Office
301 Dinosaur Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87508
(505) 954-2000
www.blm.gov/new-mexico/recreation
In the “Land of Enchantment,” the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) oversees outdoor recreation and many
other activities on more than 13 million acres of public land.
New Mexico’s public lands are diverse, encompassing high
deserts, rugged lava flows, badlands, deep canyons, wild and
scenic rivers, wilderness, and other distinctive landscapes.
The majority of BLM-managed public land is open for
recreational use, and opportunities abound for hiking,
hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, off-roading, and
other activities. The BLM also manages National Conservation
Lands (NCLs), public lands with exceptional qualities. These
special areas are managed to conserve and protect nationally
significant landscapes recognized for their outstanding
cultural, ecological, and scientific values. They also contain
some of New Mexico’s most spectacular landscapes.
New Mexico’s NCL units include four national monuments;
two national conservation areas; three national scenic and
historic trails; two wild and scenic rivers; 18 wilderness
areas; and 47 wilderness study areas (WSAs). Those WSAs
with legal public access are listed at the end of each
mapback section. WSAs are places that are characterized by
“naturalness” and that Congress is considering designating
and protecting as wilderness—places that offer outstanding
opportuni