The Kwage Mesa Trail winds along the south mesa rim for more than a mile.The route continues on a road to the tip of the mesa where long-range views of the Pajarito Plateau, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the Rio Grande rift await.
| Length |
4.5 miles out and back |
| Elevation Gain |
200 feet |
| Trail Surface |
packed dirt |
| Features |
360 degree views |
| Rating for foot traffic |
easy |
| Rating for mountain bikes |
moderate |
| Rating for horse traffic |
easy |
Finding the Trailhead: From 15th Street and Central Avenue in downtown Los Alamos, head west (towards the Jemez Mountains) on Central. In 0.8 miles, past Ashley Pond and the Aquatic Center, turn right onto Diamond Drive. Pass the Los Alamos High School and the Los Alamos Golf Course to the San Ildefonso roundabout located 2.4 miles from the intersection of Central and Diamond. Bear right on San Ildefonso. Head south, then east on this road, passing the Los Alamos Middle School.About 0.1 mile past North Mesa Road on the left, turn left onto an unnamed road heading toward the stable area.The road swings to the right and ends at a parking area at the North Mesa Tennis Courts.The trailhead is on the left of the playlot.
The Kwage Mesa Trail winds along the south rim of the mesa for more than a mile. The route continues on a road to the tip of the mesa where long-range views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the Rio Grande rift await.
From the trailhead, head east and in a few yards, curl to the north along a fenceline. In a minute, bear right on the trail as it passes by the covered riding arena. The trail has plenty of twists as it skirts the mesa rim and heads east. In 1.5 miles, the trail meets the road. Bear right onto the road and follow it toward the overlook. The road narrows to a track near the end of the mesa, but it is easy to follow as it winds through piñons and juniper. The road ends on a rocky viewpoint. After enjoying the scene, retrace your route along the road. At the junction with the trail, bear right to stay on the road. The road soon swings to head west, with the Sierra de los Valles straight ahead. At the next trail
junction, jog left for a few yards, and then turn right onto the Kwage Mesa
Trail. The trailhead is about a quarter mile from the junction.
