New Mexico · Hiking

Gear Grinder

1.6 mi
round trip
93 ft
climb
7,089 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Is Gear Grinder open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sandia Ranger District. It doesn't name Gear Grinder, 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

  • Sandia Ranger District Road & Area Closure for National Forest Road 462 Maintenance

    Agency alert covering Sandia Ranger District · Order 03-03-05-26-24 · 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

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

Gear Grinder is an easy, out-and-back hike in the Sandia Ranger District of Cibola National Forest, managed by the Forest Service, in New Mexico. The route is about 3.1 miles long, with a low point of 6,994 feet and a high of 7,089 feet, giving it a total elevation gain of about 93 feet. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Sandia Park weather station show May highs around 73°F and September highs around 77°F, with lows in the low to mid 40s. Winter is cold, with January highs near 44°F and lows around 19°F. The Gear Grinder Trail and Squirrel Run both start within about a quarter mile, and Pinyon is about 0.4 miles away. Climbers can head to Ranger Station Wall, roughly 3.4 miles off.

Local outfitters

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

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