New Mexico · Hiking

Spruce Spring

1.8 mi
round trip
144 ft
climb
8,091 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–May, Aug–Oct
best months

Is Spruce Spring 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.

Spruce Spring is an easy, short out-and-back hike in the Mountainair Ranger District of Cibola National Forest in New Mexico, about 1.8 miles long with a total elevation gain of 144 feet. The trail runs on natural surface and is open year-round, and the Forest Service manages the land. The route starts at a low point of about 7,930 feet and climbs to a high of about 8,091 feet. It is a gentle walk, and the trail is open to both horses and bikes. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Mountainair show May highs around 76°F and September highs around 79°F, while July and August bring the most wet days. Several other trails sit close by, including Box Spring Trail (99) about a mile away and Ox Canyon and Red Canyon within about a mile and a half. Climbers can head to the Manzano Mountains, roughly 3.6 miles off.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Apr–May, Aug–Oct

    Best time to visit Spruce Spring

    Best months: April–May and August–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

      46° / 18°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      51° / 23°

      4 wet

    3. Mar

      58° / 27°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      66° / 32°

      4 wet

    5. May

      76° / 41°

      5 wet

    6. Jun

      87° / 50°

      6 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 55°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      85° / 53°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      79° / 45°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      68° / 36°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      55° / 25°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      47° / 19°

      5 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mountainair 8nw, NM, 5.8 mi away at 6,672 ft. The station sits about 1,400 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.