Dockweiler Trail, New Mexico

Submitted by trailsetc.com (updated: 07.08.2009)
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Details

• Type(s) of Acitivites: Hiking, Horseback Riding, Backpacking
• Best season / time to go: Spring through Fall. May be impassable during winter.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length (round-trip): 8.3 miles
• Duration / time to complete: ~ 4-5 hours
• Usage Fee: $2.00 USD
• Nearest City / town: Cowles, NM
• Trailhead elevation: 8403 feet
• Maximum elevation: 10116 feet
• Elevation change: ~1700 feet
• Essential gear: Day hiking gear and/or backpacking gear
• Recommended Map / Quad: USGS Cowles

Tags: aspen forest, aspens, backpacking, camping, hiking, new mexico, pecos, pecos wilderness, santa fe nm, summer hike

Description » Jump to the Map ↓ » View as PDF

This is a great summer hike because most of the trail is heavily shaded by aspens and pine trees. The Dockweiler Trail (trail #259) takes you through part of the beautiful  Pecos Wilderness just east of Santa Fe, NM. During this lovely forest hike you won’t get a lot of breathtaking vistas, but the dense aspen forest is perfect for a warm summer day hike or, better still, a chance to see the glorious yellows of the changing aspen leaves during autumn.

The hike is about four miles each way, mostly uphill going in leaving a nice downhill return journey. After about four miles at about 10,000 feet you reach an open meadow with a small stream running through the middle of it. This is a good place to turn have a rest and turn around if you are only after a day hike. The trail does continue on much farther in the Pecos Wilderness.

Getting There & Starting the Hike

Start the hike from the parking lot for the Panchuela campground (see the marker on the map below). The trail begins on the north edge of the parking lot. Head up the trail and veer to the right to cross the Panchuela creek using a small, well maintained foot bridge. Shortly after this crossing you head uphill and will come to a fork in the trail, follow the sign pointing you toward the Dockweiler Trail #259 (the right fork).

Fees

There is a $2 day use fee at the parking lot or a $5 dollar overnight fee per car.

Horseback Rides

You can get a horseback tours of this trail and many others in the Pecos, learn more.