In the Albuquerque area the big exception is the maples of Fourth of July Canyon. This fall hike is well worth doing in the spring and summer as well. It’s one of multiple routes accessible from the Fourth of July campground area. From Albuquerque take I-40 east and leave at the Tijeras exit. The Fourth of July Canyon/Campground is located in the Cibola National Forest on the eastern side of the Manzano Mountains and southeast of Albuquerque, NM. Within the campground area there is a large group of indigenous Bigtooth Maple trees with beautiful oranges, red, pink, and yellow foliage in October of each year. 4th of July Canyon & Cerro Blanco loop — Cibola National Forest is an intermediate hike. See this route and others like it, or plan your own with komoot. The Albuquerque Trailhead provides parking for access to the Albuquerque Trail which begins at Forest Road 55 and ends at the junction with Fourth Of July Trail. This short loop trail connects the Fourth of July Campground to the Fourth of July and Crimson Maple Trails. The path wind through the woods with towering trees that have spectacular colors in the fall. This connector trail is great for accessing the much longer trails or as a short hike while staying at the campground. From wildflowers in the spring and summer, to colorful leaves in the fall and icicles and snowdrifts in the winter, this short hike offers some stunning views throughout the entire year. From NM 337 in Tajique, take Forest Service Road 55 about seven miles to the Fourth of July Campground. Remember to Stay on Forest Road 488 as it borders Enchanted Circle Cross Country Skiing Area which are not trails open to motorized use! 4th of July Canyon is a "choose your own adventure style of trail." You can make it as challenging or easy as you want. Photo opportunities abound of the Sangre de Christo mountains and spacious meadows. Try this 4.6-mile loop trail near Torreon, New Mexico. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through November. Expert local hiking guide to the 4th of July Trailhead hikes and climbs in Indian Peaks. Get in-depth knowledge about where to hike, camping, & scrambling. From Albuquerque take I-40 East to Tijeras exit, south on SR 337 to its end, right (west) on SR 55 to Tajique. Look for sign in Tajique for “4th of July Canyon.” Take FR 55 about 6.5 miles. At the 6.5 mile point the road will bend to the left. Just beyond the bend on the right side of the road there will be two large parking areas. Park here. If you are looking for the perfect fall trail, this trail is the trail for you! The views and colors are breathtaking. There are free parking areas before you get to the trailhead. There are picnic tables and bathrooms also located at the trailhead. Although this hike is 5.1 miles you can turn back at any time. After the The loop begins at the 4th of July Canyon Campground, climbs through the canyon before intersecting with the Cerro Blanco Trail. From there the loop turns left and leads down the Cerro Blanco Trail to a rugged gravel and dirt roadway that after another left turn will bring you back to the campground. The Fourth of July Canyon Campground is found in the Cibola National Forest just east and south of Albuquerque, in the Manzano Mountains. The area is beautiful at any time of the year and is a popular campground during the warm season. At the Waypoint, turn left to continue on the Old River Pass, or hang a right for Fourth of July Canyon. The Canyon is a little rougher terrain with some off camber points in the trail. Fourth of July Canyon See the map at the link above for detailed directions to the Canyon located in Cibola National Forest in Estancia The Fourth of July Canyon gets its name from the gorgeous maple leaves that turn orange, red, pink, and yellow every October. There’s nothing better than seeing fireworks in the fall. Fourth of July Campground and the Trail are a favorite place to visit in autumn. The maple trees burst forth in autumn with colors that rival that of the flowers during spring and summer in New Mexico. The road in to Fourth of July is the Torreon-Tajique Loop Road; turn at the sign to the Inlow Baptist Camp next to the church. The 4th of July Canyon trail is used for Snowmobiling in the winter and Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking in the summer. The 4th of July Canyon trail is used for Snowmobiling in the winter and Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking in the summer. The trail starts at the north end of parking. Hike out to a sign that says 4th of July Canyon Tr. Spur (TO 4TH (0.1 mi)). Go left there and in a mile you will come to 4th of July Canyon Tr (4TH TR (1.0)). Follow it out to the intersection 4TH-ABQ (1.6 mi) where you turn right onto the Albuquerque Trail. The 4th of July Canyon trail is used for Snowmobiling in the winter and Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking in the summer.
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