Colorado and New Mexico Adventure Trail Running: Recent Trips

I'm a real big fan of what I call "Adventure Trail Running." This is where you find a trail - usually on a map at poor resolution - and decide to run it. Other times, it can simply be finding a peak or mountain that you want to run, finding the closest access point, and heading up on old trails or animal paths. I've been doing this for years all over Colorado and New Mexico, and I figured I would share a couple. Why? Well, I doubt anyone will actually go and do these trail runs. They are not easy to find. They don't have clear, wide pathways where you can get up a good gait. There are river crossings, serious bushwhacking, talus slopes, exposure, canyons to surmount, and the like. But that is the whole adventure; running a trail or obscure path that perhaps has not seen another human for years and years.

Reminded by my run yesterday from Eldora (~9,000 feet) to the 4th of July Mine (~12,000 feet) on several feet of snow (it was possible to make it all the way as of April 16), I thought I would mention two recent adventure runs.

Canones Creek Trail in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico

This is one of those classic adventure runs. After driving around on some old dirt forest roads out of Coyote, New Mexico, one finds a beautiful old trail that runs along Canones Creek in the heart of the Jemez Mountains. Although the trail is rarely used now, and involves several exciting river crossings, it offers the trail runner an adventure that takes them back in time.

Originally used by the local Native Americans as a trail for going between the pueblos along the Rio Grande into the high Jemez Mountain calderas for hunting and gathering in the summer, the trail was then "improved" after WWII. Since that time, it has seen little traffic and has slowly begun to revert back to its original state. However, one can still run it for over 8 miles one way, as they cruz along the beautiful Canones Creek.

To find it, drive on Highway 96 towards Coyote, and make a left turn onto Forest Road 100 (heading south). Follow this for around 8 miles until there is a turnoff on your left. This turnoff splits: one going back north and around to a spectacular overlook and the other heading south and down to the creek. Park and run here (unless you have serious 4 x 4 traction). Technically, this is called FR 173 but there are no signs. Run down to the creek, and then you have the option of doing a small 8 mile loop back up and around or crossing the creek and heading down the Canones Creek Trail.

There are lots of wildlife in the area, including wild turkeys, hawks, eagles, and mountain lions. Bring some water, a camera, and head out for a trail running adventure. When you are done, drive the 30 miles to Cuba, New Mexico and grab some excellent New Mexican food. Then head back over towards Jemez and hit up one of the hot springs.

Apache Canyon in Southern Colorado

Here is another classic adventure trail run located in a spectacular canyon with 500 foot walls on both sides. The trail, which was originally built by people working on one of the "New Deal" projects set up by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is now an overgrown jungle of sheer canyon walls, creek crossings, waterfalls, and deep foilage. However, that should not stop anyone, as you can take this trail for over 8 miles until it eventually connects with the Bartlett Trail, eventually reaching the top of Greenhorn Mountain (12,347 feet).

Heading north out of Walsenburg on I-25, take a left onto road 650. Follow this road as it slowly climbs into the gamble oaks at the base of the Wet Mountains. On the map it looks like this road eventually connects with road 271, but that is incorrect. Follow the road all the way until it deadends at a house (with a big dog), and then look due west. There is a small deer trail that leads you to the old trailhead. Taking this trail, one can enter an entirely different ecosystem then the one where they parked, losing track of all time and place. Enjoy, because you are probably the first person on the trail since I ran it.

Both of these trails are perfect examples of adventure trail running. Rediscover some of the lost places in the Rocky Mountains - there are more then you think.

Why We Love Upslopes: Colorado Telemark Video

Here is another little telemark video that I think the title says everything. Here along the Front Range we are blessed with the phenomenon known as "upslopes." This is when we get pounded by a good storm and the rest of the state seems to miss the goods. This is from a couple weeks ago, during a classic upslope snow storm.

Sometimes living along the Front Range of Colorado is ok....

Colorado Alpine Bouldering: Alternatives to RMNP and Evans

Let's talk secret bouldering areas for a second. After word got out back in the 90s about Rocky Mountain National Park bouldering - Chaos Canyon, Upper Chaos, Moraine Park boulders, the boulders at the bottom of the Diamond and down valley, Upper Thunder Basin, Emerald Lake boulders, and others - traffic in the Park really started to pick up. Now, if you go up there on a weekend, you might as well just go to the gym as there are on average 50+ people climbing in the Chaos Canyon area alone.

Groups of industrious boulderers began to hunt out other high alpine bouldering areas in the hopes of finding more gems, classic lines, and a break from the crowds and hot summer temps. Evans - although already known - became another Front Range favorite as it has more moderate problems and landings then the Park. Guanella Pass also got a second or third look. Swissco was found and developed, although the long 4x4 road has kept it fairly quiet despite it having some major undone roof problems. A couple other places were also found and developed: the Eldora walls, Empire boulders, Cameron Pass, and the Keystone boulders.

The Keystone boulders are one of those gems that seems to be holding out from massive amounts of Front Range traffic. Situated at 10,000 feet, they offer a unique opportunity to boulder in a forested slope and fairly cool environment for those hot summer days. Many lines remain undone, some have already been sent, and a few still need to be found. So, although they are buried under a few feet of snow right now, here are a few pictures from last summer to entice you...

San Luis Valley Bouldering: Problems Galore in Colorado and New Mexico

So I'm adding some pictures of the bouldering down in the San Luis Valley and northern New Mexico. Tara and I go here regularly - lots of good bouldering, secluded, and quality stone are all reasons to make a trip to the Valley. There are several areas that are already known, and ton more waiting to be found or developed. Some of the best places in the Valley include: Boulder City, the Breakfast Boulders, Penitente and Rock Garden area, Rock Creek, Crestone, Orient Mine Wall, Questa Dome boulders, Tres Piedras, the Beach Wall, Cerro Azul, El Rito, Red River bouldering, Hidden Gulch, and many more.

If you are looking for adventurous bouldering in an amazing setting, then perhaps a trip to the Valley is for you. You can climb all year, with some of the best temps occurring from October-March.

Types of Stone: Rhyolite, Granite, and Basalt.
Rest Day Activities: hot springs, mountain biking, trail running, artistic tours, contemplation, excellent New Mexican food.

Undone Boulder Problems in Eldorado Canyon State Park

With this never ending Indian Summer we are having along the Front Range, the climbing and bouldering conditions have been amazing (the telemark skiing is not so good but fun - check out A-Basin switch telemark footage). As a result, Tara and I have been exploring some areas that see little to no traffic, but have a ton of potential for new lines, new problems, new routes. Green Mountain is one spot - boulders are everywhere and lines just seem to pop out. A lot have been done (check out Colorado Boulderingand Colorado Bouldering 2- the new book by Horan is controversial and should be avoided).


Another spot is Eldorado Canyon State Park. Again, the Musicals have been climbed on for a number of years, and so have the Metaphysicals. This is the place where Suspension of Disbelief is (V12ish) and Midnight Frightening (V11) are located. But what about other blocks? We found some amazing looking lines on our adventure. Pictures don't do justice, but here are a couple to get people psyched on the potential.


This block is amazing. Slightly overhanging with a flat landing, who could ask for more. However, the real winner is up the slope further...


The cave has several good lines coming out of it. A rare formation for sandstone, this block resembles something you would find in the Park more then Eldo. We worked on several problems on independent lines. There are also several potential link-ups and eliminates, depending on where you start and where you come out. Good climbing, sustained movement, and an unobstructed view of the Continental Divide.

And the backside is what really holds the gem. Although this photo does not do it justice, there is a clean line going straight up this slightly overhanging face. Yet to be done. Any takers?


I don't know if these boulders have "official" names. There is no evidence of chalk, the moss is thick, and if anyone has climbed on them, it was done by the ghost of Horan in the 70s.


It is exciting to know that after climbing in the Colorado Rocky Mountains for over 16 years lines like these are still to be had. Anyone care to hike...