Overview
"Medio" Truchas Peak is the third highest summit of the Truchas Group in the heart of the pristine
Pecos Wilderness. "Medio" Truchas is located 0.5 miles N of South Truchas Peak, 0.9 miles SW of North Truchas Peak and 0.4 miles E-SE of Middle Truchas. At 13,060 feet, "Medio" Truchas Peak is the 6'th highest summit in New Mexico, but it is not ranked only having a prominence of 180 feet. The spectacular steep and cliffy north face makes "Medio" and the neighboring Middle Truchas Peak the most rugged high peaks in the southern Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Medio (left) and Middle (right) Tuchas Peaks from the north |
North side and NE Ridge of "Medio" Truchas Peak from the north |
"Medio" Truchas Peak from Truchas Lake |
South and "Medio" Truchas Peaks from NE |
Middle and "Medio" Truchas Peak Route Map |
Route Information
There are many ways to access "Medio" Truchas Peak. The shortest approach is from the west via routes originating at Rio Quemado TH. From the north, access is from the Trampas Lakes Trailhead or the Santa Barbara Campground via Trails #24/#25. From the south, it can be accessed from the upper Pecos River Valley trailheads via
Skyline Trail (Trail #251),
Beatty's Trail (Trail #25) or
Jack's Creek Trail (Trail #257).
Northwest Ridge Route on Middle Truchas Peak |
If you starting from Rio Quemado TH, the
Northwest Ridge of Middle Truchas Peak Route and traversing from the summit of Middle Truchas provides the shortest and easiest way to climb "Medio" Truchas Peak. The other variation involves hiking to the saddle between North and "Medio" Truchas Peaks, ascending the
Northeast Ridge of "Medio" Truchas Peak.
Northeast Ridge Route on "Medio" Truchas Peak |
[img:685354:aligncenter:medium:Northeast Ridge Route on "Medio" Truchas Peak] |
Red Tape
The summit of "Medio" Truchas Peak and access routes are located in
Pecos Wilderness. Wilderness regulations apply. No permits are required for both day-hikes and overnight backpack trips. Camping is not permitted within 200 feet of a lake and within 50 feet of a stream/river. For more information, contact
Santa Fe National Forest (505-438-5300)
When to Climb
June through October is considered the best time to climb. Late July-August are the typical monsoon season, with regular afternoon thunderstorms. The access routes usually have snow well into late spring/mid-June. Winter ascents are possible, but avalanche conditions could be extreme and the approaches are significantly longer and usually require overnight or multi-day backpack.
Miscellaneous Info
Pecos Wilderness map (published by the US Forest Service)
USGS Map Quad: Truchas Peak
Santa Fe National Forest webpage
Pecos Wilderness webpage