Kitchen Mesa Trail is a 3.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near El Rito, New Mexico that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
birding
hiking
nature trips
trail running
walking
views
wild flowers
wildlife
rocky
scramble
this is one of my favorite hikes of all time. the first mile or so is very easy and gradual but there is a steep part the requires hand over feet scurrying across steep rocks. Because of this 200 yard section it should be rates Difficult.
the view from the top is worth it and the best! don't get too close to the edge though the rocks at the top are not considered stable.
Fab hike! The end climb to the top of the mesa is tricky. Not good if you don't like heights, and a loose shale section you need to take care with. Would recommend taking hiking poles.
Well marked but the scramble up the boulders was tough. Fabulous views
This gorgeous hike goes through many kinds of interesting terrain and includes a scramble up a chimney full of boulders. The first leg is fairly strenuous and the way up is steep but the views from the top are absolutely worth your effort.
A beautiful hike that I would highly recommend, though perhaps not for anyone with a fear of heights or issues with vertigo. The hike starts out easy enough, though there is little to no shade so be prepared with plenty of water, as it's extremely hot in the summertime. You'll then climb and make your way up, which includes a tricky section of boulders. You wouldn't want to do this if there is rain, as I imagine it would be way too slippery. From there the trail is poorly marked so you have to watch closely for the markers. The view from the top is stunning, one of the most amazing views I experienced while hiking in Santa Fe.