The Land of Enchantment covers 820 miles of desert and ancestral homeland as well as more than a few mountains.
Pre-hike: Albuquerque
Before hiking a CDT section, I visit Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta, Old Town, and to see old friends.
CDT: Grants to Mount Taylor, New Mexico
The start of the trail from desert is steep, but then levels off into ponderosa pine and aspen before beginning the ascent of 11,000-foot Mount Taylor.
CDT: Mount Taylor to Ranger Tank, New Mexico
After Mount Taylor, there’s a 24-mile dry stretch. I watch the eclipse from a mountain with an Hispanic rancher.
CDT: Ranger Tank to Los Indios, New Mexico
The trail continues on dusty road through wheatgrass and pinyon ending at a stunning canyon, golden in Autumn colors with a piped spring.
CDT: Los Indios to Ojo Frio, New Mexico
The trail winds through pinyon before a steep decent to desert, dotted with enormous volcanic vents and mesas.
CDT: Ojo Frio to Deadman Peaks, New Mexico
This is one of the most interesting and varied sections with whimsical hoodoos, massive dry washes, views for miles from ridges and two good water sources.
CDT: Deadman Peaks to Cuba, New Mexico
The final twenty miles included climbing up on several mesas made of different types of rock and all with amazing views including the last night’s sunset show.