Hike San Mateo Peak via Apache Kid Trail Cibola National Forest, NM

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San Mateo Peak via Apache Kid Trail GPX Track

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San Mateo Peak and pretty much the entire trail leading to it was burned in a 2020 fire. I have no idea the conditions of this route at this point.

A well-maintained trail leading from the Springtime Campground to the summit of San Mateo Peak. a section about a mile from the summit includes some downed trees that require hiking over. There's a lookout tower at the summit with rotting metal and missing floorboards. It's not the safest, but necessary for a good view of the surrounding mountains since San Mateo Peak is forested. You can see West Blue Mountain and Apache Kid Peak from the summit, a couple of other high points in these mountains.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

San Mateo Peak

10139 ft

1179 rise

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Starting from the Springtime Campground, the Apache Kid Trail is easy to find and follow.

Some nice rock formations along the Apache Kid Trail.

Some nice views as you head up some switchbacks.

Looking back down after the first section of uphill elevation gain.

Nice views looking west as the Apache Kid Trail mellows out for a bit.

San Mateo Peak is up there somewhere.

Some ruins near San Mateo Spring.

San Mateo Spring.

Some downed trees for a short time as you near the summit.

San Mateo Peak summit.

Lookout tower on San Mateo Peak.

San Mateo Peak summit view about halfway up the lookout tower. That's Apache Kid Peak on the right and West Blue Mountain on the left.

Apparently you can enter the little cabin and spend the night. Respect the area.

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!