Old Logging Road #6411, NM

As you drive along Forest Road 64, you will notice a number of old timber roads coming in from your left. These have been closed to vehicle traffic and blocked off with metal swing arm gates. The first three are .3 miles in from Sunspot Hiway, designated 64OB... the next barricade lies nearly a mile further along FR64, and I'm giving it the designation of 6409, the number of the old logging road designation. About one tenth of a mile further along the metal barricade on your left is your access point for 6411, another barricaded old logging road.


You are around 9400' elevation at the point of beginning. This trail effectively ends with it's intersection with T113, Willy White Trail, about 4.5 miles later. At that point you'll be around 9400'... so the trail is very much a ridge wandering hike. It gently drifts up and down as it works its way around the ridge lines, hitting 9578' at one higher point.Oddly enough, this non-official trail is in better condition than most of the official forest trails in this area. The deadfalls are probably cut out of the way by the occasional illegal ATV use...?

Two thirds of the way across the ridge route, you will encounter a side rode coming in from the left: with official road markers: 6411... This appears to be a down canyon cut that probably drops over to connect with 6409 ... though I have yet to hike the section to confirm the route... the map shows it deadending above 6409, but I imagine an off trail traverse could be made?

Deer, Elk, Turkey are the common encounters on this high elevation hike. Water lies below in the lower meadows.

Be aware of seasonal fire hazards and plan your routes with an awareness of the available escape alternatives available.

This would be an excellent mountain bike trek route.

2012-06-10 imike