Overview
The Zuni Mountains in the Mount Taylor Ranger District of Cibola National Forest represent the forest's western fringe: a low mountain range between Grants and Gallup that receives little attention despite its attractive ponderosa pine forest and viewshed. The 6-mile loop here covers a mix of ridge, meadow, and forest creek terrain at elevations between 7,200 and 8,000 feet. Visitors who make the drive are rewarded with genuine solitude: this is among the quietest hiking in the forest system within reasonable range of Albuquerque.
The Zuni Mountains were heavily logged in the early 20th century, and evidence of that history is woven into the landscape. Old railroad grades from the timber operations run through the lower sections of the loop, providing smooth walking surface and historical context for the second-growth ponderosa that now dominates the forest. The trees have recovered to an impressive density and the forest now feels mature despite its harvested past.
Views from the higher sections of the loop extend east toward Mount Taylor and west toward the Colorado Plateau. On clear days, the landscape is a reminder of the vast scale of this part of the Southwest: mesa, forest, and sky filling the horizon in every direction.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2: Trailhead to Ridge. The loop begins at a gravel parking area on Forest Road 49 and climbs steadily through dense ponderosa pine. The lower trail follows a section of old railroad grade that is clearly visible as a level corridor through the forest. The tread is excellent in this section. The loop diverges at mile 2 at a signed junction; take the right branch for the ridge route.
Miles 2 to 4: Ridge Traverse. The right branch climbs to the main ridge at approximately 7,900 feet with views of the surrounding forest and, on clear days, toward Mount Taylor to the east and the Zuñi Plateau to the south. The ridge trail passes through a mix of ponderosa and mixed conifer before descending toward the creek drainage.
Miles 4 to 6: Creek and Loop Closure. The trail descends to a small seasonal creek and follows it downstream back toward the junction with the lower railroad grade. The creek section has willows and aspen near the water in a narrow riparian corridor. The loop rejoins the lower trail at mile 5.5 and returns to the trailhead at mile 6.
When to Visit
April through November. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are possible but the loop has forest cover throughout. The lower elevation (compared to the Sandias and Mount Taylor) means earlier spring access. Fall color in the aspens near the creek section peaks in early to mid-October.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following:
- Water (carry all needed; treat any creek water)
- Layers for morning cool in the forest
- Downloaded offline map (no cell service; the loop junction requires navigation)
For extended exploration of this area, dispersed camping is permitted on forest land. Review Leave No Trace principles for forest camping best practices.
Practical Details
No permit required (as of 2026). No trailhead facilities. Dispersed camping permitted on Cibola National Forest land. Managed by the Mount Taylor Ranger District. Dogs permitted.
Cell service is nonexistent throughout. Download maps and notify someone of your itinerary before heading out.
Getting There
From Albuquerque, take I-40 west approximately 85 miles to Grants, New Mexico. From Grants, head south on NM Highway 400 and follow signs toward the Zuni Mountains and Forest Road 49. The trailhead is approximately 15 miles from Grants on forest roads. Drive time from Albuquerque is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Confirm current road conditions with the Mount Taylor Ranger District before visiting, as forest road maintenance in the Zunis can be irregular.
For the full Cibola National Forest guide including the Sandia Mountain trails and Mount Taylor, see the forest overview page.