Since moving to the East Mountains, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring my local trails on weekends when we don’t go out of town. The Manzanita Trail System, which caters to mountain bikers, ATVs, and hikers, sprawls out across the small range connecting the Sandia Mountains and the Manzano Mountains. From almost anywhere in the area, Cedro Peak looms overhead with its summit-top radio tower glistening in the New Mexican sun. Today, that was my goal.
Since I began exploring the area in January, Cedro has beckoned from the horizon of every single trail. There is a road that loops to the top, passing by Cedro Group Campground on the way up, but why do it the easy way?
For months, I’ve been eyeballing a few straight-as-an-arrow, ~10 foot wide cleared paths that stretch for miles and miles like spokes out of the peak of the mountain. They’re clearly visible on Google Maps, but I didn’t really know what they were. I parked at the Coyote Trailhead off of 337 and headed down Forest Service Road 462. Before long, I came across the cleared path and turned right.
After traveling a ways down this clearing, I was able to tell that the clearing was intended for access to a power-line of some sort that has long since been removed. Only flat topped stumps of telephone poles remained every so often through the middle of the path.
While from some angles it looks like a clear shot to the peak, there are multiple false summits and a bunch of net elevation gain and loss before reaching the peak.
The trail is mostly very steep, as it was not graded or created for hiking from what I can tell.
The trail does meet up with Delbert’s trail for a small stretch, providing a nice stretch for easy walking. After leaving the Delbert’s trail at a curve, the path appears impossible due to a 15-20 ft. rock cliff visible ahead. Don’t worry, the trail jogs to the left in the trees and there is an easy bypass around it.
At the top, enjoy the views of Tijeras. Continue up to an opening in the fence and join the road up to the radio towers. There are views on all sides!
The route back down is steep, but it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Just keep an eye out for loose rock and yucca. Long pants are recommended since you are mostly hiking off trail.
Once you meet back up with Forest Road 462, take a left and enjoy a quick jaunt back to the Coyote TH Parking Lot. You can extend your hike a little by jumping on the Chamisoso Trail, which you’ll pass over just before reaching 462.
All said and done, this route to Cedro Peak’s summit is 2.5 mi each way. I enjoyed off trail hiking, big views of the East side of the Sandias, and even a seashell embedded in a rock!
