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Rio del Oso, Copper Canyon and others

Near: EspanolaNM (Weather)
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Mileage
30 Difficulty: Rigorous Trail
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Trail Description The Rio del Oso is a high desert trail that starts in sandy level arroyo-type terrain. A wide jeep road winds through cottonwoods and bosque and canyon begins to narrow as you climb into higher elevation. The jeep road dies out and changes to a narrow trail, that widens out in spots. Trees change to pines and there is an abandonded settlement with old log cabin ruins and apple trees. The trail follows the small river for most of the trip. The trail also crosses the river many times. You may return by the same trail or if you wish to explore some of the elk and deer trails that have been widened by mountain cattle, you can continue on. You may park your trailer at my house and leave from here as there is no parking areas near the trailhead. I have limited room, so be sure to contact me first. The other trail is the Copper Canyon Trail near Abiquiu. The trail follows a wide arroyo that often runs during the summer months due to the monsoon season. Parking is availible behind the elementary school. Very beautiful colors in the sandstone cliffs and rock formations.
Best Time to Visit most of the year
Times to Avoid winter
Campground none
Human Facilities: Horse Facilities: Operated by: Contact: Additional Information
Day use stream Debbie Spickermann
505-753-3531
DEBBIE SPICKERMANN
RR 4 BOX 4-D
HERNANDEZ, NM 87537
Carson National Forest
Directions from Espanola, Hwy 84/285 north towards Chama. From the last signal light in town, go approx. 7 miles north. Look for signs of pending highway division. At junction of highways go 300 feet north(remaining on hwy 84) look for entrance to frontage road and turn left off hwy. Go left on frontage road to ranch sign. Turn right into driveway and up to house. From here, I can give you quad maps of area for a deposit and recommend other areas to try. The ranch (mini) is approx. 1-1/2 miles from the trailhead. You can go out the back fence and follow the overhead transmission lines to the gate. All camping is primitive, so bring a pack animal. Trail(s) are located in the Carson National Forest.
This information was provided by Spickermann on 3/26/2005 2:03:57 PM

Notes on Difficulty Rating:  
 Easy
(Gently sloping or level terrain; trails are groomed or wide open; shallow or no creek crossings. ) 
 More Difficult (Moderate hills over consistent surface; possibly some narrow trails and short steeper slopes) 
 Rigorous (Easy to More Difficult for rider but physically challenging for horse such as on a level surface through deep sand) 
 Challenging (Possible rocky, uneven surface, steep slopes, uncleared trails, faster flowing streams and other obstacles that lead to more difficult riding for rider and horse)