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Hiking Pajarito

hiking pajarito mountain in los alamos, new mexico

The breathtaking beauty of the Jemez Mountains and Los Alamos has been, and continues to be, molded by the forces of nature. The remnants of volcanic activity, the Jemez Mountains are home to some of the most spectacular hikes in the state, including the Apsenola trail that leads you to the summit of Pajarito Mountain, with an elevation of 10,440 feet.

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) trail app allows you to search for a nearby trail that fits your hiking criteria. Looking for a short dog-friendly hike or an all-day trail run?  This app will tell you your options and exactly where to go. The app profiles dozens of trips at Pajarito Mountain, Los Alamos County, Bandelier National Monument, and the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

For more information please contact us at (505) 662-5725 or at [email protected].

 Walk-Up Only
Hike Uplift$10
  • Hiking Restrictions
  • Hiking Trails

Make sure you carefully plan and prepare for your hiking or backpacking trip before you take off for your adventure. During hours of operation, hiking is restricted to East Road, Aspeñola, and Aspen For Trouble.

Weather on the Jemez Mountains

The Jemez Mountains are subject to a wide range of climate conditions. Precipitation ranges from 20 inches (50 cm) in the lower area of the mountain to over 40 inches (100 cm) on the upper slopes. Temperatures fluctuate greatly from night to day.

Precautions should be taken to avoid being caught on exposed peaks and ridge tops during northern New Mexico’s regular summer thunderstorms. Plan ahead: watch approaching storms and get to a safe area before the storms hit. The safest places to be, if you do get caught in a storm, are forested areas away from ridge tops, ledges, rock outcroppings, or the tallest trees.

Restrictions

Several factors make it necessary to implement some restrictions — the fragile habitat of the mountains a threatened plant species, the Jemez Mountains wilderness designation, and the municipal watershed for the City of Los Alamos.

  • Camping is not allowed on along Camp May Road except at the Camp May campground past the Main Lodge. 
  • Campfires are also prohibited in the same areas. Fires are allowed below 11,000 ft (3,352 m). Keep them small and use only wood which will burn completely to ash. Fires should be built on mineral soil. Take care to clear burnable material from the fire area. If you pack it in, please pack it out. Do not burn garbage, foil, cans, plastic, or nylon of any kind.
  • Artifacts and ruins are a major portion of the history and heritage of the Jemez Mountains. All items of this nature are protected by law against damage or removal. We request that you only look, admire and photograph these items.

Endangered species are located at Pajarito Mountain; therefore, hiking is restricted to designated trails only.

Follow the golden rule of no-trace hiking and camping: “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”

  • Respect the land — do not cut switchbacks.
  • Avoid wet trails if possible and avoid making new trails.
  • Keep to the right of the trail — save the left for passing.
  • Downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic.
  • When in a group, do not block the trails; allow enough room for others.
  • Enjoy your hike and please be safe!

Make sure you read and understand restrictions in the Jemez Mountains Wilderness listed below.

Power Pass Resorts