Powerline Mesa and Ancho Rapids view

An easy hike near Los Alamos that ends with a nice view of the Rio Grande. On this hike, you get nice views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, Jemez Mountains and the Rio Grande.

The Rio Grande from the end of the Powerline Mesa hike

Hike data:

Controlling agency:

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Location in the state:

North-central; Jemez Mountains

Trailhead waypoint(s):

PLMTH

Elevation:

start:	6538ft; 1993m	end:	6400ft; 1951m
min:	6400ft; 1951m	max:	6538ft; 1993m

Elevation gain/loss:

137 ft; 42 m

Length:

4.16 mi; 6.70 km.

How long it took us (HH:MM):

02:15.

Cleanliness:

9/10

Trail usage:

0.00 people/hour. We saw nobody else.

Trail Condition:

Part of the trail is the power line maintenance road.

Fee:

$0.00.

When we hiked it:

2001-02-17.

Trailhead facilities:

None.

Special features of the hike:

Wildlife, scenery.

When to hike:

All year.

Maps:

Getting to the trailhead:

The only info I have recorded is Gate 4. Our friends drove.

The hike:

	The trail gently descends from the trailhead. You get nice views almost immediately. You are walking along a dirt road.
After a little bit (at PLMPL) you come across a power line. At PLMPL2 you meet the large powerline that gives this mesa its (unofficial) name. You follow the big powerline. At PLMY1, if you go right, you will go to the Ancho Rapids. Instead, follow the power line for a great view.
	At PLM4, you are at the end. Enjoy the view and return the way you came, or pick a slightly different route. It is hard to get lost.

Plants we saw along the trail:

Tree Cholla (Cactaceae Cylindropuntia imbricata)
Pricklypear cactus (Cactaceae Opuntia)
Juniper (Cupressaceae Juniperus)
Oak (Fagaceae Quercus)
Piñon pine (Pinaceae Pinus edulis)

Animals we saw along the trail:

Sandhill Cranes
Deer

Reader comments about this hike:

On Sun May 22 10:07:44 2005 John from Los Alamos, NM said:
There is a good trail all the way to the river. I havent done this hike for some years but as I recall it took about 5 hours do make it from gate 4 to river and back carrying infants in backpacks. I remember that finding the trail wasnt immediately obvious once you get to the point where you can see the Ancho Canyon rapids, but the trail itself is very clear. I once saw a rattle snake in a juniper tree on this trail. Ive been told many times that rattle snakes dont climb trees. Someone needs to go down there and tell that snake. BE AWARE When hiking in White Rock Canyon and its side canyons be aware that there are MANY rattle snakes there. To find gate 4 start at White Rock and drive towards Bandelier. Gate 4 is a few miles up less than 4 miles on the left. If you go too far the road drops into the big canyon which I think is probably ancho canyon. Youve gone too far. Turn around and look for gate 4 on the right.

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