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A scenic tour of the Chupadera Mountains.


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Map Key

11.1

Miles

17.9

KM

20%

Singletrack

6,065' 1,849 m

High

5,229' 1,594 m

Low

1,038' 316 m

Up

1,035' 316 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

68%

Max Grade (34°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Accessible year-round. Best ridden in the spring and fall. Avoid summer monsoons due to lightning risk on the ridge line.

Overview

The ride makes a scenic loop using a combination of gravel roads, a doubletrack trail, and a singletrack trail.

The Chupadera Crossing Jeep Trail mostly consists of unimproved access roads to abandoned mines. The road has been closed to motorized traffic, but remains open to non-motorized travel as a doubletrack trail.

The Black Canyon Trail provides a singletrack option to complete the loop and is the preferred route after the trail was rebuilt in early 2021. It is primarily downhill from west to east. It is a technical singletrack suitable for advanced riders. Alternatively, the loop can be completed using Hwy 60.

Need to Know

Bring your climbing shoes and chalk. This loop passes popular bouldering problems and sport climbing routes. Be nice to the climbers - they usually have beer!

The descent on the west side of the Chupadera Crossing Trail is steep and washed out - exercise care. Some wayfinding may also be required just past the Mancy Mine as you approach the Black Canyon Trail.

Description

Head south from the shrine visible from Hwy 60, just before the Box Canyon turn off. Follow the gravel grinder for approximately three miles, then turn right on to Chupadera Crossing Jeep Trail. The jeep trail is two track for its full distance but is sufficiently loose and rocky to be interesting. The road is closed to motorized traffic after approximately 1 mile, at the marked BLM gate.

After the summit, the descent is fast and loose. Watch your speed since pinch flats and sidewall tears are common on this section of trail. At the bottom of the descent the jeep road is washed out and should be ridden (or walked) with care.

As you loop around towards the intersection with the Black Canyon Trail, the Black Canyon Mine, Mancy Mine, and Grand Canyon Mine are visible on your left.

Advanced riders should enjoy the Black Canyon Trail, which is scenic and technical. The trail is predominantly downhill when ridden west to east. The recommended route for novice riders is to continue north on the gravel road to The Box BLM Recreation Area. The loop can then be completed using Highway 60, which has a full hard shoulder and is also downhill from West to East.

Contacts

Shared By:

Rob Selina

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 6 votes

#3317

Overall
  3.5 from 6 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
67%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#102

in New Mexico

#3,317

Overall
11 Views Last Month
1,688 Since Jul 20, 2015
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Photos

Typical two track section and views of the Magdalena Mountains.
Jul 20, 2015 near Socorro, NM
Black Canyon Arroyo. Pick your own line.
Jul 20, 2015 near Socorro, NM
Unbeatable boulder - Lots of great lines for climbers! Trail visible on the right.
Jul 20, 2015 near Socorro, NM
Winding singletrack through the western boulder fields of Black Canyon.
May 8, 2021 near Socorro, NM
Newly cut trail and view down Black Canyon
May 8, 2021 near Socorro, NM
The descent from the summit is fun, fast and loose. Watch for the sharp transition at the bottom as the trail is washed out.
Jul 20, 2015 near Socorro, NM
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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