Hike At Trigo Canyon, Then Stop At Montaño’s For A World-Famous Sopapilla In Belen, New Mexico
By Rachel Pfutzenreuter|Published January 24, 2023
×
Rachel Pfutzenreuter
Author
Rachel lives just north of Chicago, she has two boys and a dog named Sky. She is always planning her next trip, and loves to help friends, family, and her readers find their next adventure.
The Land of Enchantment provides many a beautiful vista and some of the best Mexican food around. Spend the day hiking at Trigo Canyon. Then celebrate your outdoor accomplishments with a meal at Montaño’s, complete with a sopapilla – imagine if you will, fried dough sweetened with honey, similar to a doughnut.
The Trigo Canyon Trail is located in the Manzano Mountain Wilderness Area near Belen, New Mexico. The sound of a babbling brook accompanies you along the path.
Trigo Springs Road dead-ends at the trailhead, which is surrounded by the John F. Kennedy Campground. Roads leading to the trail may be a bit bumpy. This 8.8-mile out-and-back trail, rated as challenging, generally follows the stream. If you hike the entire trail, it is estimated to take roughly 5.5 hours to do so.
After hiking for a couple of miles, you will come across a series of small waterfalls. In the summer, cool off under the spray, or in the natural swimming holes beneath the falls.
As a less challenging alternative to hiking the entire trail, go 2.5 miles in, as far as the waterfalls, and then turn back – having already enjoyed the waterfalls, perhaps caves, and great views. For the first 1.5 miles the elevation change is gradual, and the trail is well maintained. After you reach the waterfalls, the climb becomes steeper, the canyon walls narrower, and the trail more overgrown.
Advertisement
The scenery is rather impressive, especially as the 9,000-foot-tall Osha Peak comes into view. The trail starts at the bottom of the canyon and then climbs upwards.
You could happen upon butterflies, snakes, and perhaps even a cow. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. Families with children have enjoyed this trail too.
