The best running trails in San Pedro Parks Wilderness

The San Gregorio Reservoir Loop via Las Vacas and Clear Creek Trails offers a refreshing escape into the San Pedro Parks Wilderness. You'll jog through a beautiful mix of evergreen and aspen forests, open meadows, and past the serene San Gregorio Reservoir. Keep an eye out for vibrant wildflowers like Calypso orchids and irises in season, and enjoy the varied terrain that includes some marshy sections and towering ponderosa trees.

Planning your visit means being ready for a moderate 3.4-mile (5.4 km) jogging trail with 241 feet (74 metres) of elevation gain, which typically takes about 40 minutes. The trailhead is at a high elevation of around 9,300 feet, so be prepared for the altitude. There's a $5 day-use fee per vehicle, and if you're visiting early in the season, like June, you might still encounter snow patches.

What makes this route particularly interesting is that portions of it coincide with the renowned Continental Divide Trail (CDT), offering a glimpse into this epic long-distance path. It's a well-engineered section set in a wild environment, characterized by the San Pedro Parks Wilderness's rolling mountaintops and vast meadows, making it a unique jogging trail terrain elevation difficulty experience.

This 14.2-mile (22.8 km) segment of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route offers a taste of the world's longest off-pavement trail, presenting a difficult jogging challenge with 1260 feet (384 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes. You'll navigate unpaved surfaces, including Forest Road 70, through remote New Mexico landscapes, experiencing a mix of dirt and gravel roads that can be rocky or sandy. The route provides diverse scenery, from isolated river valleys to dense mountain forests, demanding continuous effort from start to finish.

Planning your visit to this section requires careful consideration of its remote character. While you won't face the 100-mile gaps between water sources of the full route, you should still carry ample supplies and be ready for rapidly changing mountain weather. Access points like the Palomas Trailhead are available, but always verify current trail conditions, especially after rain, as mud can significantly impact the terrain. This is a segment for experienced trail runners who are self-sufficient.

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is renowned as the birthplace of bikepacking and the longest off-pavement route globally, closely following the Continental Divide. While primarily known for cycling, tackling even a portion of it on foot offers an unparalleled wilderness experience, showcasing vast, undeveloped areas of the American West. It's an extreme test of endurance, far exceeding the difficulty for cyclists, and provides a unique perspective on this iconic trail.

The Damian and Las Vacas Trail Loop presents a difficult jogging challenge, covering 9.4 miles (15.1 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1510 feet (460 metres). Expect to spend around 2 hours and 2 minutes on this high-country route. As you jog, you will experience diverse vistas, winding through dense spruce vegetation and expansive open meadows. You will pass the picturesque San Gregorio Reservoir and encounter lush areas like the Vallecito Damian, where seasonal creeks flow. This route provides a serene escape with rolling hills, towering trees, and vibrant wildflowers, making it a rewarding high-country workout.

Planning your visit, you will find this trail is best enjoyed in late spring and fall. Depending on conditions, winter sports are also possible here. Be aware that motorized and mechanized use is prohibited within this wilderness area, ensuring a peaceful experience for all visitors. You should pay close attention to guide posts, as trail finding can be difficult in some open areas along the Damian Trail.

This loop is situated within the San Pedro Parks Wilderness Area, offering a true wilderness experience. The prohibition of motorized and mechanized vehicles contributes to the area's peaceful atmosphere. The San Gregorio Reservoir, a notable landmark on the route, is also a popular spot for fishing. This trail stands out for its challenging terrain and the opportunity to immerse yourself in a pristine high-country environment.

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Palomas Trail, a difficult 7.2-mile (11.6 km) route that climbs 1123 feet (342 metres) in elevation. You can expect to complete this singletrack journey in about 1 hour and 34 minutes. As you jog, you will encounter diverse scenery, moving through beautiful meadow fields and open areas. The final two miles are particularly scenic, winding through a dense pine forest filled with conifer trees, offering a rewarding close to your effort. Be aware that some sections might be muddy or marshy, especially following rainfall.

When planning your visit to the Palomas Trail, you will generally find parking available at the trailhead, making access straightforward. It is always wise to check current local conditions before heading out, as trail status can change. The route is well-equipped with abundant water sources along its length, which is a helpful detail for longer efforts. Besides jogging, the trail is also open for hiking, backpacking, hunting, and horseback riding, so you may encounter others enjoying the area.

The Palomas Trail is an integral part of the larger Continental Divide Trail, showcasing its significance within the region's extensive trail network. This connection highlights its role in a much broader landscape, offering a glimpse into a major long-distance route. The trail's varied terrain and natural features, from open meadows to dense forests, contribute to its unique character. Its challenging nature and scenic rewards make it a notable option for those seeking a demanding outdoor experience.