Mt. Taylor is in the northwestern part of New Mexico, outside of Grants. It’s the tallest mountain by far in that part of the state. There are two trails in the Mt. Taylor area Gooseberry Springs trail and a portion of the Continental Divide Trail. We chose the Gooseberry Springs trail.
The Gooseberry Springs trail is also part of the course for the Mt. Taylor annual quadrathlon usually held in February. This challenge includes biking, running, cross-country skiing, and finally snow shoeing to the top. Do this and you will have completed 43 miles and 4,900 in elevation change. Sounds like quite the challenge.
The hike is quite a bit less, a 6.2 mile out and back hike. To get to the trail head you leave NM 547 and make a right on FR 193, just before NM 547 becomes unpaved. FR 193 has been freshly graveled and we didn’t have any issues traveling the 5 miles to the trail head. Parking is on the right and the trail begins across the road. You start the first mile or so climbing through the pine grove and aspen forest. Once emerging from the trees you continue to climb through an alpine meadow. Continue up to a saddle and around the ridge. Then you will see the Big Z. A few switchbacks going up the mountain in front of you. Climb those and no, you still won’t be at the top, but really isn’t that far from that point. Very well maintained trail, just don’t miss the one point that the trail veers uphill after crossing the wooden bridge over the spring.
You may also see a tree bent at an unusual angle. Trees bent in this fashion were used as directional markers by various Native American tribes. This one likely pointed to the location of the spring that was down the hill.
The views are spectacular providing a 270 degree view. Once coming through the trees and climbing uphill make sure to turn around and take in the views even at that point. You’ll gain about 2,000 ft. starting at about 9,300 and climbing to the summit at 11,301. It is a strenuous hike, but worth it. Don’t forget to sign the log book located on the back side of the sign.
Shadow had an great time and probably did closer to 15 miles as he was constantly running up and back.