Big Arsenic Springs Trail • Hike • New Mexico • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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May 08 2022

AugustWest

Routes 174
Photos 471
Triplogs 184

51 male

Joined Mar 16 2019
Phoenix

Big Arsenic Springs Trail

North Central, NM

Big Arsenic Springs Trail

North Central, NM

Hiking		May 08 2022
		AugustWest • Triplogs 184

Hiking	6.90 Miles	1,329 AEG

Hiking	6.90 Miles	3 Hrs 37 Mns	2.57 mph
	1,329 ft AEG	56 Mns Break

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First hike of the week while I stay in Questa. Started out from Big Arsenic Springs Campground which leads down to the river on really steep switchbacks that are really well constructed.

Followed the river for a few miles past multiple highly developed camping areas, that include solidly built lean-to's and outhouses. My goal was to get to the Red River confluence which I did. There is a bridge that crosses the Red River and goes another mile to the Cebolla Mesa Campground and trailhead. I ate my lunch and did a photoshoot for Luna below the LA Junta Campground along the river.

Turned around and passed La Junta trail which is closed because someone died on the trail last year according to the BLM. Climbed out of the canyon by traveling up Little Arsenic Springs Trail which was as well built as Big Arsenic Springs. Took the Loop Trail back to my truck.

There is a ton of construction on the roads in the national monument. There is at least one LEO on duty (on Sunday!) as well who left a day-use payment envelope on my truck on which they wrote 'thanks'.

Really windy, but pleasant weather in the mid-70's. Saw 3 backpackers on the way down and 2 hikers on my way up plus a camper walking his dog on the Loop Trail. Pretty fantastic area to explore!

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Wildflower seed in the sand and wind
May the four winds blow you home again

Aug 31 2017

rwstorm

Guides 1
Routes 136
Photos 22,415
Triplogs 1,041

77 male

Joined Feb 28 2003
Tucson, AZ

Big Arsenic Springs Trail

North Central, NM

Big Arsenic Springs Trail

North Central, NM

Hiking		Aug 31 2017
		rwstorm • Triplogs 1,041

Hiking	2.70 Miles	856 AEG

Hiking	2.70 Miles
	856 ft AEG

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no linked trail guides

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Down by the River - Part One
On this trip to northern New Mexico the goal was to see some new things, and this was one of them. I had been aware of this place for a long time, but never checked it out. Closest I would come was Questa when I was driving the Enchanted Circle. I camped Wednesday night at La Junta Campground, then drove over for this hike Thursday morning. I just had to go down to the Rio Grande after enjoying the great views from up on the rim.

I had seen the view of the gorge many times from the Highway 64 bridge northwest of Taos, but it was nice to see it again in a different area with camping opportunities thrown in. There are several trail options going down to the river from the campgrounds, but I chose this one because of the petroglyphs and large spring flowing into the river. Very well constructed old trail, made to withstand the harsh runoff environment. Lots of switchbacks to make things easier. My knees didn't like the descent (very slow going), but I felt great on the return up to the rim.

Spring flow: [ youtube video ]
Rio Grande: [ youtube video ]

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Poison Ivy

Wildflowers Observation Light

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1 archive

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.

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