Overlook Ridge, NM

For most of the length of Forest Road 64, the route winds along the ridge top, with the views obscured by the surrounding pine and fir trees. The exception is the area just before you reach The Thousand Mile Trail. The logging activity here sliced a road bed off and down the west face of the ridge, and the area remains fully open and exposed today. While not a long trail, the route does offer great views off to the west, including the ridges supporting the Sunspot Observatory. This is a great picnic area... short evening hiking area... or possibly a car camping potential. Car camping is allowed within 300' of the roadway, so you could park and walk in, setting up on the nicely flattened old road bed.

Pull off the road at the blocked entry (old deadfall keeps cars out) and walk down to the end of the road cut, winding in a hairpin loop around to the left at the bottom. You can then simply turn around and retrace your path, or walk uphill through the trees back up to FR 64... just up through the trees.

If your camped in the area take the time to enjoy the sunset from the vantage points along this short hike.

This hike also provides a connecting route for the Overlook Canyon Trail hike... avoiding having to walk out on the forest road.

Enjoy!!

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

2012-10-18 imike