Hike the Sulphur & Alamo Canyon Loop

Alamo Canyon features several geothermal ponds.

NPS/L. Ray

This strenuous, 12.2-mile (19.6 km) trail follows Sulphur Creek, passing through an old sulphur mining area, before turning eastward to skirt beautiful Valle Seco. It slowly climbs the ridge at the edge of Valle Seco before dropping back down Alamo Canyon, passing three geothermal ponds along the way. Best hiked clockwise. GPS required, especially for Alamo Canyon.

Elevation: 8,069 - 9,392 feet

Details

Duration

6-8 Hours

Activity

Backcountry Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

As of January 1, 2025, a park entrance fee is required to enter Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Location

Sulphur/Alamo Canyon Trailhead

The trailhead is a locked iron gate marked VC08 about 2 miles from the junction of Sulphur Creek Road/Forest Road 105 and NM 4 at mile marker 27. Park in the small dirt pull-out adjacent to the trailhead along Forest Road 105. Backcountry vehicle permit not required. Not suitable for oversized vehicles.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

This unpaved, natural surface trail has steep grades. Service animals permitted.