Mount Taylor via Gooseberry Springs Trail in Cibola National Forest, NM

Hike Mount Taylor via Gooseberry Springs Trail Cibola National Forest, NM

Class 1 6.2 miles 2100 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Apr 29, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Mount Taylor via Gooseberry Springs Trail GPX Track

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Mount Taylor is a very prominent dormant volcano that is visible from great distances. The mountain is mostly forested except for an extensive area of meadow around the summit. I decided to hike the peak via what seems like the most popular option, the Continental Divide Trail/Gooseberry Springs Trail, coming in from the west. The Gooseberry Springs Trailhead is accessible by any vehicle. The trail leads through a forested section for about half the hike before emerging from the trees and heads along grassy slopes. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow the whole way as it leads to the summit of Mount Taylor. The last half mile has some nice rock outcrops, the meadows are gorgeous, and the views only improve.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Mount Taylor
11301 ft
4094 rise

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Forested section along the Gooseberry Springs Trail.
Forested section along the Gooseberry Springs Trail.
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Forested section starts to open up.
Forested section starts to open up.
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Looking back the way I came.
Looking back the way I came.
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Gooseberry Springs Trail winds around a grassy hilly.
Gooseberry Springs Trail winds around a grassy hilly.
Looking back along the Gooseberry Springs Trail.
Looking back along the Gooseberry Springs Trail.
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Mt. Taylor summit somewhere up in the center.
Mt. Taylor summit somewhere up in the center.
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Looking back along the Gooseberry Springs Trail.
Looking back along the Gooseberry Springs Trail.
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Mt. Taylor summit looking north.
Mt. Taylor summit looking north.
Mt. Taylor summit looking southeast.
Mt. Taylor summit looking southeast.

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!