Madera Canyon

Trail Overview

The route through Madera Canyon is a hidden gem showcasing the Chupadera mountains, wildlife, sandy creek beds, and ultimately ancient slot canyons. The route begins as a well-maintained county road just outside of San Antonio New Mexico and accessed from US-380. A very easy-to-follow trail winds alongside Walnut Creek for most of the trip. Passing old corrals overlooking Walnut Creek with an impressive canyon in the background, you'll start to see the landscape change from vast and wide open into an area surrounded by impressive rock walls and the slots passing through them. Accessible year-round, the trail is accessible for most any stock 4x4 with only sandy sections and some sharp turns to contend with. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and cattle in the area. The trail passes very closely to a house on a working ranch, please be respectful of all land boundaries as always. The trail will take a hard right at a fence approaching an occupied house on the ranch, the no trespassing sign has fallen from the fence recently but is mostly visible. The trail leads to the Box Canyon road south of Highway 60 making a stop at The Box a great place to stretch your legs.

Photos of Madera Canyon

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Difficulty

Both sides of the canyon are well painted dirt roads. There are some soft sandy sections of the trail and narrow areas.

Technical Rating