DESCRIPTION: T 25 is the most scenic trail in Smokey Bear
Ranger District. Forming the backbone of
the White Mountain Wilderness Trail System, the lengthy, somewhat winding, yet
broad U‑shaped trail generally hugs or parallels a series of three connected
ridges. It provides scores of possibilities for incredible panoramic vistas of
the White Mountain Wilderness, Capitan Mountains, Tularosa Basin, Organ
Mountains, White Sands, Malpais Lava Beds, and the High Plains, plus
spectacular views down numerous side canyons.
Indeed, distant views could
include the Aldo Leopold Wilderness 110 miles to the west in Gila National
Forest, and the Santa Fe Mountains, over 150 miles to the north. However, haze or smog normally blocks these
views except on rare, very clear days. In addition to steep subalpine meadows,
the trail passes through mixed conifer and aspen stands, and grassy oak savannas.
Excellent wilderness camping possibilities exist at many locations.
Although the trail name suggests
that it follows the crest of the White Mountains, it actually traverses the
ridge line infrequently, less than 5% of the total length of the trail. Side
trails allow access to segments of T25, and thus hikers can have access
to the marvelous views without hiking the entire trail. Those who wish
to hike the entire length of T25 should allot three days for the hike,
be in excellent physical condition, and plan not only for food and
water but also for bad weather such as cold and thunder storms. ACCESS: To reach the southeastern T25 trailhead from
Smokey Bear Ranger District Office in Ruidoso, drive NM48 north
4.2 miles to NM532, Ski Run Highway. Turn left on NM532 and follow the
pavement 0.9 mile to Forest Road FR117, Monjeau Lookout Road. Turn right on
FR117 and drive this partly graveled route 5.0 miles to a signed junction on
the left for a short road leading to the T25 trailhead.
To reach the northeastern T25
trailhead, a high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, and 4‑wheel drive
may be useful. Drive NM48 north 8.3 miles from Smokey Bear Ranger District Office
to NM37. Turn left and follow NM37 1.3
miles to FR107, Rio Bonito Road (signed Bonito Lake). Turn left and follow the
narrow, paved and sometimes rough road 7.1 miles past Bonito Lake, and beyond
the end of pavement to the junction of FR108, Tanbark Canyon Road. Turn right
and follow the increasingly rough road 3.2 miles to its highest point, site of
the T25 trailhead. CAUTION: FR108
should not be attempted if wet.
The northeastern T25 trailhead can also be
reached via FR400, up Nogal Canyon. A
high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended; 4‑wheel drive may be useful.
Drive NM37, noted above, from its junction with NM48 9 miles to milepost 9. Go another 0.5 mile,
turn left on FR400, Nogal Canyon Road, also known as County Road C015, and
follow the graveled, then rough dirt road 7.2 miles to a sharp left curve. This
marks the end of FR400 and the beginning of FR108 at T48, the Nogal
trailhead. Continue up FR108 1.1 miles over a winding, steep, rough dirt
road to its highest point, site of the T25 trailhead on the right. |