Route Editor
Route Scout
"Hawk Trail" by friendofThundergod  Overview The Gavilan Trail is a short but sweet trail in the newly formed Columbine Hondo Wilderness area. The trail takes you through an idyllic mixed forest of aspen and conifers as it climbs to an elevation of 11 thousand feet. Hike The trailhead for the Gavilan Trail (Spanish for sparrow hawk) is located on a nondescript pull out along state highway 150, or Ski Valley Road. The trail starts with a little climb and then does not really stop climbing until you reach the ridgeline and the trail's ending point at its intersection with the Lobo Peak Trail. There is some private property bordering the trail for the first few tenths of a mile, but you enter the wilderness relatively soon. The trail starts off as a very wide path, but narrows to a more traditional single track as it climbs through the dense forest. The climb is certainly relentless, but the liberal use of switchbacks make it a pretty manageable climb. However, there was one particular long straight section in the middle that had me yearning for a switchback. At just over a mile in there is a sign indicating a quarter mile detour to some waterfalls that are worth checking out. However, the true magic of this trail is its last mile where the forest gives way to some scenic meadows and great views of its neighboring wilderness to the southeast, Wheeler Peak. Once you hit Lobo Peak Trail you can return the way you came, or utilize the ridgeline trail to hit nearly every other trail in the Columbine Hondo Wilderness for a looping day hike, or more ambitious backpack. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. 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.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Gavilan Trail #60
I did this little filler hike in between backpacking in the Pecos Wilderness and the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. I found the trail to be a very pleasant trail and the trail was well maintained. There is a nice little waterfall about a mile in, but the highlight of the trail was the upper mile where there are some nice meadows and big views. I took a little break at the top with the pups and then walked along the Lobo Peak trail a little to catch some better views, before returning the same way I came. I wanted to see the waterfalls later in the day with better light, but walked past the turn off on the way down and did have to do a little backtracking. The bottom two-thirds of the trail is a bit of a green tunnel, but I found the forest to be scenic and vibrant.
2018-05-27 friendofThundergod
Gavilan Trail #60
Our last full day of seven in the "Wheeler Peak Wilderness" area above Taos,NM. We selected this first time, out and back morning exercise hike since it was within a short drive from where we were staying in the upper Taos Ski Village.
Of my six day hikes in this area, this one was the least memorable but did offer some good exercise (2439ft AEG) before needing to pack-up and exit on 8/21am for our planned second week away to the south central Colorado- Buena Vista area high country.
(Note: If looking for a new day hike option to consider in this same NM area..TH off Hwy 150, I would suggest Yerba Canyon TR61.. http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2088 would be a much more rewarding canyon hike than this Gavilan Canyon TR60).
Of my six day hikes in this area, this one was the least memorable but did offer some good exercise (2439ft AEG) before needing to pack-up and exit on 8/21am for our planned second week away to the south central Colorado- Buena Vista area high country.
(Note: If looking for a new day hike option to consider in this same NM area..TH off Hwy 150, I would suggest Yerba Canyon TR61.. http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2088 would be a much more rewarding canyon hike than this Gavilan Canyon TR60).
2010-08-20 Grasshopper
