Name: Quaking Aspen Trail
Rating: 4.0

“An nice route up a gentle drainage, with aspen trees, slickrock, some fun challenges.”

— Bill Siebersma

GPX File

Features -none-

Family Friendly Also a good out and back trip, just turn around at the appropriate distance. Since the trail is in a small drainage it is easy to stay oriented. Many interesting little features for young children.

Closed during winter and early spring due to snowfall and runoff, typically mid-December through mid-April, but can vary by up to a month.

Description

One of the first singletrack routes in the Zuni Mountains, the trail follows an small drainage up to Sheetrock Tank, which usually contains water. The route features an intimate pass through the aspens, followed by some slick rock sections, including an interesting grazing fence crossing "cattle guard" feature.

The grades are gentle for the most part, with short tougher sections. The trail terminates at a signed four way intersection at Sheetrock Tank, offering several route choices, including a fun downhill return to the trailhead via Turkey Nest Trail and Y2K Trail, or continuing on to a loop of Lost Lake Rim Trail and Smokin' Handlebar Trail. Quaking Aspen Trail is part of the Zuni Mountain 100 Route, which offers ~50 continuous miles of singletrack through a variety of beautiful and challenging terrain.