New Mexico · Hiking

Chupadera Wilderness National Recreation Trail

5.1 mi
round trip
1,740 ft
climb
6,265 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Sep–Oct
best months

The Chupadera Wilderness National Recreation Trail is a 10.1-mile out-and-back hike in the Bosque del Apache Wilderness, on land managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and within the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. The route rises from about 4,515 feet to about 6,265 feet, with a total elevation gain of 1,740 feet, and is rated hard. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show April and October highs around 73°F, while July and August average highs near 91°F with more wet days. Nearby options include the Canyon National Recreation Trail, about 4.6 miles away, and the Rio Viejo Trail and Sparrow Loop, both within about 6 miles. Climbers can find the Harmonica Convention (AKA Below Edges) area roughly 9.7 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Mar–May, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Chupadera Wilderness National Recreation Trail

    Best months: March–May and September–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      51° / 23°

      2 wet

    2. Feb

      57° / 27°

      2 wet

    3. Mar

      65° / 33°

      2 wet

    4. Apr

      73° / 39°

      2 wet

    5. May

      81° / 48°

      2 wet

    6. Jun

      91° / 57°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      91° / 62°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 61°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 54°

      4 wet

    10. Oct

      73° / 43°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      60° / 31°

      2 wet

    12. Dec

      51° / 24°

      2 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bingham 2 Ne, NM, 34.8 mi away at 5,551 ft. The station sits about 700 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors