| East Face via Iron Gate or Jack's Creek Route |
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| East Face via Iron Gate or Jack's Creek   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: New Mexico, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 35.97890°N / 105.6324°W Route Type: Hike/scramble Time Required: One to two days Difficulty: Steep class 1
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| Page By: truchas Created/Edited: Jun 14, 2005 / Jun 15, 2005 Object ID: 165514 Hits: 1845 Loading... Page Score: 85.94% - 1 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Southern Approach's
The Pecos River Valley and Hamilton Mesa (Southern Routes)
Iron Gate (most scenic but requires some ground clearance): From Santa Fe, head east on I-25 for about 10 miles. Exit Highway 50 and drive approximately 6 miles to the town of Pecos. In Pecos, turn left on Highway 63 and drive approximately 15 miles. Turn right on the dirt county road 223 which is shortly after passing the Mora Camping Area. Drive approximately 5 miles on a rough road to the Iron Gate Campground andTrailhead.
The last 5 miles on county road 223 is rough and is not recommended for passenger cars. You can make it in one (I saw a Volkswagon Passat up there), but you will probably bottom out several times as the road is rocky, has potholes, and some rutts. Rain will make this road much worse.
Jack's Creek (car accessible): From Santa Fe, head east on I-25 for about 10 miles. Exit Highway 50 and drive approximately 6 miles to the town of Pecos. In Pecos, turn left on Highway 63 and drive approximately 20 miles to the end of the road (paved all the way) which dead ends at Jack's Creek Campground and Trailhead.
Map
I highly recommend stopping by the Pecos Ranger District in Pecos, NM and getting the new and updated Pecos Wilderness map. The map was updated in 2004 and is much improved from the last printing. The cost of the map in 2005 was $7.
Route Description
Iron Gate:
Round Trip Distance: 23 miles
Total elevation Gain: 4200 ft.
The first 11 miles of this route is a hike. From Iron gate hike along trail 249 (The Hamilton Mesa Trail) up onto Hamilton Mesa for approximately 3.5 miles to the intersection of Trail 260 (The Lakespur Trail). Hike downhill for approximately 2 miles to Beatty's Flats and make a right turn onto Trail 25 (Beatty's Trail). After hiking another 1/2 mile, make a left turn onto Trail 246 (The Chimayosas Trail). Hike another 4.5 miles and turn right onto Trail 257. Continue on trail 257 until it dead ends into Trail 251.
From this point leave the trail and head directly up the east face of North Truchas Peak. The climb is an easy but steep 1st class scramble up mostly tundra.
From Jack's Creek:
Round Trip Distance: 25 miles
Total elevation Gain: 4800 ft.
The first 12 miles of this route is a hike. Hike approximately 7.5 miles to the intersection of Trail 246 (Chimayosas Trail) and make a left turn. Hike another 4.5 miles and turn right onto Trail 257. Continue on trail 257 until it dead ends into Trail 251.
From this point leave the trail and head directly up the east face of North Truchas Peak. The climb is an easy but steep 1st class scramble up mostly tundra.
Essential Gear
Be in good shape if you are to attempt this peak in one day. Round trip is 24 miles with some ups and downs. Beware of afternoon thunderstorms in the summer and avalanche danger in the winter.
From late May into early June the rivers will be high. Be prepared to do a tightrope over these creeks across downed timber or you will have to wade up to your knees across slippery rocks.
Images
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Sangre de Cristo Mountains
