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Columbine-Twining

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This information is a public record of the 1978 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Columbine-Twining

USDA Forest Service
  • Length
    14 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back

The trail connects the Village of Taos Ski Vally (9,400 ft. elev.) and Columbine Camp Ground, 5 miles east of the Village of Questa (7,500 ft. elev.) via Gold Hill (12,711 ft .elev.)

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Columbine sign at trailhead. Photo by USDA Forest Service.
Columbine sign at trailhead. Photo by USDA Forest Service.
Winter Tundra in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico along the Columbine-Twining National Recreation Trail. Photo by Charles Clayton.
Winter Tundra in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico along the Columbine-Twining National Recreation Trail. Photo by Charles Clayton.
Winter Tundra in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico along the Columbine-Twining National Recreation Trail. Photo by Charles Clayton.
Winter Tundra in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico along the Columbine-Twining National Recreation Trail. Photo by Charles Clayton.
Winter Tundra in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico along the Columbine-Twining National Recreation Trail. Photo by Charles Clayton.
Winter Tundra in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico along the Columbine-Twining National Recreation Trail. Photo by Charles Clayton.
Columbine Trail in Carson National Forest. Photo by USDA Forest Service.
Columbine Trail in Carson National Forest. Photo by USDA Forest Service.
  • Columbine sign at trailhead. Photo by USDA Forest Service.
  • Columbine sign at trailhead. Photo by USDA Forest Service.
  • Winter Tundra in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico along the Columbine-Twining National Recreation Trail. Photo by Charles Clayton.
  • Winter Tundra in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico along the Columbine-Twining National Recreation Trail. Photo by Charles Clayton.
  • Winter Tundra in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico along the Columbine-Twining National Recreation Trail. Photo by Charles Clayton.
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Location: In Carson National Forest, joins Columbine and Twining campgrounds.

  • States: New Mexico
  • Counties: Taos

Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1978. The trail follows the Columbine Canyon Trail #71 for the first 1.4 miles. Just past the Deer Creek crossing turn left up the Deer Creek Trail #69. Follow the trail switchbacks through aspen stands to the ridge above the tree line with views to the west of Lobo Peak and Flag Mountain. Trail #69 turns north, reentering the bristlecone pine forest. Here you will join the Gold Hill Trail #64 which follows the open ridge above the tree line over the summit of Gold Hill (12,711 ft) and above Goose Lake. The trail follows the ridge down to Bull of the Woods Pasture where it meets Trail #90 which ends at the Twining Campground in Taos Ski Valley.

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Allowed Uses:

Equestrian

Other Activities

  • Camping
  • Heritage and history
  • Hunting
  • Wildlife viewing / observation

Public Contact

Carson National Forest
208 Cruz Alta Rd.
Taos, NM 87571
(505) 758-292

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): 7
  • Elevation (high): 12
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): Soil
  • Surfaces (additional): --
  • Tread Width (average): 24"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): --
  • Tread Grade (maximum):
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    Dec 17, 1978
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