Are dogs allowed on Otero Canyon East?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Otero Canyon East but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Otero Canyon East?

No, Otero Canyon East does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Otero Canyon East?

Otero Canyon East is rated moderate. It is 4.2 miles long with 597 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See New Mexico trail conditions

ModerateOut and Back

Cibola National Forest/New Mexico

Otero Canyon East

Tijeras, New Mexico

4.2 mi

Distance

597 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 35m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The trail only follows until the DOD signs. If you want to go for a longer hike, the West Ridge to Otero Canyon Trail and Otero Canyon and Blue Ribbon Trail are good alternatives.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,074 ft

Max:2,166 ft

182 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

Verify before you go

Managing agency

United States Forest Service
Find offices, alerts, and current orders for this agency.

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Address:NM

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the New Mexico hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Otero Canyon East

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Tunnel, Otero, and Birdhouse Ridge

Tunnel Canyon, West Ridge, and Birdhouse Ridge Trail Loop

Cedro Canyon to Otero Canyon

Five Hills of Death

Cedro Peak OHV Trail

Chamisoso and Coyote Trails

Other trails in Cibola National Forest

Pino Trail

South Piedra Lisa Trail

Tree Spring Trail

Three Guns Spring Trail Loop

Armijo Trail and Faulty Trail Loop

Tramway Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Dispersed Camping off FS 542

Cedro Peak Camping Sites - Robin and Jay

Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

Manzanita Mountains Recreation Zone

Leisure Mountain RV Park

Turquoise Trail Campground

Similar trails in New Mexico

Williams Lake Trail

Atalaya Mountain Trail

Pine Tree Trail

Osha Trail

The Volcanoes Trail

Dripping Springs Trail