West Mountain

Trail Overview

West Mountain is located just to the west of the Capitan Mountains and north of the town of Capitan, NM, and is a narrow, mostly single-vehicle wide, out-and-back trail with several spurs available to explore. The trail appears to have had some recent maintenance completed towards the entrance, however, the surface degrades back to a natural dirt and rock surface roughly one mile in. As you start to ascend, the surface becomes rockier with rocks being loose in several areas. The first hard right-hand turn on the trail is the first steeper climb over a rocky surface, many of these rocks can be loose and some over 8" but not exceeding 12", and is passable by most 4x4s with decent clearance. The trail continues to make a softer, lower-grade climb where the surface changes to a smoother surface that is more dirt with some rocks hidden underneath. Some light signs of rutting are present, expect these areas to degrade and become slippery with rain and snow melt. This area has several downed trees, some of which have been cleared from the trail and many that appear to have fallen recently, many blocking the spurs towards the end of the trail. Cell coverage on the trail is overall excellent with only a few small areas that drop the quality of coverage. There are a few dispersed campsites along the trail with a very large clearing towards the summit, some wildlife in the area, and amazing views the entire length of the trail.

Photos of West Mountain

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Difficulty

Larger loose rocks on the steeper grade climb, are slippery when snow and ice are present. Some potential areas for slippery mud and ruts. Possibility of downed trees blocking the trail.

Technical Rating