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High-altitude loop in a remote area featuring unique "goblin" rock formations.


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Map Key

3.9

Miles

6.3

KM

Loop

7,450' 2,271 m

High

6,864' 2,092 m

Low

587' 179 m

Up

585' 178 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Geological Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

This is a pleasant loop in Ponderosa Pine forest. Half of the loop follows a forest road that sees occasional vehicles. The other half winds through the Goblin Colony and down through a quiet canyon.

Need to Know

Access by Forest Road 10. There is a beautiful Forest Service campground (Paliza) near the start/end point.

Description

The Goblin Colony is a collection of hundreds of volcanic rock columns on a steep slope above Paliza Canyon at about 7,000 feet (2135 m) altitude. They are interspersed with Ponderosa Pine and some ancient alligator juniper trees.

Goblins are hoodoos, or tent rocks, that many people imagine display interesting human and animal-like profiles "if you look at them just the right way." The caps are gone from these hoodoos – I've also heard this kind of formation called a "fairy chimney."

Contacts

Shared By:

Kevin Holsapple with improvements by Jason Osborn

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#2996

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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in New Mexico

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Photos

In the goblins
Mar 22, 2021 near Jemez P…, NM
Goblins
Mar 22, 2021 near Jemez P…, NM
Hoodoo
Mar 22, 2021 near Jemez P…, NM
Trail view
Mar 22, 2021 near Jemez P…, NM
Trail marker where Goblin Loop route meets Forest Road 10.
Mar 25, 2021 near Jemez P…, NM

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