Cabezon 

Peak

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

BLM/NM/GI-06-05-1220

In case of emergency:

BLM Rio Puerco Law Enforcement – 505/761-8700

Immediate Emergency – 911

BLM 24-hour Santa Fe Law Enforcement – 505/827-9377

Bureau of Land Management

Albuquerque District, Rio Puerco Field Office

100 Sun Ave. NE

Pan American Bldg., Suite 330

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109

505/761-8700

or

www.blm.gov/new-mexico

Leave No Trace: Plan ahead and prepare - Travel and camp on durable 

surfaces - Dispose of waste properly - Leave what you find - Minimize 

campfire impacts - Respect wildlife - Be considerate of other visitors.
Breathe in all the mystic lore and outdoor adventure 

New Mexico has to offer, at this well-known landmark 

in the Rio Puerco Valley—Cabezon Peak. Rising nearly 

8,000 feet above sea level, Cabezon is the most 

prominent of about 50 volcanic necks in the lava fields of 

Mount Taylor.

Legend

The name “Cabezon” is derived from the Spanish noun 

“cabeza,” meaning “head.” Cabezon translates as “big head.” 

The peak is believed to have religious significance for the 

Pueblo and Navajo Indians, and remnants of their visits still 

exist. The Navajos have various lore associated with Cabezon, 

one of which explains that the peak and local lava flows came 

from a giant who was slain upon Mount Taylor. The giant’s 

head became Cabezon Peak and his blood congealed to form 

the Malpais, or “bad land” volcanic flow to the south.

Geology

The region’s volcanic 

necks formed when 

molten lava worked 

its way to the earth’s 

surface through 

sedimentary rock 

layers deposited by 

an ancient inland sea 

that covered the area. 

Millions of years of 

erosion have removed 

much of the softer 

sedimentary rock, 

exposing the basalt 

columns or “necks.”

Climbing

Cabezon, rising nearly 

2,000 feet above 

the valley floor, is a 

popular area for rock 

climbing and scrambling. A visitor’s register, located at the 

parking area, indicates that hikers come from as far away as 

Europe to experience a climb that is considered appropriate for 

both beginning and intermediate-level skills. The climb is not 

recommended for either children or pets.

A dirt road located on the west side of Cabezon, which 

connects with BLM Road 1114, leads to the trailhead. A 

primitive trail along the south side of the peak, which leads to 

the summit (refer to the map), takes between 4 and 6 hours 

to climb. The round trip hike is approximately 2 1⁄2 miles. The 

ascent of the chimney near the south-east portion is marked 

by cairns. A hand line (special rope used by climbers) may 

be needed to ascend the rocky ledges to the top. The trail is 

accessible year round, however, the upper trail and chimney 

can be treacherous when there is ice and snow.

Because of loose rock, we recommend that you wear a hard 

hat and sturdy footwear for safety; also, take along plenty of 

water. A successful climb to the summit will reward you with 

an expansive view of the Rio Puerco Valley. You may want to 

bring a compass and map to locate and identify surrounding 

land formations.

Plants and Wildlife

Piñon and juniper trees are dispersed among the rock-strewn 

foothills of the peak. The desert floor offers numerous grasses, 

cacti, and shrubs. Summer showers encourage the blooms of 

sunflower, cactus flowers, evening primroses and asters.

Bird life at Cabezon includes meadow larks, jays, quail, doves, 

red-tailed hawks and sharp-shinned hawks. Area mammals 

include rabbits, prairie dogs, badgers, and rodents such as 

kangaroo rats, rock mice and pack rats. The elusive coyote is 

always present and serves to help keep the numbers of small 

mammals in balance.

Hikers should be aware that rattlesnakes are active during 

warmer months.

Management

Approximately 8,000 acres around Cabezon Peak have been 

designated a Wilderness Study Area (WSA).

The BLM is directed to preserve the wilderness values of 

the Cabezon WSA for the long term. This involves protecting 

the area’s special features and natural qualities, including 

outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. 

Preserving wilderness values is a difficult task that requires 

a commitment from you as well as the BLM. The challenge 

for land managers is ensuring the use of other resources and 

activities within the WSA is compatible with its Wilderness 

resource. The challenge for you is to use the area in harmony 

with the Wilderness environment.

Use of this area is regulated to protect the resources and 

ensure your safety. You do not need a permit to climb Cabezon 

Peak. However, permits are required for most uses other than 

primitive recreation, including grazing, outfitting/guiding, 

commercial filming, group activities, educational group 

activities and scientific research.

Vehicles

Vehicle travel off existing roads is prohibited. Restrictions 

apply to all off-highway vehicles (OHV’s), all-terrain vehicles 

(ATV’s) motorcycles, and bicycles.

Camping

Unless authorized, camping, or occupying any site on public 

lands, for a period longer than 14 days within any period of 28 

consecutive days is prohibited.

Fires

Obey posted fire orders. No fires shall be left unattended.

Fireworks are never allowed on public land.

Access

Entry into the area is best gained by turning westward from US 

550 onto County Road 279 approximately 20 miles northwest 

of San Ysidro. A green highway sign (labeled “San Luis, 

Cabezon”) marks the turnoff. Continue 12 miles (south-west 

past the village of San Luis) to the Cabezon turn-off onto BLM 

Road 1114. The pavement ends just beyond San Luis.

At the intersection of CR 279 and BLM Road 1114, you will 

pass by the ghost town of Cabezon. Follow BLM Road 1114 for 

2.9 miles to the dirt route that leads east to the trailhead.

Travel on CR 279 and BLM Road 1114 is good during dry 

conditions. During the rainy season, normally in spring and late 

summer, the roads can get slippery and rutted. During winter, 

the area can be unreachable. Check with the BLM about road 

conditions before your visit. Use of this area is regulated only 

to the extent needed to protect the resources and ensure your 

safety.

This well-known landmark, in the Rio Puerco Valley, is the most prominent 

of some 50 volcanic necks found in the region and can be seen for miles.