Chloride Canyon trail is one of our favorite adventure trails in the state of New Mexico. It usually is not a difficult trail but is rocky in areas with some steep hill climbs, and downgrades. If there is snow it can be a challenge to climb the mountain. If it rains be aware for flash flooding. However, it is is wet when you are on the trail there are over 138 water crossings in the canyon. There is so much to see on the trail. There are petroglyphs in the canyon, there are multiple places to primitive camp, there is a camp site with a restroom about 3/4 of the way through the trail. Then on the way out you can take the turn off and go 8 miles up the mountain to a forest fire tower with phenomenal views of the canyon and beyond.

This trail starts out in the historic town of Chloride, New Mexico and travels through the canyon for 29 miles, with an additional 8 miles to the Fire Tower. the trail has about 4,400ft. of elevation change. Usually a stock Jeep or 4x4 can traverse this trail without difficulty. It is important to check the weather in the area. You will actually go over the continental divide.

If you enjoy history of the United States, this is the adventure for you. There are plenty of things to see and learn about the area, the people and the towns.

This adventures leaves from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico traveling on pavement for about 38 miles. You will pass by some of Ted Turners Range land and climb a hill (known as cell phone hill) one of the few places with cell coverage. Then you drive down into the town of Winston, New Mexico. (first called Fairview) was settled in 1881 by miners who found nearby Chloride “too rowdy.”  This a a great place to stop at the Winston General Store for some snacks and possible some great antique dishes. There is only 1 gas pump at the store. The drive continues for a few miles where you then arrive in the town of Chloride, New Mexico was founded in 1880 it was a silver mining town in the day and now home to 11 residents. Today, many of Chloride’s original structures still stand. The old Pioneer Store is a museum; next door the former Monte Cristo Saloon and Dance Hall houses a gift shop and gallery featuring work by local artists. We usually get a tour by one of the residents of the town and old Pioneer Store. Then it’s time to air down the tires and get on the trail that is just feet from the historic buildings still standing in Chloride. On the trail to enjoy the views and some water crossings, a stop to see some of the petroglyphs. then usually a stop at the camp for lunch, then continue on the trail enjoying the views all the way. Once on the way out it’s time to take the side trail 8 miles up the mountain to the Fire Tower and enjoy some more great views. Lastly, down the mountain and back out to pavement. This trail is sort of a large loop so you end up just north of Winston, New Mexico and then pavement back to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico for a group dinner at one of the best restaurants in the area Los Arcos Steak and Lobster.