Hiking Vacation
700+ Acres of Private Majestic Hiking Trails & No Crowds
Escape to the mountains of Northern New Mexico for a hiking vacation like no other. Corkins Lodge boasts 700+ pristine acres of wilderness, with a variety of hiking trails, each leading to magnificent views and surprises such as our study shelter and tree house. The best part is that our grounds and trails are available only to cabin guests and not open to the public, so you practically have the mountain to yourself.
Brazos Cliffs & River Hiking
The grounds of Corkins Lodge and the mountains around this area of Northern New Mexico are full of opportunities for beautiful hikes. The wilderness surrounding Corkins Lodge features a variety of hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy. We have easy-to-advanced hikes with elevation changes that offer beautiful views of the Brazos River and Cliffs.
Guests of Corkins Lodge visiting for a hiking vacation can walk right outside their cabin and take off for a hike into the peaceful pine forests and aspen groves, as well as take some more adventurous hikes, such as out into nearby Box Canyon and the Brazos Cliffs.
Our easy hiking paths are on the grounds around the cabins and the fishing pond area. Hikes beyond this area range from moderate to difficult.
Hiking at high elevation can be a challenge even for experienced hikers. The elevation at Corkins is 8,300 ft. We recommend bringing hiking boots, poles, sunblock, hats, and a daypack with plenty of water to stay hydrated on your mountain hiking vacation.
CorKins Lodge Hiking Trails
Study Shelter
Difficulty: Moderate
This quiet rest area overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Brazos River. It is perfect for meditation, art, yoga, or journaling.
A walking trail off the lake to the left before you reach the pond will lead you to this special half-cabin rest area. It overlooks a breathtaking stretch of the Brazos River and our guests have used it for meditation, yoga, journaling, art, and enjoying the beautiful landscape.
Mile Road
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.1 miles | 3.6 km
Average round-trip time: 60 minutes
This easy-to-follow route commences at Old Lodge, follows the road Corkins workers use for firewood collection, and ends at a river crossing. It is the most direct way of accessing the Box Canyon Trail.
1/4 Mile Road
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Distance: 2.1 miles | 3.6 km
Average round-trip time: 60 minutes
This easy-to-follow route splits off from the One-Mile Trail not too far from the Old Lodge, a bit past the Aspen Meadow. It includes 100 feet of elevation change as it winds down to the Brazos River. A tree house awaits you there.
Note: At the top of the hill that leads to the tree house, you will see another trail to your left. This is Sidewinder’s Trail, which is a very narrow, unmaintained cliffside trail with no guardrails and requires some bouldering. Sidewinder’s Trail is only recommended for advanced, experienced hikers with gear.
Sidewinders Trail
Difficulty: Very Difficult
At the top of the 1/4-Mile Road hill that leads to the tree house, you will see another trail to your left. This is Sidewinder’s Trail, which is a very narrow, unmaintained cliffside trail with no guardrails and requires some bouldering. Sidewinder’s Trail is only recommended for advanced, experienced hikers with gear. The end of Sidewinder’s Trail connects with Mile Road.
Box Canyon
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 3.5 miles | 5.3 km (including Mile Road portion)
Average round-trip time: 180 minutes
Near the end of Mile Road, this rugged trail splits off through the forest, then quickly begins climbing high above the river toward the Box Canyon. There are occasional stone markers.
How many hiking trails are at Corkins Lodge?
Officially, there are five hiking trails at Corkins. There are other easy walking trails around the cabins and the fishing lake. Please be aware that other trails may lead you to private property where hiking is not permitted; please stay on the designated trails. There are no hiking trails to the spring waterfall.
What do I need to bring to hike at Corkins?
We are at high altitude, so it is essential you bring lots of water. We also recommend sunblock, a hat, sturdy hiking boots, hiking poles or a walking stick, a raincoat, clothing layers, a daypack, lip balm, and extra socks. Bring a swimsuit and towels in summer if you want to take a dip in the river.
What is not allowed on hikes?
Please follow these rules to keep our wilderness pristine for everyone:
- No littering (including food waste)
- No music (headphones are allowed)
- No rock climbing
- No biking
- Stay on designated trails
- Catch-and-release fishing is required on the Brazos River past the 1/4-Mile Trail
What do you recommend for high-altitude hiking?
Corkins Lodge sits at approximately 8,300 ft. above sea level. Some may experience symptoms related to altitude sickness, including dizziness, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea. Symptoms often resolve on their own after your body adjusts.
We recommend drinking lots of water to help with any symptoms and limiting alcohol consumption. Some of our guests have found help with the supplement ChlorOxygen or supplemental oxygen canisters. Please check with your medical provider before taking any supplements.
What’s the weather like at Corkins?
Average Seasonal Temperatures at Corkins Lodge:
- Summer (Jun.-Aug.) 79 / 43 ℉
- Fall (Sep.-Nov.) 60 / 27 ℉
- Winter (Dec.-Feb.) 39 / 8 ℉
- Spring (Mar.-May) 57 / 24 ℉
If using a weather app, please use Tierra Amarilla instead of Chama, as the location tends to be more accurate.
Hiking Frequently Asked Questions
New Mexico Wilderness Day Trips
Looking for more natural beauty in Northern New Mexico? Take a day trip to explore our state's public areas and parks.
Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area
30-minute drive
Activities:
- Hiking
- Bicycling
- Skiing/Snowshoeing
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Fishing
A short 30-minute drive from Corkins Lodge, just north of Chama, the Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area spans over 20,000 acres of high-country terrain. Managed by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, it's one of the largest properties in the state wildlife system, with its northern boundary running all the way to the Colorado state line. The landscape mixes aspen meadows, alder-lined streams, oak groves, and open grassy meadows.
The area features good roads and trails suitable for hiking and biking, with open terrain and few tall trees, offering expansive mountain views along the way. Since the Sargent is home to one of the state's largest elk herds, hikers can follow the dedicated Elk Viewing Trail near the parking area; dawn and dusk offer the best chances of spotting elk, deer, and other wildlife. Anglers exploring on foot can also reach trout streams and Nabor Lake via the Angler Access Trail, though access is seasonally restricted during elk calving and hunting periods. Trails are generally accessible, with fishing opportunities found along the way.
Heron Lake State Park
30-minute drive
Activities:
- Hiking
- Bicycling
- Skiing/Snowshoeing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
Heron Lake State Park is about 11 miles west of Tierra Amarilla. The park is 4,100 acres of land surrounding a 5,900-acre "no-wake lake," making it one of northern New Mexico's quieter outdoor destinations. The park offers well-maintained hiking trails for visitors of all levels. The East Meadow Trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route starting at the visitor center, winding through montane meadows and ponderosa pine forest, where hikers might spot mule deer, elk, and views of the Brazos cliffs. The Salmon Run Trail runs five miles along the lake's south side, offering sweeping vistas and chances to see ospreys diving into the water, and can be linked with East Meadow for a 12-plus-mile out-and-back trek. For a longer adventure, a 5.5-mile trail crosses the Rio Chama by suspension bridge, leading to neighboring El Vado Lake State Park with panoramic canyon views along the way.
Four Seasons To Explore
Corkins Lodge is truly a four-season destination. Each season brings it's own unique colors and opportunity for adventures.
Summer is our most popular season when our outdoor pool is open and the mountain air is warm enough to take a dip in the Brazos River.
Fall is a gorgeous time in the mountains the aspens turn golden and the oak brush turns orange. Fall is also a great time to hike into the box canyon as the river is typically lower.
Winter at Corkins is perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The area gets blanketed by snow and our winter cabins feature stocked fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.
Spring snowmelt runoff from the Brazos Cliffs creates New Mexico's highest waterfall that typically runs for a few weeks.
★★★★★
"End of the road, gorgeous, and secluded spot for relaxing hiking and fishing. Be sure to hike to the box."
–Malta Htun