Copper Mine

Trail Overview

The Copper Mines are located in the Santa Fe National Forest just east of Cuba, New Mexico. The trail begins from Highway 126 and the intersection of Eureka Mesa Road. Off-highway parking is suggested due to the limited room at the end of Eureka Mesa Road. This trail runs east and north through the national forest and gives variables types of off-road driving. The trail is easy and not technical, ranging from immaculately maintained dirt roads to tighter rocky roads and loose rocks. The trail has many intersecting driving trails, hiking trails, and camping areas that intersect with this route. This route includes an out and back to an old abandoned Copper Mine near the Eureka Mesa. Once at the Copper Mine, it rewards spectacular views of the Nation Forest.

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Difficulty

The trail is easy and not technical ranging from immaculately maintained dirt roads, to tighter rocky roads and loose rocks. At the beginning, near Eureka Mesa Road, the trail is rocky and can get muddy when raining. Which the mud is red clay (becomes slippery). The trail turns into well maintained forest roads, until the descend to the Copper Mines, which becoming slightly rocky with minimal obstacles.

History

The Nacimiento Copper Mine is near Cuba, New Mexico. Historically the site has been associated with the Nacimiento Mountain Mining District which is now part of the Santa Fe National Forest. The site was first discovered in 1859. The Nacimiento Copper Mine was closed at the time of data entry with no known plans to re-open. Mine operations consist of underground workings.

Technical Rating