The best walks and hikes in Manzano Mountain Wilderness

Cerro Blanco is a 8,369-foot tall mountain just above 4th of July Canyon and Campground in the Manzano Mountains, New Mexico. Although this mountain is not particularly tall, it is a great destination if hiking up to the top of the 4th of July Canyon and you wish to add more elevation to your day or want to bag a summit! The top is a little treed-in, but you can still get nice views through the foliage.

4th of July Canyon is one of the most famous spots in the whole of the Manzano Mountains. Known for the abundance of maple trees, 4th of July Canyon in the fall is a must-visit; as the leaves change from green to orange, gold, and especially vibrant red, the canyon is truly awash with color.

Gallo Peak stands at just over 10,000 feet at 10,010-feet in the Manzano Mountain Range. The true summit of Gallo Peak is just west of the Manzano Crest Trail and is a moderate jaunt off trail through some boulders and slightly dense forest growth. It is most commonly reached via the Spruce Spring or Red Canyon Trails, which then both lead to the Manzano Crest Trail, which runs north-south along almost the entire mountain range. The summit of Gallo Peak is relatively flat and open, with summit register on the southeast side for you to sign, if you wish.

The Capilla Peak Lookout is a historic fire-lookout on the top of Capilla Peak. First constructed in 1921, the spot for this lookout was chosen because although Capilla Peak is not the tallest in the area, it stands out from the main ridge, and provides great views of the entire range. Unfortunately, there have been many wildfires here over the years, so the tower has quite a bit of use gotten use in the last 100 years.

The Manzano Hawkwatch site is a vital location for monitoring raptor migration. Operated by HawkWatch International, the site has been active since 1985 and provides valuable data on raptor populations and trends. Each fall, thousands of raptors, including species like the Northern Harrier and Cooper's Hawk, pass through this area. The site is not only important for research but also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to observe these birds in their natural migration patterns. You can reach this spot via the Gavilan Trail off of Capilla Peak. Even if you are not a bird enthusiast, this is a spectacular lookout that is a must-visit if camping at the Capilla Peak Campground or in the area.

Gavilan Trail is a relatively short (.8 miles one way) but incredibly scenic out-and-back trail by the trailhead for the southern Manzano Crest Trail and the Capilla Peak Campground. The trail climbs steadily through the trees, with increasingly good views of the surrounding mountains as you draw closer to the top. The trail ends at a HawkWatch Observation Point, where migrating raptors and other birds are tracked, making this trail popular with bird enthusiasts.

The Pine Shadow Spring Trail is a 10.8-mile round trip, out-and-back trail to Manzano Peak. The trail begins with a steady climb through New Mexico scrub and passes through a burned area before reentering a forested section. The path follows the southern slopes to the ridgeline, offering great views along the way. Some sections of the trail are less defined, requiring careful navigation, but it is generally well-traveled, and you are rewarded with with scenic vistas as you approach Manzano Peak.

Manzano Peak stands at 10,098-feet and is the highest peak in the Manzano Mountains. This is a great, challenging summit in a relatively remote mountain range. Manzano Peak can be accessed via a few different trails including the Kayser Mill Trail to the Manzano Crest Trail (the summit is actually the the southern terminus of this trail), or via the Pine Shadow Spring Trail.