Are dogs allowed on South Crest Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on South Crest Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike South Crest Trail?

No, South Crest Trail 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 South Crest Trail?

South Crest Trail is rated expert. It is 13.6 miles long with 5,322 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

ExpertPoint to Point

Cibola National Forest/New Mexico

South Crest Trail

Cedar Crest, New Mexico

13.6 mi

Distance

5,322 ft

Elev. Gain

6h 52m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The southern portion of the Crest Trail is from the Upper Tram Terminal to the Canyon Estates. The trail is useful for those who want to complete the Crest Trail in segments.

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:1,998 ft

Max:3,137 ft

1,622 ft

486 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Point to Point
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.

Verify by phone or mail

Address:NM

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

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

South Crest Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

South Crest, Faulty, Cienega and CCC Trail Loop

Faulty, Bart's and South Crest Trails Loop

South Sandia Peak via South Crest and CCC Trail Loop

Faulty Loop via South Crest Trail

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

Manzanita Mountains Recreation Zone

Turquoise Trail Campground

Leisure Mountain RV Park

Hidden Valley Resort

Dispersed Camping off FS 542

Cedro Peak Camping Sites - Robin and Jay

Similar trails in New Mexico

Pino Trail

Wheeler Peak via Williams Lake Trail

Bosque Trail

Embudito Canyon Trail

Dog Canyon Trail 106

Lake Katherine via Winsor Trail