There are many things to do along the Jemez Mountain Trail, which include skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, camping, and much more...

Cross Country Skiing | Hiking | Biking | Fishing | Camping | Ponderosa Winery | Gilman Tunnels| Scenic Byways

Cross Country Skiing Snowfall mutes the sounds of the world as Sandoval County bundles up for winter. Cross country and telemark skiers and snowshoers delight in the tracks of rabbit, elk and deer, the only signs of life in the whiteness. Cross country skiers will find a trail bonanza within a 20 mile drive of La Cueva. East of La Cueva along Hwy 4, encounter five different ski areas, including an easy two and a half mile loop trail near Redondo Campground and more difficult trails in the Los Griegos area, which offers views of Redondo Peak and Valle Grande. West of La Cueva on Hwy 126, don't miss Valle San Antonio Road, a five mile, one-way trip to San Antonio Hot Spring. Soak in the hot spring and enjoy views of the Bandelier Tuff cliffs across the canyon. Off US 550 and east of Cuba on Hwy 126, Blue Bird Mesa Road has a trail for any level skier, but cross-country aficionados will thrive in the challenging San Pedro Parks Wilderness Area and enjoy beautiful, large meadows. For current snow conditions and trail information call Sam Beard, 505-828-0673 (evenings and weekends) of the NMCC Ski Club Top of Page

Hiking Adventurous hikers can face the challenge of Battleship Rock in the Jemez Mountains. The rock, named for its similarity to the prow of a ship, is peppered with bits of glassy smooth obsidian, a black rock created from volcanic eruptions in the area over 5 million years ago. Parents can pack a picnic and bring the kids for a fun hike along Las Conchas Trail. Avoid the snow and hike between April and October along the East Fork of the Jemez River in the Santa Fe National Forest since these trips are not actually along the Jemez Mountain Trail.

FOR A JEMEZ MOUNTAIN TRAIL SIDE TRIP VISIT: Tent Rocks, which resemble giant cones of poured sand, are another natural oddity formed by volcanic activity. Covering almost 12,000 acres, the rock formations provide a surreal background for an easy day hike. To get to Tent Rocks, take Hwy 22 to the Cochiti Pueblo exit and follow signs to Forest Rd 266. The rugged and varied terrain of the Sandia Mountains makes a popular hiking destination. Take Hwy 165 through the village of Placitas just east of Bernalillo, and explore several trails leading into the Sandias. For a special treat, hike before sunset and bask in the rosy glow of the "Watermelon" Mountains. Also on this route is Sandia Cave, where the discovery of archeological remains provides evidence of life 10,000 years ago. Top of Page

Biking Trails throughout the county vary in degree of difficulty. For your own safety and the safety of others, please do not attempt to ride a trail that is beyond your skill level. Intermediate and advanced riders can explore Guacamalla and Paliza Canyons. Take Hwy 4 to 290 through the town of Ponderosa and continue on Forest Road 10 to the Paliza Campground. Nearby, the 7 mile Jemez Canyon Overlook offers sunny meadows as a reward for surmounting step hills. FOR A JEMEZ MOUNTAIN TRAIL SIDE TRIP VISIT: Beginning cyclists will find a peaceful ride beneath the shade of cottonwoods on a relatively flat trail that winds through the Rio Grande Bosque near Corrales. Off-road adventures can also be found in Placitas, especially along Tunnel Springs Road in Las Huertas Canyon, which is located at mile marker 5 on Route 165. An easy 10k ride is found along Forest Road 445 just past mile marker 2 on the south side of Hwy 165. Top of Page

Fishing North of Cuba off US 550, the San Pedro Parks Wilderness is home to native cutthroat trout. Also, off US 550 on the Jemez Pueblo are Holy Ghost and Dragonfly Reservoirs, popular water recreation areas. North and west of La Cueva on Hwy 126 you will find many enjoyable fishing spots, including popular Fenton Lake State Park, which offers picnic areas, wheelchair accessible platforms and ice fishing. San Antonio Creek in San Antonio Canyon offers plenty of catch-and-release fishing opportunities. Drive five miles up the canyon and hike one mile or more. Fly-fishing enthusiasts will be delighted by the Rio Cebolla in the Jemez Mountains. Visitors are welcome at Seven Springs Fish Hatchery near Cebolla Canyon. The Ice Pond is stocked by the hatchery and open to fishermen ages 12 and under.

FOR A JEMEZ MOUNTAIN TRAIL SIDE TRIP VISIT: At Cochiti Lake, catch warm water fish such as catfish, crappie, bass, bluegill and perch. Take exit 259 off I-25 to Hwy 22 and follow the signs. The Sandia Lakes Recreation Area is located in southern Sandoval County on the Sandia Indian Reservation. Several ponds are stocked with trout and other varieties of fish. No license is necessary, but a daily fee is charged. Call 505-897-3971 for information. Top of Page

Camping Stock up on hot dogs and cocoa mix at local stores in Cuba to the north or Jemez Springs to the south and then venture into the Santa Fe National Forest. Both towns offer hospitable gateways to this National Recreation Area, wild and scenic rivers, and a National Scenic Byway. Head west from Bandelier National Monument on Hwy 4 and find abundant camping spots in ponderosa pine forests or alpine meadows. Along the Jemez River is Las Conchas Campground and also in Jemez Springs, just six miles to the east of Las Conchas and one mile south of Hwy 4, is Jemez Falls Campground. Redondo Campground is one of the largest sites in the area, but more remote sites can be found nearby. Several hiking trails can be accessed easily from this area. North along Hwy 126 toward Fenton Lake is San Antonio Campground, which is handicap accessible and boasts some great fishing spots. For information, call the Jemez Ranger District office at 505-829-3535.

FOR A JEMEZ MOUNTAIN TRAIL SIDE TRIP VISIT: Enjoy fishing, boating, swimming and camping at Cochiti Lake, which is easily accessed by either NM 22 (exit 259 from I-25) or NM 16 (exit 264). Three separate recreation areas, two with campsites, provide plenty of water access. The camping area on the west side of the lake includes a boat ramp, courtesy dock and 34 sites with electric hook-ups. Call 505-465-0307 for information. Top of Page

Ponderosa Winery Ponderosa Valley Vineyards and Winery (1-800-WINE-MKR) on the southern slopes of the scenic Jemez Mountains boasts the largest Reisling vineyard in New Mexico and offers many award winning varietals and blends. Top of Page

Gilman Tunnels As you travel north along Highway 4, two side roads provide notable diversions. State Route 290 leads to the ranching and winemaking community of Ponderosa. Further north, Forest Road 485 features the Gilman Tunnels, which were blasted out of rock in the 1920's to allow logging train access along the rushing Guadalupe River Gorge. As you travel in these areas, please be mindful of the fragile environment and respect the local residents. Top of Page

TRAVEL NATIONAL AND STATE SCENIC BYWAYS Sandoval County is proud to offer travelers many scenic byways, including the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway and portions of El Camino Real National Scenic Byway, Historic Route 66 National Scenic Byway, the Corrales Road Scenic Byway and the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (call 1-888-263-0003). In order to attain the designation "scenic byway," a stretch of road has to be nominated and meet the requirements of being scenic, historical and cultural. The "scenic byway" designation helps the route become more "tour friendly" and focuses resources toward further preservation efforts. Visitors can easily combine El Camino Real, Historic Route 66 and Corrales Road scenic byways into a pleasant day trip. From the north, start with the El Camino Real, merge with Historic Route 66 in Algodones, and connect via Alameda Blvd in Albuquerque to the Corrales Road Scenic Byway. Top of Page

For more information about the Jemez Mountain Trail call or visit: Sandoval County Visitor Center 243 Camino del Pueblo / P.O. Box 40 Bernalillo, New Mexico 87004 505-867-TOUR / Toll Free: 1-800-252-0191 e-mail: sc-tour@swcp.com