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Grand Enchantment Trail Segment 18: Sunflower Mesa

ModerateNew Mexico · United States

GPX
Distance
15.6 km (9.7 mi)
Elevation gain
342 m (1,122 ft)
Estimated time
3 hr 46 min
Difficulty
Moderate
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
Not recorded

About Grand Enchantment Trail Segment 18: Sunflower Mesa

Grand Enchantment Trail Segment 18: Sunflower Mesa is a 15.6 km hiking route in New Mexico, United States. It climbs roughly 342 m (1,122 ft) along the way. Most people take around 3 hr 46 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.

Desert light at the start and end of the day is the best reason to plan around the heat.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths.

In short, Grand Enchantment Trail Segment 18: Sunflower Mesa suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Plan around this route’s details

Start, finish and return
The recorded 15.6 km line has different endpoints. Confirm travel from the finish before setting out; that return journey is additional to the mapped route.
Climbing in context
The recorded ascent averages approximately 22 m of climbing per kilometre across the whole route. This is climbing density, not trail gradient: climbs and flatter sections may be unevenly distributed.
What needs a separate check
This record does not establish surface, dog access, wheelchair access. Check any of these that affect your group. Current closures, access arrangements and transport are not verified by the route line.
Understand the source data →Suggest a sourced correction →

Route map

Moderate15.6 km342 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Make it fit your day

Your walking-time scenario

Adjust the example pace and allowances to explore your own plan. This calculator uses your inputs, so it may differ from the directory’s headline estimate.

Calculated walking time including your allowances

4 hr 58 min

233 min for distance + 34 min for ascent + 30 min allowance.

Formula: distance ÷ pace × 60 + ascent ÷ 100 × climbing allowance + stops. Travel to and from the route is additional. Terrain, descent, weather and navigation are not modelled. These results do not establish route suitability. Read the time-planning guide.

Recorded route measurements

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Desert

Know before you go

Season field
April to October
Waymarked
Not recorded as waymarked
Surface
Not recorded
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not recorded
Entrance fee
Not recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Not recorded as available
Toilets
Not recorded as available
Mobile coverage
Not verified
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
47/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
43/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
46/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
40/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
22/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Carry at least one litre of water per two hours and avoid the middle of the day entirely.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

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Prepare for this walk

All planning articles →

Understanding the map

Download a GPX route and check it before leaving

Take a route into your navigation app, check the imported line and understand what a GPX download does and does not contain.

Read article →

Planning your day

Loops, out-and-backs and point-to-point return plans

Work out what a route's shape means for distance, endpoints and getting back after the walk.

Read article →

Sources and confidence

What open route data can tell you—and what to verify locally

Distinguish source records, calculated estimates and missing details before relying on a route page.

Read article →

Trails near Grand Enchantment Trail Segment 18: Sunflower Mesa

Other mapped routes nearby, ordered by straight-line distance from this route.

Easy

GWT - 041 - Gold Dust Trail

New Mexico · United States

Distance
3.5 km
/ 2.2 mi
Elevation gain
78 m
Typical duration
51 min

Keep exploring

All hiking in New MexicoHiking in United StatesDesert trailsModerate trails