Southern Crossing

Total Miles
2.4

Elevation

2,332.28 ft

Duration

0.5 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Fall, Winter

Trail Overview

Southern Crossing is an intermediate single track that connects the east and west portions of the Manzanita Mountain trail system. The east end starts off super easy before crossing State Highway 337. Be careful crossing the highway because cross traffic does not stop. The trail picks up again directly across the highway at a pinch point and then turns right and starts climbing up the next hillside. This climb has one harder rock ledge obstacle and some loose rock but continues as a fast and flowy trail that is smooth with big sweeping turns to get on top of the mesa. Keep the trail open by not shortcutting these switchbacks. The rest of the trail has intermittent slab rock sections and tiny ledges that aren't too hard between very easy sections. There is one huge rock slab obstacle that is like a downhill ramp, but there is an easy way around it to completely avoid it. It ends at the intersection with Cajun Pine.

Photos of Southern Crossing

Southern Crossing
Southern Crossing

Difficulty

This is an intermediate single track with several moderate rock ledge obstacles but also lots of very easy sections.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Access Description

The Manzanita Mountain Trail System is a very well-maintained multi-use area popular for hiking, horses, mountain biking, and dirt bikes. There are 40+ trails ranging from a mile to 5 miles long of varying difficulties between easy and advanced in a Chihuahuan desert terrain in the Cibola National Forest. There's enough trails for 2-3 days of riding, and is best in fall and spring when it's not too hot. Be aware of oncoming traffic since there are lots of tight turns and it can be busy. There are several staging areas from the north off of Chamiso Canyon Road, as well as the Tunnel and Pine Flat Trailheads along State Road 337, and from the south at the Oak Flat Trailhead.

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