How long is Maverick Trail?

Maverick Trail is 13.5 km (8.4 mi) long. Most walkers complete it in about 3 hr 16 min, not counting stops.

How hard is Maverick Trail?

It is rated moderate, with roughly 297 m (974 ft) of total ascent. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.

How long does Maverick Trail take?

Allow around 3 hr 16 min of moving time. Add a further 30 to 60 minutes for breaks, photographs and lunch.

When is the best time to hike Maverick Trail?

April to October is the most reliable window. Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.

Can you bring dogs on Maverick Trail?

Dog access is not formally recorded for this route. Local rules usually allow dogs on a lead, but check signage at the trailhead before you commit to the walk.

Is Maverick Trail suitable for children?

It is a stretch for younger children. At 13.5 km with 297 m (974 ft) of ascent, it suits teenagers and confident young walkers rather than a family stroll.

Is Maverick Trail a loop?

No. It runs point to point, so you will need transport at the far end or a plan to walk back.

Maverick Trail

Name: Maverick Trail
Address: New Mexico, United States

ModerateNew Mexico · United States

GPX

Distance: 13.5 km (8.4 mi)
Elevation gain: 297 m (974 ft)
Typical time: 3 hr 16 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Point to point
Highest point: Not recorded

About Maverick Trail

Maverick Trail is a 13.5 km hiking route in New Mexico, United States. It climbs roughly 297 m (974 ft) along the way. Most people take around 3 hr 16 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Expect a steady effort with a few sustained climbs, well within reach if you walk regularly.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

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. The route is maintained by United States Forest Service.

In short, Maverick Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Moderate13.5 km297 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

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

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

13.5 km of quiet walking

Know before you go

Best season: April to October
Waymarked: Not consistently
Surface: Mixed natural surface
Dogs: Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Entrance fee: No fee recorded
Camping: Not recorded
Drinking water: Carry your own
Toilets: Not recorded
Mobile coverage: Generally usable
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: 34/100
Adventure: 26/100
Difficulty: 40/100
Accessibility: 46/100
Family: 25/100
Dogs: 62/100

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.
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

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