New Mexico · Hiking · Near Santo Domingo Pueblo

Challenge Trail

Challenge TrailPhoto: Francis Storr, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
4.4 mi
distance
282 ft
climb
8,790 ft
high point
Lollipop
route

Is Challenge Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sandia Ranger District. It doesn't name Challenge Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

  • Area Closure for Recreation Residence Structures and Property at 91 Casa Loma Road

    Agency closure covering Sandia Ranger District · Order 03-03-05-26-14 · USFS · Sandia Ranger District

  • Area Closure for Recreation Residence Structures and Property at 69 Casa Loma Road

    Agency closure covering Sandia Ranger District · Order 03-03-05-26-13 · USFS · Sandia Ranger District

  • Area Closure for Sandia Crest “Switchback” Hazard Tree and Fuel Reduction Project

    Agency closure covering Sandia Ranger District · Order 03-03-05-26-02 · USFS · Sandia Ranger District

  • Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts Stage 1 Fire Restriction Lifted

    Agency alert covering Sandia Ranger District · Order 03-03-00-26-20 · USFS · Sandia Ranger District

  • Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order 03-03-00-26-05

    Agency alert covering Sandia Ranger District · Order 03-03-00-26-05 · USFS · Sandia Ranger District

As of · Source: USFS · Sandia Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Challenge Trail is a 4.4-mile loop in the Sandia Ranger District of Cibola National Forest in New Mexico. It rises from about 7,679 feet to about 8,790 feet, with a total elevation gain of 282 feet, and it is rated an easy hike. The trail starts and ends in the same place, so it works well for a short outing that returns to the trailhead. The climb is gentle, and the loop makes it simple to pace a visit to the surrounding area. Forest Service manages the land. The trail is about 0.2 miles from Tree Spring and 0.6 miles from Tecolote, so either makes an easy add-on. Pino Canyon Overlook lies about 0.9 miles away, and the 10K Trail South is a cross-country skiing route roughly 0.8 miles off.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Campbell Scout Ranch

    Campground

    Campground · 2.7 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Ten 3

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 2 mi · Open after 6
  • If it rainsJim Legans, Jr from Albuquerque, New Mexico, CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

    Tinkertown Museum

    Museum

    On your way back · 3 mi

    Folk art museum in Sandia Park, New Mexico

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Jim Legans, Jr from Albuquerque, New Mexico, CC BY 2.0 (commons)

More in Santo Domingo Pueblo

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

Tree SpringPhoto: Francis Storr, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

Tree Spring

Next door

4.27-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 1,304 ft elevation gain.

TecolotePhoto: Francis Storr, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

Tecolote

Next door

2.74-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 590 ft of elevation gain.

ChallengePhoto: dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

Challenge

~4 min drive

12.69-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 761 ft elevation gain.

HIKE

South Crest Trail

~3 min drive

Challenging 15.88-mile ridge traverse with 2,093 ft gain and panoramic mountain views.

North Mystery TrailPhoto: Matt Lavin, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

North Mystery Trail

~2 min drive

4.86-mile out-and-back hike in New Mexico with 1,615 ft elevation gain

10K Trail SouthPhoto: Skarz, CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

10K Trail South

~1 min drive

10K Trail South is a 2.33-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 992 ft of elevation gain.

HIKE

Palomas Peak Trail (66)

~4 min drive

3.12-mile out-and-back hike in New Mexico with 2,151 ft gain/loss

HIKE

King of the Mountain

~2 min drive

15.78-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 2,591 ft elevation gain.

Oso CorredorPhoto: Matt Lavin, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

Oso Corredor

~2 min drive

5.40-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 1,112 ft elevation gain.

Pino Canyon OverlookPhoto: Skarz, CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Pino Canyon Overlook

~2 min drive

0.09-mile lollipop trail to Pino Canyon Overlook in New Mexico.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors