DESCRIPTION:

From its beginning, T26 follows an old fence line through oak and New Mexico locust for about 0.2 mile. Excellent views of Nogal Peak and the surrounding area soon appear. A small secondary peak is reached at mile 0.8 and makes a fine rest stop for preparing to hike the remaining very difficult 0.3 mile. The trail becomes quite rough and hard to discern amid tall grass. After 0.1 mile, the gradient reaches 65% with 0.2 mile still to go!

The trail is unsigned and somewhat obscure in places. From T25 it generally follows a ridge to the summit of Nogal Peak.Conditioned hikers should allow two hours to reach the summit from the T25 trailhead at FR108. In the first 0.8 miles, the trail ascends 400 ft; in the remaining 0.3 miles, it ascends  650 ft. Those who have health problems should not attempt this trail.  However, breathtaking 360-degree views await the exhausted hiker on the summit. Landmarks include much of the White Mountain Wilderness, Monjeau Peak, Sierra Blanca Peak, Tularosa Basin and the White Sands, Carrizozo, Carrizo Peak, Capitan Mountains, and much more.  Wildflowers are abundant in season; at least 50 species may be present.  Short‑horned lizards have also been noted.  In Smokey Bear Ranger District, this is the shortest trail from a road to a grand, 360- degree vista, except from Monjeau Peak.