East Park Trailhead

The Los Alamos Ranch School held its first graduation ceremonies on the rim of Pueblo Canyon at the end of what is known as Graduation Canyon. The view from the point is excellent and this short trip is not to be missed.

Length: 0.4 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Fitness Level: Easy, rocky in spots
Features: Views
Trail Surface: Asphalt, packed dirt
Field Notes: Foot traffic only

Starting at the trailhead, walk down the paved path parallel to the fence at the park. Swing around a broad turn and head east along the paved Los Alamos Mesa Trail. Turn left at sign onto the Graduation Canyon Trail. The trail descends rock stairs, and two switchbacks before reaching a level bench. Cross the drainage bottom and pick up one of the trails to the right. The viewpoint is about 200 feet up the north side of the drainage.

Parts of the Pueblo Canyon Rim Trail are steep and rugged, but the first mile east of East Park is flat and makes for an easy out-and-back trip. The views of Pueblo Canyon from the trail make this a great evening excursion.

Length: 1.8 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Fitness Level: Easy
Features: Views
Trail Surface: Asphalt, packed dirt
Mountain Biking Skill Level: Moderate

Starting at the trailhead, walk down the paved path parallel to the fence at the park. Swing around a broad turn and head east along the paved Los Alamos Mesa Trail.

In 0.3 mile, the paved trail bears right. Continue straight on the dirt Pueblo Canyon Rim Trail. Pass behind the buildings at the airport where a signpost will help you relocate the trail. The route now parallels the airport boundary fence. About a mile from the start, the trail abruptly narrows at a steep drop. This spot is perfect to enjoy the view and makes a good turnaround point.

This loop connects two paved trail segments with moderately challenging dirt trails to create a nice loop near the downtown area. Businesses along the way can provide refreshment and are often an integral part of the trip. Views of Pueblo or Los Alamos canyon are superb the entire way.

Length: 4 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Fitness Level: Moderate
Features: Views, food
Trail Surface: Asphalt, packed dirt
Mountain Biking Skill Level: Difficult

From the trailhead, the paved Los Alamos Mesa Trail skirts the west edge of the park, then passes along the rim of Pueblo Canyon. Near the airport, the path narrows to a dirt track that continues along the north boundary of the airport. About a mile from the start, head down a steep drop on a narrow shelf along the airport fence. The trail drops along the slope, passing the signed Zipline Trail to the left. Climb to again travel along the airport fence. At the end of the fence near the Pajarito Cliffs Site, the Pueblo Canyon Rim Trail continues east. A rock cairn marks a connector trail to the south toward the commercial district. The trail crosses behind the Holiday Inn Express, crosses a rock gabion dam, and then swings to the west around the back of the Los Alamos Cooperative Market.

To pick up the Canyon Rim Trail, cross State Road 502 to the Canyon Rim Trailhead. The paved Canyon Rim Trail swings to the west and travels along Los Alamos and DP canyons for 1.5 miles.

After passing a fire station, the trail heads uphill to East Road. Turn right on the sidewalk and in a few yards, there is a safety island in the median, so you only have to cross one lane at a time. The trail extends to Knecht Street.

This trip is one of several possible loops in Pueblo Canyon. It offers more than six miles of exploring but note that the bottom of Pueblo Canyon can be hot in summer.

Length: 6.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 600 feet

Fitness Level: Difficult

Features: 360-degree views

Trail Surface: Asphalt, packed dirt

Mountain Biking Skill Level: Very challenging

Starting at the trailhead, head east along the paved Los Alamos Mesa Trail. In 0.3 mile, the paved trail bears right. Continue straight on the dirt Pueblo Canyon Rim Trail. Pass behind the buildings at the airport where a signpost will help you relocate the trail. The route now parallels the airport boundary fence. Pass the Zipline Trail (the return leg of this loop) and continue east. 

Two miles from the start, skirt below the Pajarito Cliffs Site. The loop leaves the mesa top on the Camp Hamilton Trail near the tip of the mesa. Drop on switchbacks to near the canyon bottom where the trail heads east then north to skirt around conservation areas (do not cross the fences!). In another mile, turn left at signpost on the road that serves as the Pueblo Canyon Trail. After the fourth channel crossing, turn left onto the Tent Rocks Trail, then take another left onto the signed Zipline Trail. Ascend the south wall of the canyon on more than a dozen switchbacks. Near the mesa top, turn right onto the Pueblo Canyon Rim Trail and take it back to the trailhead.