New Mexico · Hiking

Turkey Trot

6.3 mi
round trip
511 ft
climb
7,601 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Is Turkey Trot open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Turkey Trot is a hard out-and-back hike in the Sandia Ranger District of Cibola National Forest in New Mexico, about 6 miles from the Forest Service trailhead at Mars Court. The trail rises from 7,151 feet to 7,601 feet, a gain of about 511 feet, and is roughly 6 miles long each way. The trail is rated hard, and its natural surface and lack of accessibility make it a challenge for hikers. Bikes and horses are both allowed, so the route works for riders and pack animals as well as foot traffic. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the Sandia Park weather station, about 16 miles away, show highs near 73°F in May and 77°F in September. That station sits a few hundred feet lower, so temperatures on the trail run a little cooler. Several other routes start close by. Wild Turkey and Cajun Turkey are both within a quarter mile, and David Canyon Road is about half a mile off. Climbers can find Block Wall, Big Block and Bouldering Cave about 3 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 Turkey Trot

    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, 15.7 mi away at 7,030 ft. The station sits about 600 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.