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A grinding climb followed by rock ledges on the descent.


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

Singletrack

7,064' 2,153 m

High

6,592' 2,009 m

Low

481' 147 m

Up

222' 68 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

May be closed during summer months due to fire danger, check with the ranger station for details.

Description

The trail starts out as a gradual climb along the right side of the canyon with few obstacles. It gets steeper for a bit when it switches to the left side in a wide sweeping turn. There is not much beyond the grade to impede your progress. Once you reach the high point of the trail it winds through the pion trees for a ways until you come to the trail junction with the West Ridge.

At this point the Tunnel Canyon Trail drops to the left towards Otero Canyon. You are immediately greeted with a series of rock steps, which will be a recurring theme the whole way down. The largest of the steps are those first ones and there's another large set near the middle of the descent.

Contacts

Local Club: AMBA

Land Manager: USFS - Cibola National Forest Office

Shared By:

LeeAB Brinckerhoff

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 13 votes

#12788

Overall
  3.5 from 13 votes
5 Star
8%
4 Star
46%
3 Star
31%
2 Star
15%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#288

in New Mexico

#12,788

Overall
7 Views Last Month
3,692 Since Apr 2, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
67%
11%
22%
0%

Photos

Rock ledges galore await you on Birdhouse Ridge which is best ridden downhill.
Sep 8, 2016 near Carnuel, NM
The culvert tunnel under "South 14" is well-lit and easily rideable but does include a large rock part way through
Oct 12, 2014 near Carnuel, NM
Tunnel Canyon Trail climbing along the hillside.
Apr 2, 2013 near Carnuel, NM
About halfway up Tunnel Canyon.
Jul 20, 2020 near Carnuel, NM
Big rock steps on the climb from Otero Canyon back up to the West Ridge.
Apr 2, 2013 near Carnuel, NM
Tight spot between rocks.
Apr 2, 2013 near Carnuel, NM
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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