Manzano Crest
- 44.2 mi
- round trip
- 5,047 ft
- climb
- 10,021 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Is Manzano Crest open right now?
No closures listed
The Forest Service lists no closures for Cibola National Forest.
As of · Source: USFS · Cibola National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Manzano Crest is a hard out-and-back hike in the Manzano Mountain Wilderness of New Mexico, within the Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest. It is a long, steep route that rises from about 8,200 feet to just over 10,000 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 5,000 feet over a distance of about 44 miles. The trail is rated hard, and its natural surface and the long distance make it a significant commitment. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not, and the trail is not accessible. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route passes through wilderness, so expect remote, backcountry conditions. The hike is open year-round, and several other trails start close by, including Pine Shadow Trail just 0.1 mile away, Kayser Mill at 0.5 mile and Monte Largo Trail at 0.7 mile. Climbers can head to the Manzano Mountains, about 4.9 miles away.
Local outfitters
- Turquoise Trail Campground38 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
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Pine Shadow Trail
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5.25-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 723 ft gain.
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Kayser Mill Trail
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0.92-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 517 ft elevation gain.
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Cottonwood Trail
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1.38-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 271 ft of elevation gain.
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Manzano Crest Trail
~12 min drive
8.94-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 2,979 ft elevation gain.
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Monte Largo Trail
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Steep 4.65-mile alpine climb with 3,847 ft elevation gain near Monte Largo.
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Red Canyon Trail (89)
~5 min drive
2.33-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 245 ft gain.
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Kayser Mill Trail (80)
~2 min drive
0.28-mile out-and-back trail with 171 ft gain in New Mexico.
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Pine Shadow
~2 min drive
7.14-mile out-and-back trail in New Mexico with 784 ft gain
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Spruce Spring Trail (189)
~6 min drive
3.28-mile out-and-back hike in New Mexico with 849 ft gain.
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Kayser Mill Trail
~3 min drive
0.44-mile out-and-back trail to Kayser Mill with 219 ft gain in New Mexico.
