DESCRIPTION:  T 22, for the most part, is an easily discernible trail, varying from good to fair condition. It provides a great variety of vegetation, from heavily wooded forests to meadows.  Distant views of the Capitan Mountains and a portion of Bonito Lake are scattered along its upper 1.3 miles. The forested areas contain frequent small openings with herbs, including wildflowers amid grass. The route passes Fox Spring, Mills Spring, and several other interesting riparian areas, including small intermittent streams.   Maximum common gradients are about 25% (35% maximum) along the 3.1 miles between the upper trailhead and the junction with T 24, Dry Mills Trail. Grade averages are 10% or less between the T 24 junction and the lower trailhead.

 Just 300 feet from the lower end of T 22 is a footbridge, built in 2000, across Bonito Creek. Sometimes the creek is dry but at other times it may fill the channel under the bridge.  Flow depends upon water released from Bonito Lake Dam 2.3 miles upstream.

 ACCESS:  To reach the upper trailhead for T22, make use of  FR117.   A high clearance vehicle is recommended and, if the road is wet, a 4‑wheel drive vehicle may be useful.  From Smokey Bear Ranger District Office in Ruidoso, drive New Mexico NM48 north 4.2 miles to the junction of NM532, Ski Run Highway.  Turn left on NM532, and follow the pavement 0.9 mile. Turn right on FR117, Monjeau Lookout Road, and drive this largely graveled route 5.5 miles to a U‑curve going left at mile 5.5 from NM532, just 0.1 mile from the end of the road. T22 is signed on the right, at the middle of the curve. CAUTION:  the last 0.5 mile of FR117 is exposed and can be rough.