Headland Trail,
El Morro National Monument

Located 30.2 miles from Grants, New Mexico (NM)
4 Stars
3,094 Steps 1  (1.4 mi)
Trails › National Monuments › El Morro › Headland Trail

Spectacular views of the Zuni Mountains are worth the strenuous hike over the uneven sandstone of the Headland Trail. Once at the top of this loop trail, relax and enjoy the scenery of the El Malpais and El Morro valley. The area is steeped in history, from Ancient Puebloans who settled here during 1275 AD - 1350 AD, to the Spanish explorers of the 1600's and the Anglo American emigrants of the 1800's. El Morro is rich in history and a fascinating place to visit.

Headland TrailHeadland Trail, El MorroHeadland Trail, El Morro National Monument

Elevation

The Headland Trail has a maximum elevation of 7,456 ft., a minimum elevation of 7,196 ft. and an elevation range of 260 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
1.4 mi7,196 ft7,456 ft260 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
40 min22.0264 ft238 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
37 min19.8238 ft264 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Headland Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Ramah, NM
  2. North Topo Map: Kettner Canyon, NM
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Post Office Flat, NM
  4. West Topo Map: Togeye Lake, NM
  5. Topo Map: El Morro, NM
  6. East Topo Map: Valle Largo, NM
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Nicoll Lake, NM
  8. South Topo Map: Goat Hill, NM
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Cerro Hueco, NM

Difficulty

The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Headland Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.

FAQ

What is the length of the Headland Trail?

The length of the trail is 1.4 miles (2.3 km) or 3,094 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Headland Trail?

A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 40 minutes in one direction and in 37 minutes in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.

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