Chimayosos Peak is a remote peak located in the Pecos Wilderness of Northern New Mexico near the town of Santa Fe. It is the 3rd highest peak in the wilderness and the 7th highest peak (New Mexico Highest List) in New Mexico.

Chimayosos from the south

Chimayosos is an easy climb; however, it's views from the summit are outstanding giving it the most central view in all of the Pecos Wilderness and vistas far into New Mexico. All four of the rugged 13,000 ft. Truchas Peaks are in close proximity and the views of all 4 peaks are second to none. Long approaches on all sides also keep the crowds at bay giving the adventurer solitude. It won't be uncommon also to see plenty of elk and Bighorn sheep on or near the mountain as well.

Pecos Wilderness

The Pecos Wilderness is the second largest wilderness in New Mexico comprising 223,667 acres of the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains and contains 10 of the highest 20 peaks in New Mexico. It was established on March 11, 1955, and became part of the National Wilderness Preservaton System on September 3, 1964.

The beautiful Pecos Wilderness as seen from Hamilton Mesa. Chimayosos is far right behind tree.

The Pecos is a truly spectacular wilderness consisting of high alpine lakes, rugged peaks, green mesas, wild rivers, beautiful wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Over 13 miles of the Pecos river is designated "wild" in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system. Climb the peaks, but bring a backpack and plan on staying a while.

Getting There

Iron Gate and Jack's Creek (south access): From Santa Fe, head east on I-25 for about 10 miles. Exit Highway 50 and drive approximately 6 miles to the town of Pecos. In Pecos, turn left on Highway 63 and drive approximately 15 miles. Turn right on the dirt county road 223 which is shortly after passing the Mora Camping Area. Drive approximately 5 miles on a rough road to the Iron Gate Trailhead.

The last 5 miles on county road 223 is rough and is not recommended for passenger cars. You can make it in one (I saw a Volkswagon Passat up there), but you will probably bottom out several times as the road is rocky, has potholes, and some rutts. Rain will make this road much worse.

For Jack's Creek continue on highway 63 past the Iron Gate turnoff (county road 223) and drive approximately 5 miles more on a paved road to where it dead ends at Jack's Creek Campground.

Santa Barbara (north access): This approach is an alternative to the southern approaches of Jack's Creek and Iron Gate. The distance to the east face of Truchas Peak will be about the same (12 miles).

From Espanola, drive approximately 20 miles north on Highway 68. Turn east on Highway 76 and drive until the Santa Barbara Trailhead turnoff to your right (I am working on the mileage, will update later). Follow this mainly dirt road until it ends at the trailhead. There may be a trailhead fee of $2 a day.

Routes

Two of the 3 North Truchas routes are the main 2 routes for Chimayosos. For the sake of redundancy, below is a link to both routes which will take you to the saddle between Chimayosos and N. Truchas Peak. Simply scramble east up Chimayosos' easy slopes from the saddle. A 3rd route will take you past Pecos Falls pictured below. Click on the picture for route information.

An alternate route will take you by Pecos Falls

West Face via Iron Gate or Jack's Creek

West Face via Sant Barbara

Red Tape

Chimayosos is located in the Pecos Wilderness. Wilderness rules apply. Certain locations in the Pecos Wilderness prohibit camping. Included in these areas are Pecos Baldy Lake, the Truchas Lakes, Beatty's Cabin Area, and Pecos Falls. Please observe these restrictions in this delicate environment. There are PLENTY of other locations to camp along the trail and near the peak. No permits are required.

Chimayosos (foreground) and the northeastern highlands of the Pecos Wilderness

Wilderness is land set aside as part of wild America, where man can be a visitor. The natural environment has not been disturbed. Travel is restricted to foot or horseback. No mechanized equipment is allowed. No fees or permits are required to enter the Pecos Wilderness other than a parking fee at some trailheads. Tread very lightly please.

As of June 11th, there was no parking fee at Iron Gate, although the message was written on a piece of tape. Jack's Creek Trailhead does have a $2 a day parking fee. Obviously these fees are subject to change at any time. Contact the Pecos Ranger District for the most recent fee information (see the U.S. Forest Service section on this page).

When To Climb

June through October are the best times to climb in the Pecos Wilderness. Monsoon thunderstorms are common in July and August (be off the summit by noon).

The rugged Truchas Massif from the summit of Chimayosos Peak

Winter and early spring months are for experienced winter mountaineers only. Harsh weather and avalanches can be expected in the winter and spring.

Forest Service Information

Information on the southern trailheads and road conditions of the Pecos Wilderness:

Pecos Wilderness office (located in Pecos, NM) of the Santa Fe National Forest: (505) 757.6121

Information on the northern trailheads and road conditions of the Pecos Wilderness:

Camino Real Ranger District office (located in Penasco, NM) of the Carson National Forest: (505) 587-2255.

The Carson and Santa Fe National Forest service jointly manage the Pecos Wilderness. For more information click on their respective home pages:

Santa Fe National Forest
1474 Rodeo Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone:(505) 438-7840
Fax:(505) 438-7834

Santa Fe National Forest Home Page

Camino Real Ranger District (Carson National Forest)
P.O. Box 68
Penasco, NM 87553
(505)587-2255

Carson National Forest and information on any fire restrictions website

Sangre de Cristo Mountains Avalanche Information:

Note: This information pertains to the southern Colorado Sangre de Cristo mountains, however the Pecos Wilderness could be included because it is so close to the Colorado border and is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Avalanche Information website

Camping

There are plenty of places to camp at Jack's Creek, Iron Gate, or at Santa Barbara Campground. Camping is $10 a day, and parking is $2 a day if you are just using Jack's Creek for trailhead parking (free at Iron Gate). In the winter when the water is turned off there is no fee, however, highway 63 is only plowed to Cowles which is 2 miles before the Jack's Creek campground. The dirt road to Iron Gate is not plowed to the trailhead.

For road conditions (south), call the Pecos Ranger District at 505.757.6121 or the Camino Real Ranger District in Penasco, NM (north) at 505.587-2255.

Mountain Conditions

Images