Cabezón Peak

(nr San Ysidro NM)
Cabezón Peak is a basalt volcanic neck rising from the Puerco Valley. Out of 50 such formations, it is the largest in the area. It rises dramatically upward on all sides for about 1,100ft, and reaches 7,785ft elevation. The formation can be seen against the skyline from miles away.

Cabezón Peak

Cabezón Peak from a Distance

To reach it, one must drive about 16 miles off the main highway, about half being gravel roads. Along the way, were rolling hills, mesas, washes and gorges. At a couple of points the road crossed the Río Puerco.

Cabezón Peak

Mesa San Luis

Cabezón Peak

Río Puerco Gorge

Many like to climb to the top of the peak; but, I didn’t feel up to it. The trail is not too bad, until you get to the vertical rock wall. Then, it gets rather steep rock crawling most of the remainder of the way.

Cabezón Peak

Closer to Cabezón Peak

Cabezón Peak

Area near the Peak

I drove to the trailhead near the base of the peak, as I wanted to see it up close. There was some primitive tent camping there; but, not level enough for Tardis. A couple of possible camp spots were seen along the road.

Camp: San Felipe Hollywood Casino overnight
Scene: Peak, river gorge, mesa

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4 Responses to Cabezón Peak

  1. Barney Ward March 6, 2018 at 2:31 pm #

    Some more good coverage of NM charms. Thank you.

    • Pleinguy March 6, 2018 at 5:50 pm #

      I really like New Mexico because the landscape is so varied. Plus, there are lots of interesting places and things to explore.

  2. Creigh March 20, 2018 at 10:02 am #

    I’m sure you know that Georgia O’Keeffe painted Cabezon many times. She is reported to have said “God told me if I painted it enough times I could have it.”

    • Pleinguy March 20, 2018 at 5:33 pm #

      I believe you have Cabezón confused with Cerro Pedernal. Pedernal was visible from her studio in Abíquíu; and was the mount she referred to. That would be over 60 miles away and on the other side of the Jémez Mountains. I’ve also driven to see Pedernal, and the Ghost Ranch. Thanks for the comment, though.

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