La Cueva Canyon Trail #492

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

The trailhead is in the backyard of a small cluster of houses. Please park down the main road and be considerate of these neighbors as you pass through.

The first section is steep and loose, but at 0.23 miles, the grade moderates. At 0.44 miles, there is a broad and easy switchback. At 0.63, the valley begins; this runs about 1.3 miles.

At 1.2 miles, the open and scenic meadow begins, and there is the remains of a log cabin. This may have been for grazing, but just to the east there is a shallow depression that may have been a mining prospect. At 1.6 miles, there is a shallow gravelly crossing and at 1.9 miles, the meadow ends and the trail begins to climb moderately again.

At 2.1 miles, there is a reasonably easy switchback with a wooden guardrail. The trail climbs steadily but there are minimal rocks compared to Maes Canyon Trail #5. At 2.8 miles, there is a saddle and the old Flechado trick tank, which captures rainwater.

At 3.4 miles, there is another saddle, and the trail begins to contour along the mountainside with a pleasant grade. At 3.8 miles, there is a meadow and at 4.1 miles, the trail joins an old logging road. From here, it is downhill to La Cueva Trail #8.

The area is open from late spring through fall.