NOTE:  In early 2002 John Stockert found that, due to the 1994 Patos Mountain Fire, it was extremely difficult to follow T75 more than a mile from its lower trailhead.  Except for the lower T75 trailhead markers, no signs had been replaced since the fire.  Several unsigned, unofficial standard vehicle routes intersected the trail, making it difficult to stay on the correct path. The lower section of T70 was found to be nonexistent.  Before hiking these trails, contact Smokey Bear Ranger District Office to see if trail work has been performed and trail signs replaced. 

DESCRIPTION:

 The following description reflects trail conditions in 1994, shortly after the Patos Mountain fire.

T75 is the best of the three officially recognized trails in the Patos Mountains.  Average maximum gradient is 25%. The first 0.8 mile of T75 from FR139 is severely eroded, and follows an old roadbed crossed by many small, eroded berms. Beyond mile 1.0, T75 passes in and out of charred forest.  By mile 2.5 at a T75 sign, the route leaves the severely burned areas.  At mile 3.2, T73 breaks away from T75 to the left and heads up Trail Canyon. Along T75, at mile 4.8, is a magnificent but brief view across a splendid mountain valley to Carrizo Peak.

Barber Springs, at mile 5.2, is at the upper edge of a distinctive marsh, perhaps a thousand square feet in size. The unusual terrain consists of a soggy area, dotted with a multitude of thick grass mounds a foot or more in diameter, and interlaced with small hidden streamlets. Note: A portion of T75, south from Barber Springs, is on private land for about 1.5 miles and could, therefore, be closed at any time.

 At mile 6.2, the path crosses a broad saddle, the trail's high point. The route continues downhill to a signed trail end near a fence corner on private land. However, an unnumbered, well-worn trail continues straight ahead on public land (adjacent to the fence) for over one mile east and north.

 ACCESS:

In an area with many bad roads, access to the northeast trailhead of T75 is surprisingly easy.  From the intersection of US54 and US380 in Carrizozo, drive 3.3 miles north on US54 to paved County Road 349.  Follow Co349 8.5 miles to the old mining town of White Oaks.  The road continues as FR72, a well-maintained gravel road.  Follow FR72 4.1 miles to the intersection with FR139 (Patos Road).  Turn right and follow FR139 3.5 miles.  The T75 trailhead is just west of the cattle guard.  The sign is old and is several yards south of FR139.  The most visible part is a Forest Service “hiker sign”.