Middle Truchas Peak is one of a cluster of 4 13,000 ft. peaks in the heart of the beautiful Pecos Wilderness of northern New Mexico at the southern end of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. Because the saddle between it and South Truchas doesn't quite drop 300', it is not considered a seperate peak (New Mexico Highest List).

Although the easiest routes up these peaks are just scrambles, these mountains do have some rugged faces which would make for some more challenging alternatives than most other New Mexico summits. Middle and Medio Truchas' north face is no exception with one 5.8, one 5.6, and other technical rock climbing possibilities. Rugged, isolated, and beautiful, these peaks are arguably the best New Mexico has to offer.

The rugged East Face of Middle Truchas Peak

Middle Truchas Peak is located about 3/4 of a mile north and just a little west of South Truchas Peak , the highest in the group. Unless you want to risk getting your car broken into, access to Middle Truchas Peak will require a 12 mile hike or backpack through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

Medio Truchas Peak (13,060) Topozone Coordinates

Medio Truchas Peak is an unnamed peak on the USGS map located right in the middle of the 3 named Truchas Peaks. It is .5 miles north of South Truchas Peak, .3 miles east of Middle Truchas Peak and .9 miles south of North Truchas Peak. Because the saddle between it and South Truchas doesn't quite drop 300', it is not considered a seperate peak (New Mexico Highest List). Probably not distinct enough to be considered a separate mountain from the other Truchas Peaks, it is still a nice summit with 360 degree views of the Pecos Wilderness and the other Truchas Peaks. If you are making the traverse from South to North Truchas Peak you will pass over this summit. If you are making the traverse from South to Middle Truchas the summit is only slightly out of the way and well worth the effort.

Medio (left) and Middle (right) Truchas Peaks from North Truchas Peak

One of the technical routes on Medio Truchas Peak. Photo by pearson.

I have heard some other local names for Medio Truchas Peak. I used Gerry Roaches name he used in his New Mexico Thirteeners List.

Pecos Wilderness

The Pecos Wilderness is the second largest wilderness in New Mexico comprising 223,667 acres of the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains and contains 10 of the highest 20 peaks in New Mexico. It was established on March 11, 1955, and became part of the National Wilderness Preservaton System on September 3, 1964.

The beautiful Pecos Wilderness as seen from Hamilton Mesa. Medio Truchas second from left.

It is a truly spectacular wilderness consisting of high alpine lakes, rugged peaks, green mesas, wild rivers, beautiful wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Over 13 miles of the Pecos river is designated "wild" in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system. Climb the peaks, but bring a backpack and plan on staying a while.

Getting There

From Santa Fe, head east on I-25 for about 10 miles. Exit highway 63 towards the town of Pecos. Drive about 10 miles north on a nice paved road until it dead ends at Jack's Creek Campground. The trail starts here.

There are other route selections, but I have purposefully not included them on this page because of a high crime rate in those other trailheads. See South Truchas Peak if you would like information on these other routes.

Red Tape

Middle Truchas Peak is located in the Pecos Wilderness. Wilderness rules apply. Certain locations in the Pecos Wilderness prohibit camping. Included in these areas are Pecos Baldy Lake, the Truchas lakes, and Beatty's Cabin. Please observe these restrictions in this delicate environment. There are plenty of other locations to camp. No permits are required.

Wilderness is land set aside as part of wild America, where man can be a visitor. The natural environment has not been disturbed. Travel is restricted to foot or horseback. No mechanized equipment is allowed. No fees or permits are required to enter the Pecos Wilderness. Tread very lightly please.

When To Climb

June through October are the best times to climb in the Pecos Wilderness. Monsoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Winter and early spring months are for the experienced winter mountaineers only. Harsh weather and avalanches can be expected in the winter and spring.

Camping

There are plenty of places to camp at Jack's Creek Campground at the trailhead. Camping is $10 a day, and parking is $2 a day if you are not camping at Jack's Creek. In the winter when the water is turned off there is no fee, however, the road is only plowed to Cowles which is 2 miles before the campground.

For road conditions, call the Pecos Ranger District at 505.757.6121

U.S. Forest Service Information

Information on the southern trailheads and road conditions of the Pecos Wilderness.

Pecos Wilderness office (located in Pecos, NM) of the Santa Fe National Forest: (505) 757.6121

The Carson and Santa Fe National Forest service jointly manage the Pecos Wilderness. For more information click on their respective home pages:

Santa Fe National Forest
1474 Rodeo Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone:(505) 438-7840
Fax:(505) 438-7834

Santa Fe National Forest Home Page

Camino Real Ranger District (Carson National Forest)
P.O. Box 68
Penasco, NM 87553
(505)587-2255

Carson National Forest and information on any fire restrictions website

Sangre de Cristo Mountains Avalanche Information:

Note: This information pertains to the southern Colorado Sangre de Cristo mountains, however the Pecos Wilderness could be included because it is so close to the Colorado border and is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Avalanche Information website

Mountain Conditions

Images



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