Upper Wills Canyon Trail #9278, NM

Rising to nearly 9600', this trail reaches the highest elevations in this portion of the Sacramento Mountains, the highest point being an unnamed peak close by at 9,695 feet. The hike is yet another double track route down through an open meadow area, including a flowing stream in the lower section from Mauldin Springs. The forest service has constructed a new bridge to traverse the stream where Upper Willis Canyon Trail meets Hubbell Canyon Trail ( T9277). The trail terminates at it's junction with the Willis Canyon Trail (T5008) after a downhill hike of just under four miles.

The trail may be accessed directly from Forest Road 64, or from an intersection near the Trailhead for Hubbell Canyon Trail at it's upper end.

Upper Willis Canyon Trail is best used as a leg of a loop, connecting with a variety of possibilities. The area is a good choice for backpacking. The availability of water in the area, and numerous side canyons allow for longer stays and camping off and away from the main trails.

The area is filled with both conifers and aspen trees... nicely green in season, colorful in the fall.

Elk fill the area. Head out early or late in the day and you will encounter numerous herds. Deer and Turkey are common. Black Bears roam the ridges.

This is also an area in steady weekend use by ATV advocates. The trail is open to motorbikes and four wheel off road vehicles. Mountain biking, horse back riding and hiking are also allowed. The softly graded double track is best for the mountain bike. Come during the week and you will probably have the trail all to yourself.

The forest is often closed during fire season: May thru June, depending on conditions. Even if it is open, if you camp during those months be aware of the potential dangers and plan accordingly.

There is good car camping just off of Forest Road 64, and you will be close to the Sunspot Observatory with it's arrays and Visitor Center (complete with snacks and drinks!)

These high canyon trails, with their open, marshy meadows are filled with the remnants of the old railway lines, with rotting trestles and rock bound bed cuts. You can still gather bits of coal left lying around from the train activity.

What I particularly like about the area is that unlike similar meadow hikes over in Colorado, there will not be ten cars at every trail head, nor 20 other hikers out on the trails.

Cattle are free ranged in the area; purify any water used.

The trailhead orientation is the one most easily found, noted as an alternative leg of the trail in the local hiking guide book. If you choose to start at the higher, higher end, begin your hike at the trailhead for Hubbell Canyon Trail, or park at the easier to find point on FR 64, walk in, turn right and follow the trail up to the upper point.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2012-06-04 imike