Placitas Knobs Hike
In Placitas Region
Map File Source: Garmin BaseCamp
Hike Key: H10473Last Updated: 01/14/2026 2:48pm
Last Updated By: Marilyn Warrant
Hike Class: B (Moderate)
Hike Distance: 4.4 mi
Minimum Elevation: 5660 ft
Elevation Change: 580 ft
Total Uphill: 695 ft
Total Downhill: 695 ft
Avg. Grade: 6 %
Route Type: Messy
On Trail: Yes
Paved or Gravel Roads: No
GPS Advised: Yes
Drive Distance Round Trip: 40 mi
Drive Time One-Way: 0:30
Hiking Seasons: Spring, Fall, and Winter
New Mexico Game Unit: 8
Hike Status: In Process
Attractions: Arroyos, Rock Formations, and Views
Highlights
A scenic hike through the foothills near Placitas.
CautionsA few short, steep places and about 20% of the trail has rocks. If you are somewhat unsteady, hiking poles are recommended.
Trailhead Directions
I-25 north to Placitas exit (exit 242). Go east on SR 165 for 3 miles. Just after the mile 3 marker, turn right and drive about 1/2 mile until you see small parking areas on either side of the dirt road. The Strip Mine Trail 51 trailhead is on the left.
Actual Hike
From PARK-PLACITAS, go southeast on the Chalk Dust trail. Follow the trail as it veers LEFT (0.5 mi), curving north then northeast There may be a FOOTBRIDGE (0.65 mi) across a small stream bed. The trail then goes northeast to RIGHT1 (0.95 MI) then southeast to JCT STRIPMN (1.5 MI). Continue east to LVSTRIPMN (1.8 MI). At JCT1 (1.84 MI), take the left-hand trail north TO ROCKS (1.9) then to FUN ROCKS (2.0 mi). Return to JCT1 (2.2 mi), then go to your left on the trail that curves around to the north to the OVERLOOK (2.4 mi) for great views of the colorful rocks below and 360 views from the Sandias to the west mesa and beyond. Return to JCT1 (2.65 mi), and turn left. Retrace your steps to rejoin the Strip Mine trail. At JCT STRIPMN (3.0 mi), go straight on the Stripmine trail to the Sidewinder trail at JCT SIDEWDR (3.6 mi) continue on to JCTSIDETRK (3.7 mi), then go northwest to parking. (You may choose to walk in the little arroyo for that last part.)
Comments
A scenic hike through the foothills near Placitas. The hike follows mountain bike trails on national forest land adjacent to the Sandia Wilderness Area. The hike is especially enjoyable when light snow has fallen.
WaypointsPARK-PLACITAS: N35 18.005, W106 28.840
LEFT: N35 17.822, W106 28.393
FOOTBRIDGE: N35 17.910, W106 28.328
RIGHT1: N35 18.027, W106 28.044
JCT STRIPMN: N35 17.728, W106 27.682
LV STRIPMN: N35 17.723, W106 27.419
JCT1: N35 17.722, W106 27.373
TO ROCKS: N35 17.768, W106 27.366
FUN ROCKS: N35 17.750, W106 27.307
OVERLOOK: N35 17.732, W106 27.245
JCT SIDEWDR: N35 17.671, W106 28.310
JCT SIDETRK: N35 17.636, W106 28.461
Hike GPS File Name: PlacitasKnobsFromStripMineTH_MW.gpx
Hike GPS File: Click link to download hike waytrack file
Text Author: Marilyn Warrant
Map Author: Marilyn Warrant
Waypoints Author: Howard Carr
Track Author: Marilyn Warrant
Maintainer: Marilyn Warrant
Editor:
