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Pajarito Canyon (TR 280)-Nail trail loop
1 reviews
4 of 5
These two separate trails are best done as a loop to enjoy the amazing technical contrast between the two trails. They are both fun and challenging rides, but for different reasons.
Pajarito Canyon trail follows along the edges of an arroyo for the lower 2/3 before breaking out and riding across a relatively flat section to join up with Nail trail. Pajarito Canyon trail is generally a tight and twisty singletrack following through the trees. The narrow trail drops off steeply to one side and rises rapidly on the other. Add in some loose gravel in sections, occasional tree roots and close growth of brambles and you have little margin for error. Even though the trail is comparatively smooth for a Los Alamos trail, it will require technical skill to navigate it without dabbing. The lower 2/3 was untouched by the Cerro Grando fire, but the upper 1/3 travels through burned out regions.
Nail trail offers a different riding experience over Pajarito Canyon. It's an old jeep trail. The upper part of the trail is a double track ramble through the trees with a few rocky/technical spots to navigate through. The middle-lower part of the trail is a back spasm inducing trip over what amounts to a natural stairway. Rocks, rocks and more rocks are there to punish you and your bike. Grab your handlebars tightly and hang on for one of the most fun sections of trail in LA...
There are two access points, the lower one just off of NM 4 a few hundred yards past Anchor Ranch Road, and the upper one halfway up Camp May road.
Summary: The combination of these trails makes a great ride. The tight Pajarito Canyon requires concentration to keep on the trail. The wider Nail trail requires concentration to keep on top of your bike. They are just a flat out blast to ride. At roughly 1 hour, they are great to add on to the south Perimeter ride or as a quick lunchtime ride for the lab crowd.
Two notes: (1) The easiest way to hit the trail from the bottom is to follow the sign toward the climbing area, pass through the gate and follow the trail up. If you follow the directions on the sign toward Pajarito canyon, make sure you turn back right within a 1/4 mile or so. If not, you'll continue on the south perimeter trail. (2) Once you hit the jeep road at the top, continue uphill another 100 yards or so till you see a faint dual track heading downhill. That's nail trail.
Recommended Route: Up Pajarito Canyon and down nail trail is the easier route. Climbing PCT is a challenge, but not as difficult as trying to climb nail trail.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Hit the south perimeter trail after doing this ride which will lead on down to some of the other trail such as Canon de Valle.
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