Pajarito Canyon (TR 280)-Nail trail loop >> Pajarito Canyon (TR 280)-Nail Trail Route

Pajarito Canyon (TR 280)-Nail trail loop
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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.

Route Name: Pajarito Canyon (TR 280)-Nail Trail

Ride showing the loop including both access points. The lower access point follows the direction toward the climbing area instead of following the lower sign toward Pajarito canyon. It's more direct and can't accidently hit the south Perimeter trail that way.

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