At 12,115 ft, Lobo Peak is New Mexico's 33rd highest peak...but you might think you were on top of the world thanks to the view. Located in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Study Area just a few miles northeast of Taos, Lobo Peak provides a stunning view of Wheeler Peak and the surrounding mountains and the RIo Grande rift valley below.

Lobo Peak offers great overnight camping in vast open tundra with pleny of campsites on or near the summit.

While there are several ways to access Lobo Peak, the most popular are the Yerba Buena and

Manzanita Trail head is located on Highway 150 on the road to Taos Ski Valley. Manzanita is a 4.2 mile trail that gains 3,600 feet as it travels up the bottom of the canyon on the south facing slope of Rio Hondo Canyon. The trail is extremely steep. Manzanita also provides access to Flag Mountain, Gold Hill, Lobo Peak and the rest of the Columbine/Hondo Wilderness Study Area.

Yerba Buena trailhead is located just west of the Manzanita Trailhead on Highway 150, the road to Taos Ski Valley. Yerba Buena is 3.9 miles one way to Lobo Peak.

Both trails are characterized by an abundance of aspen and willows in the lower elevation and spruce and fir toward the ridge. Avalanche hazard during the winter and early spring is a special consideration. Water is available for the entire length of the canyon, but is not recommended for drinking without proper treatment.

Vertical Gain or Loss: 3600 ft

Trail Distance: 4.2 miles