Diablo Canyon is a spot that many have seen but few have been to. How is such a contradiction possible?
Well, this spot in New Mexico has been a popular movie location. It’s appeared in films like “Cowboys and Aliens,” “The Missing,” and “3:10 to Yuma.”
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
Unlike some of New Mexico’s better known canyons, like the one at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, Diablo Canyon is relatively unknown. At Tent Rocks, you must usually share the trail with a bunch of other people. That’s not the case with Diablo Canyon.
Flickr/Lucas
See, despite its proximity to Los Alamos and Santa Fe, Diablo Canyon is remote.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Aside from when movie crews are filming, you’ll often find yourself completely alone.
This trail goes along the canyon floor so the terrain is relatively flat to begin with.
Flickr/Ysmay
The hike is 6.4 miles, out and back. Since it’s not a loop, you can turn around at any point to shorten the distance.
Flickr/Ysmay
This hike is easy to moderate in difficulty.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
As you walk through the canyon, you’re surrounded by a rugged landscape.
Tripadvisor/44dave56
The sheer cliff faces are spectacular. The basalt rocks are unusual and almost mesmerizing.
Tripadvisor/Bill M.
You’ll occasionally spy a climber traversing these rocky walls.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
If you take the trail for long enough, you’ll reach the banks of the Rio Grande.
Flickr/Ysmay
Most people don’t know this stunning place even exists.
Tripadvisor/44dave56
That’s probably partly because the drive to this recreation area is a “hold on to your fillings,” experience. However, assuming the weather’s decent, you can make it here in a regular car. The trip is definitely easier in a 4WD vehicle if that’s an option.
Google Maps
The BLM operates the Diablo Canyon Recreation Area. There are no admission or parking fees to use this land. However, neither are there any amenities. Bring anything you might need, including plenty of water.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
Flickr/Lucas
Aside from when movie crews are filming, you’ll often find yourself completely alone.
Flickr/Ysmay
Tripadvisor/44dave56
Tripadvisor/Bill M.
Google Maps
Here are the directions.
There are plenty more hikes to discover in New Mexico. Some feature vibrant red rock formations, other trails lead you through unique places, and we even have a catwalk trail.
Which New Mexico hikes are on your bucket list?
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