Cabezon Peak

1.9 Miles Roundtrip Out & Back

1,292 Feet Elevation Gain (You Must Also Descend)

Very Difficult, Near Vertical Hike Up a Volcanic Feature With Rewarding 360° Views

Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and the Sandia Mountains.

Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t

The hike and climb are around 1.9 miles roundtrip but you do climb 1,292 feet up the side of a Basalt plug so there’s some near vertical ascending at times. It can be dangerous if you lose yourself and tumble down onto the many boulders and scree fields that surround the feature.

Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t

The trail is easy to follow although not enjoyable as some parts require quite a bit of scrambling before you even get to the side of the plug. The entrance up to the climb is pretty evident as you approach, following rock cairns. Just take your time, wear a helmet if you fear tumbling rocks, and watch out for snakes!

Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t

But once at the top… the view is breathtaking. Be on the lookout for the Jemez Mountains to the east, the Sandia Mountains to the southeast, and to the south lie quite a few other volcanic plugs known as Cerro Chaco, Guadalupe, Santa Clara, and more. And most tantalizingly, the eastern most Chaco Outlier, Guadalupe Ruins lie somewhere south of the Mountain. If only I had known that back when I climbed it.

Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug in the middle of the Rio Puerco Valley that offers hiking and climbing up to an incredible 360° view of the surrounding landscape that affords the bravest glimpses of other volcanic features, the Jemez Mountains, and t