Carrizo Peak in Lincoln National Forest, NM

Hike Carrizo Peak Lincoln National Forest, NM

Class 1 10.2 miles 3300 gain 4-6 hrs Out + Back Oct 18, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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After the lengthy drive to the Capitan Mountains High Point earlier in the day, I was looking forward to a longer hike to Carrizo Peak. I stopped for a snack in the town of Capitan, but decided I didn't want to linger in a place with a massive sign larger than a school that read, "Jesus is Lord of Capitan." I took the county-maintained road through ranch land, which was in excellent condition until maintenance ended here (33.66032, -105.68470). Beyond this point, at least a Crossover SUV is necessary. I parked at the Johnnie Canyon Trailhead, marked by nothing more than a thin brown sign with the trail number (#74), my route choice. There is an alternative route to reach Carrizo Peak that requires driving north on this road, which progressively degrades and ultimately leads to the Carrizo Peak Trailhead (#72). I don’t know the quality of that trail, but I was definitely not interested in driving the lengthy road to find out. I just hoped the Johnnie Canyon Trail would be in good enough shape to be fun.

At first, the trail was tricky to follow, although well-marked with cairns. I later learned that, even though I was on a discernible trail, there might have been a slightly easier-to-follow trail just south for the first quarter mile. Soon, I found myself on a much more obvious path, which appeared to be an old roadbed that had been eroded into near-oblivion. The trail continued through a dense, scraggly forest, and I was able to hike without issue I made my way up the foothills and into Johnnie Canyon.

Once within the canyon, the trail became a bit more difficult to follow due to deadfall and overgrowth, but you can't really get lost within the dry creekbed. I considered side-hilling on the slope adjacent to the creek instead at a couple of points, but ultimately, the trail was visible enough and free of obstacles, so it just made sense to follow it and hop over the numerous fallen trees and whatnot. Farther up the canyon, I reached a split in the drainage where a cairn in a small grassy clearing indicated that the Johnnie Canyon Trail took the right fork. While initially hard to discern, the trail soon became clear as it switched back up to the saddle above.

Now out of the canyon and at the saddle, I picked up the Carrizo Peak Trail, heading west toward the summit. The trail was actually in great shape as it wrapped around a lump along the ridge, though it did degrade a bit as it reached the base of Carrizo Peak. I was surprised to find a steep, but somewhat decent, trail leading up the east slope to the pleasant grassy summit area. There is a sign marking the summit, which offers great views, especially toward Sierra Blanca Peak and the Capitan Mountains. However, the true high point is just to the north, where the views aren’t as impressive.

I backtracked along the Carrizo Peak Trail and took it up toward Peak 9180. I'm not sure if I followed the official trail, but I was on some sort of faint path leading to the brushy summit. There was a view back toward Carrizo Peak, but this add-on peak was otherwise uneventful. I then returned the way I came, happy to finally check out this remote edge of civilization.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Carrizo Peak
9625 ft
2670 rise
2
Peak 9180
9180 ft
398 rise

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Johnnie Canyon Trailhead.
Johnnie Canyon Trailhead.
Along the Johnnie Canyon Trail, an old roadbed.
Along the Johnnie Canyon Trail, an old roadbed.
Entering Johnnie Canyon.
Entering Johnnie Canyon.
The trail is sometimes not great, seen here, but it was overall not this bad.
The trail is sometimes not great, seen here, but it was overall not this bad.
Within the canyon, there were long sections where the trail was easy to hike along.
Within the canyon, there were long sections where the trail was easy to hike along.
Though the canyon wasn't particularly interesting, it was a nice secluded hike. Above you can see the ridge I'm aiming for.
Though the canyon wasn't particularly interesting, it was a nice secluded hike. Above you can see the ridge I'm aiming for.
At a small meadowed junction in the canyon, keep right.
At a small meadowed junction in the canyon, keep right.
The Johnnie Canyon Trail continues more steeply, and was basically gone for a few hundred feet.
The Johnnie Canyon Trail continues more steeply, and was basically gone for a few hundred feet.
Then cairns assisted significantly.
Then cairns assisted significantly.
The portion of the Johnnie Canyon Trail leading to the ridgeline was surprisingly well-defined.
The portion of the Johnnie Canyon Trail leading to the ridgeline was surprisingly well-defined.
Along the Carrizo Peak Trail, view back. It was steep, but the trail was in good shape.
Along the Carrizo Peak Trail, view back. It was steep, but the trail was in good shape.
Carrizo Peak seen ahead.
Carrizo Peak seen ahead.
A bit more overgrown as I approach the base of Carrizo Peak.
A bit more overgrown as I approach the base of Carrizo Peak.
Carrizo Peak ahead.
Carrizo Peak ahead.
Steep trail through the forest. It was somewhat well-defined, if dirty and eroded.
Steep trail through the forest. It was somewhat well-defined, if dirty and eroded.
View back, Peak 9180 seen left of center. Capitan Mountain top right.
View back, Peak 9180 seen left of center. Capitan Mountain top right.
Last bit to the summit.
Last bit to the summit.
Carrizo Peak summit (well, false summit since the true summit had less good views).
Carrizo Peak summit (well, false summit since the true summit had less good views).
View north toward the Capitan Mountains.
View north toward the Capitan Mountains.
I backtracked and headed up the Summit Trail toward Peak 9180.
I backtracked and headed up the Summit Trail toward Peak 9180.
A trail of sorts led nearly to the summit.
A trail of sorts led nearly to the summit.
Peak 9180, view back toward Carrizo Peak.
Peak 9180, view back toward Carrizo Peak.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!