SUMMARY: 6.3k feet to 10.0k feet, 18.8 miles from tribal lands boundary to near Manzano Peak, and then 170A continues south as Pine Shadow Trail.

DESCRIPTION: The Crest Trail in the Manzano Mountains offers stunning view to east and west.

Note: This map is not accurate. A lot more Crest Trail needs to be added to the route.

GETTING THERE: One access point is at Capilla Peak by car, with a nearby campsite and trailhead parking. Follow the driving directions to New Canyon Trail, and follow the signs further up the mountain to Capilla Peak trailhead parking. A high clearance vehicle may be needed.

CONDITIONS: (south to north)
Pine Shadow – (This is not really the Crest Trail, but one way to get to the start of the Crest Trail at Manzano Peak.) Pine shadow is easy to follow for about 3 miles, then it disappears in an old burned area.
Manzano Peak to Kayser Mill – a few large trees across the trail near Manzano Peak, otherwise clear
Kayser Mill to Ox Canyon – only minor obstructions
Ox to Red Canyon – mostly clear
Red Canyon to Spruce – mostly cear
Spruce to New Canyon – a few minor obstructions just north of Spruce. Most of this was cleared in 2019 by NMVFO
New Canyon to Capilla Peak – clear and easy to follow. Going south from Capilla Peak, one needs to know that you have to go up to the end of a little driveway to one of the antennas and then hunt for a trail sign. Some signage at the beginning of the driveway where it intersects the road might be helpful.
Capilla Peak to Trail Canyon – mostly clear of obstructions and easy to follow after NMVFO project in 2019. Near Trail Canyon the trail is a little hard to follow in places because of brush and false trails, but doable.
Trail Canyon to Bosque – very overgrown in the first 1.5 miles. A few down trees in the second half.
Bosque to Cerro Blanco – very overgrown and easy to lose the trail. Several fallen trees obstruct the trail.
Cerro Blanco to Mosca Trail (end) – unknown

NMVFO has done recent work projects on this trail: