Carson National Forest
Martinez Canyon Trail

Canjilon Ranger District

Elevations:

• Trail Beginning: 7,100 ft
• Trail End: 8,057 ft

This trailhead is off of US 84, 51 miles north of Espanola, 39 miles south of Chama. There is a cleared parking area just off the east side of the highway. The Forest Service recommends that you lock up any valuables in the car out of sight. No motorized vehicles or equipment allowed on the trail. Pack it in, pack it out.

This is a nice 8 mile walk. Near the beginning of the trail you'll need to cross Canjilon Creek. The creek usually isn't bad but in April and May the spring run-off can be high, and the crossing tricky. The trail starts out fairly level and slowly ascends to the top of the canyon through pinon pines, junipers, sagebrush and cactus. The top of the canyon is high enough for the forest to change over to Ponderosa and mixed conifers.

Rating: Moderately difficult with an elevation gain of about 200' per mile