Pipeline Trail #110, NM

Note: Page stats are for #110 one-way segment. The description below is 4.3mi / 1050 ft / 1120 aeg.


This trail drops down from the Rim trail in the upper reaches of the Sacramento Mountains, connecting to an old access road for the Alamogordo waterworks, allowing servicing of their cast iron pipe that carries water down the mountain to the city far below. It is interesting to listen to the gurgle of the water rushing down the still active pipe that runs along the roadbed.The first part of the trail is just a narrow path winding around the ridge and dropping down through the towering pines and Doug Fir, finally switching to the wider, more exposed jeep bed for the final half of the hike down. The upper path is oftened littered with deadfalls and is a pleasant humus forest trail. The lower portion is exposed large gravel, often creating some less than solid footing. Cattle are not uncommonly found waundering up and down this route, moving between the meadows on either end.

The trailhead for T110 lies on the far side of Atkinson Meadow. The road access and parking orient to the near east side, where you can choose from a variety of pull offs under the trees. Once parked, walk down into the meadow, and over to the obvious trail heading off into the pines on the southwest side. That trail will climb up to the juncture of T110, T111 and the Rim Trail, T105. There is a large Forest Service sign dedicating the Rim Trail and smaller signage orienting T110.

T110 terminates at the lower end into Alamo Canyon Trail, T109. There are a number of potential loops that can be combined to form a day's hiking... or complete the trek back up the hill on T110.

Note: Fire Danger often closes this forest in May and June... check before planning a springtime trip.

2009-05-02 imike