username
X
password
register
for free!
help
 This is likely a great time to hike this trail!  Check out "Preferred" months below, keep in mind this is an estimate.
 

Skull Springs Trail #41, NM

Guide 1 Triplog  0 Topics
  3 of 5  
Fav
Wish
0
details
drive
no permit
forecast
map
stats
photos
triplog
topics
location
0 1 0
Statistics
tap row or icons for details
Difficulty 3 of 5
Route Finding 2 of 5
Distance One Way 1.9 miles
Trailhead Elevation 7,940 feet
Elevation Gain 1,166 feet
Accumulated Gain 1,181 feet
Avg Time One Way 2 hours
Kokopelli Seeds 5.84
 Interest Seasonal Creek
 Backpack Yes & Connecting
Post the 1st photoset!
Author
author avatar Guides 253
Routes 0
Photos 6,930
Trips 2,467 map ( 21,513 miles )
Age 75 Male Gender
Location Cloudcroft, NM
Associated Areas
list map done
Southeast Region
Historical Weather
Trailhead Forecast
Expand Map
Preferred May, Sep, Aug, Jul
Seasons   Late Winter to Early Winter
Sun  5:39am - 6:25pm
1 Route
 
0 Alternative
 


It's Skull Canyon On the Map!
by imike

 Likely In-Season!
Of the many access routes up to the Crest Trail, this one may be the more difficult to locate.


The route starts off of Forest Road 108 (Tanbark Canyon) across private land. You are right next to a house. Of course, given it is the only house on the west side of the road, it makes it easy to find.
remove free decal offer
The Topo Map shows the trail as Skull Canyon Trail, and it also shows the trial passing up into Tanbark Canyon. Tanbark Canyon is really the main drainage along Forest Road 108.

A nice aspect of the trail: it is one of the steeper routes up... if you are looking for a harder effort, this might be the trail for you.

On a practical basis, this trail will be combined with one or three of the other area trails to compose a fun day. You might decide to head up to Nogal Peak, looping from the top of Skull Canyon along the Crest Trail (#25), over to Nogal Peak Trail (#26), then perhaps back down Tanbark Canyon along Forest Road 108? If you do that loop, consider heading up from the Crest Trail to the ridge holding the peak trail... there is no reason to loop all the way down and around... enjoy the little cutoff off trail!

Skull Springs Trail could also combine with any of the variety of lower trails rising out of the Bonito Creek drainage: Turkey Canyon Trail (#40), Argentina Canyon Trail (#39), Big Bonito Canyon Trail (#36)... or many others. The potentials are boundless.

Pick your route, plan your day... go enjoy!

2013-05-07 imike


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

    One-Way Notice
    This hike is listed as One-Way.

    When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
    WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

     Permit $$
    None


     Directions
    or
     Road
    FR / Dirt Road / Gravel - Car Okay

    To hike
    From Ruidoso, follow Hiway 48 north, through and past Alto... look for, then turn left on hiway 37, towards Bonito Lake. Turn left again on Forest Road 107, going to and around Bonito Lake (follow the signs!). TanBark Canyon begins at the intersection of Forest Road 107 and Forest Road 108, ...turn right up the canyon and follow Forest Road 108 up to the house on the left side of the road. Turn left past the house, following the fenceline up to the official trail head.
    page created by joebartels on May 07 2013 2:24 pm
     90+° 8am - 6pm kills
    helpcorrectionissue

    end of page marker