Dog Canyon Trail #106, NM

If there is an outstanding trail to be found among the official Forest Service routes, Trail 106 is it. Starting at the Historic Oliver Lee State Park, the route climbs steeply out of the canyon bottom to the side south side bench, winding along level for a mile, then climbing repeatedly to ever higher bench levels until it reaches the old line cabin around mile post 3. Each quarter mile is marked. Most hikers only go up to the cabin ruins. From here the trail crosses over to the North side of the canyon and begins the very steep ascent towards Joplin Ridge. The trail traverses below the prominent cliffs called the Eyebrow, then around and to the top of that formation. From that point there remains close to a mile of easier hiking, across a broad meadow, then up and to the old logging road, 60B.

Trail 106 ends at this point. If you want to access the trail from the upper end, take West Side Road out of High Rolls for 18 miles to the junction of Forest Road 90B... turn right and follow that rough track for just under 3 miles to the marked trailhead.

If you are not hiking the full trail, Instead of stopping at the cabin ruins, add a bit more to your day and ascend the trail to the exceptional overview just a bit further up the trail. There is a great dry rock waterfall area that provides some protection from the wind and a natural sitting area. The little bit of extra climbing is worth the effort; the views are exceptional!

Enjoy!

There is a day use fee for parking down in the New Mexico State Park. Check out the interesting displays, including a picture of the old line shack before it fell into ruins. The camp grounds provide electricity and hot showers!

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Note
This is a moderately difficult hike.

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

2012-12-22 imike