New Mexico · Hiking

Poker Chip

2.3 mi
round trip
213 ft
climb
7,520 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Is Poker Chip open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Poker Chip is an easy out-and-back hike of about 4.6 miles in the Sandia Ranger District of Cibola National Forest in northern New Mexico. The route climbs from a low point of about 7,295 feet to a high of about 7,520 feet, with an elevation gain of about 213 feet. The Forest Service manages the surrounding land. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically late spring and early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Sandia Park, about 13.6 miles away, put May highs near 73°F and September highs near 77°F. That station sits about 500 feet lower than the hike's high point, so temperatures on the trail run a little cooler. Several other short hikes start close by, including Gambel Oak at about 0.6 miles and Gambel at about 0.7 miles. For climbing, Block Wall and Big Block lie about 2.6 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Poker Chip

    Best months: April–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

      44° / 19°

    2. Feb

      48° / 22°

    3. Mar

      55° / 26°

    4. Apr

      63° / 34°

    5. May

      73° / 41°

    6. Jun

      83° / 49°

    7. Jul

      83° / 53°

    8. Aug

      80° / 52°

    9. Sep

      77° / 46°

    10. Oct

      65° / 36°

    11. Nov

      54° / 24°

    12. Dec

      43° / 18°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sandia Park, NM, 13.6 mi away at 7,030 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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