Kwage Mesa Trail Loop(edit)

Overview

The Kwage Mesa Loop traverses a gently sloping mesa top to reach a grand viewpoint that encompasses the orange tuffs of the Pajarito Plateau, the colorful Rio Grande rift, and the often-snow-capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The first half of the loop hangs closes to the north rim of the mesa and offers continual views of Bayo Canyon to the north. As the mesa narrows, a series of new interpretive panels about the Manhattan Project National Historical Park points out the important features of the landscape and its history. The trail to the point of the mesa parallels a utility road, but the trail is more interesting as it winds through the piñons and continues to provides fine views of the plateau to the north. After reaching the point of the mesa, you can take the utility road back for about three-quarters of a mile, then angle left onto a winding trail that offers a different perspective as you head back to the trailhead. The soil of the mesa top turns muddy during wet periods, and the trail offers little shade and can be hot in summer, except early or late in the day.

Getting Started

It can be challenging to get to the trail along the north rim of the mesa from the trailhead near the tennis court. Follow the signs to the left, then turn right to keep the large indoor riding arena and the long white fence on your left. In a couple minutes, follow one of the trails heading left, toward the north rim of the mesa, keeping the white fence to you left. After you cross the main utility road, the trail angles right and is easy to follow.