Rim Vista Trail

​Rim Vista Trail
Length 5.8 mi       Elevation gain 1,292 ft       Route type Out & back
The road to this trailhead can be rough- Users suggest having a high clearance vehicle.
Moderately Challenging
​
First you need to find FR 151. This is the road to the Monastery which is about 2.5 miles past Ghost Ranch. There will be a sign on your right for the Monastery and when you reach 151 turn left to head towards the Monastery. Approximately 1/2 mile down this dirt road is a sign on your right saying Trail. If you’ve gone a mile you missed it. Turn right onto a dirt road that leads to the trail head. The trail head is well marked and the trail is easy to spot. As you hike up you will gain 1300ft. of elevation. The hike is moderately strenuous and there are plenty of rocks to choose from. You will go approximately 2.3 miles to reach the top. Along the way you will see fantastic vistas of red rock, Abiquiu Lake and Pedernal. My favorite was the lake and the spectacular red rock. The vistas increase as you reach the top. Once there you can choose left or right paths. We chose the northern trail where I found the views spectacular and I was able to set my tripod on flat ground.

Kevin and I enjoyed a leisurely hike stopping for photos and just to enjoy the scenery. And many thanks to Kevin Spitzer for showing me the trail head. We are planning more as the season progresses.

For more info on the hike check out Abiquiu Inn for the book ’50 hikes in northern NM’. The Rim Vista train is number 21 on page 116. 

Happy Trails
Greg

Note: Always bring water and let someone know where you are going and expected return if hiking along.  Once you get to the rim you might lose the trail back down so be careful to make note of the trail to return.