Copper Canyon Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

Combines the best segments of North Baldy Trail #8, Copper Canyon Trail #10A and Copper Canyon Trail #10 for a technical downhill ride. Can be shuttled, but makes for a better day when you earn it.

Restrooms are available at the picnic area at the start of the ride.

This is a challenging route. It includes 3,700' of climbing up a forest road followed by a descent down narrow, steep, rocky, and technical terrain. It's black diamond bordering on double black diamond difficulty in spots.

Like most Socorro rides, the trail is primitive and raw, but that's part of the charm. You'll be rewarded with some solitude, likely enjoy the ride without seeing more than a couple of people.

You start out climbing up the scenic Forest Road 235. Settle in because it's 7.7 miles up, climbing 3,600 ft. You reach the North Baldy Trail #8 trailhead and hike up to the ridge. This is where the ride starts at 10,400 ft in elevation. Soak in the view and eat your favorite snack.

You'll follow North Baldy Trail #8 for approximately 1.8 miles as it extends along the ridge. The trail is narrow and out-sloped but generally has good traction. If the tread crests over the saddle dropping east, stop. This is likely the intersection with Copper Canyon Trail #10A.

Trail 10A briefly follows an old mine road before dropping down into Copper Canyon. This is the steepest, narrowest and most primitive trail on the ride. The switchbacks in particular can be challenging but it is the most accessible route into the main canyon. Follow Copper Canyon Trail #10A for one mile and you'll join the main Copper Canyon Trail #10 just above the remnants of the old miners cabin.

You now get to enjoy the best parts of Copper Canyon Trail #10. It starts out very rocky and technical and gets progressively easier and faster as you reach the trailhead. Follow the two-track road back past the campground to your vehicle.

You'll pass at least two mines and a miners cabin along your ride. Soak in the views along the ridgeline, where you may be able to spot the VLA to the northwest.