Chamisa Trail
Hiking, Snowshoeing, Mountain Biking
Dog Friendly
Length: 4.75 miles Round Trip
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 7,800 to 8,500 feet
Seasonal: 4 (Possible snow in winter: snowshoes)
Driving Distance from Plaza: 6 miles
Sierra del Norte Trailhead
Parking and Trailhead. Direct access to North Dale Ball Trails and the Piedra Connector. South Dale Ball Trails are accessed by crossing Hyde Park Rd. Do not leave valuables in your car.
The Chamisa Trail is an easy hike only six miles from the plaza. The Chamisa Trail is well defined and hikes through rolling terrain and meadows for 4.75 miles round trip. The hike will take you through large stands of evergreen trees. This is an enjoyable hike or trail run close to town.
Directions: Follow Paseo de Peralta to Washington Ave on the North end of Paseo de Peralta. Turn away from the plaza heading north on Washington Avenue to artist rd (ski Basin rd). Follow the Ski Basin rd. 5.6 miles to a wide canyon with two prominent parking areas on the south and north sides of the rd. Park on the north side. Locate trailhead and follow to big Tesuque creek.