Kelly - Cibola National Forest - Member Hike
| Hike Name: | Kelly - Cibola National Forest |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | New Mexico |
| Nearby Town: | Magdalena |
| Rating: |  |
| Directions: | Take US 60 West from Magdalena approx. 50 miles. In Magdalena, turn left and head South on County 107. About 5 miles up is Kelly. The church is right in the middle of the road, and is snow white, so it is impossible to miss. |
| Total Hike Distance: | 16.00 miles |
| Hike Difficulty: | Moderate to Difficult |
| Permit Required: | Yes |
| Hike Type: | Roundtrip, Loop Hike |
| Hike Starts/Ends: | Kelly Church |
| Trails Used: | There is no real trail system. Most of the trails are old mining trails or logging roads. |
| Backcountry Campsites: | Yes |
| Backcountry Water Sources: | Springs |
| Management: | U.S. Forest Service |
| Contact Information: | Head Ranger daldridge@fs.fed.us P.O. Box 45 Magdalena, New Mexico 87825-0001 (505) 854-2281 [voice]; (505) 854-2332 [fax] http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/magdalena.shtml |
| Best Season: | Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Users: | Hikers, Bikers, Dogs, Horses |
| Road Conditions: | Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads, Maintained Gravel or Dirt Roads |
| Hike Summary: | This is a very interesting hike, because the entire area is filled with mining relics. Lots of the mines are partially or totally flooded, which makes finding water a breeze. By a twist of nature, several of the mines have a steady blast of 60 degree air blowing out of the mouth, and this makes for a great campsite on a hot night, or a cool spot to have lunch. The Forest Service doesn't charge a fee or require a permit, but the only easy access is through a small piece of private land right at the end of the road, and they do charge a fee and require registration. Elevations range from 6,000 to almost 8,700, so be prepared for some climbing. Rattlesnakes can be a problem down low, so watch where you put your feet and hands. Most of the town of Kelly was destroyed by fire in the 1950's but lots of things remain. If you enter at the private land and head southeast, you can hit most of the mining areas, and circle around the base of the mountains, returning right to your car. Lots of fun, and definitely worth a look. |
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