Copper Canyon Trail #10

Copper Canyon Trail #10 is a point-to-point hiking route in the Magdalena Mountains near Socorro, New Mexico, running between FS 406 near Water Canyon Campground and the North Baldy Trail #8 intersection. It’s mapped as a moderate, long-distance trail of about 4.4 miles with roughly 3,300 ft of descent (direction depends on whether you hike it as a shuttle or as the main “down” leg).

From the ridge/upper start, the upper section is the hardest: steep, narrow singletrack with steep cross-slopes. Expect very narrow tread early, then more challenge as the grade holds and the trail threads downhill through rougher ground rather than easing into a gentle grade.

In the middle, the route widens out into looser, rockier terrain and you’ll pass remnants tied to earlier prospecting—an old prospector cabin—along with a few creek crossings. This is where the surface transitions away from tight singletrack into broken, intermittent footing before the lower trail firms up.

The lower third is a wide track over mineral soil and pine needles, dropping you to the Water Canyon campground area. A short high-clearance doubletrack segment connects the main trail access into the campground zone, and the route finishes just above the campground.

For route planning and logistics, the preferred lower parking area is the Water Canyon picnic area, and the typical upper start connects through the North Baldy Trail #8 intersection on FR235. If you want the trail as more than a simple down-and-back, it’s commonly paired with the North Baldy Trail #8 and/or Copper Canyon Trail #10A to create longer options (including loop-style combinations).

Seasonally, it’s generally accessible mid-May through October, with winter snow making it inaccessible at other times of year.

Preparation matters on this route: the trail can be primitive and steep, and there’s work-history on it involving volunteer deadfall removal and brushing (including clearances on the lower miles). Before committing, scout/inspect the route you’ll actually travel and check current conditions on the ground—especially after storms or if you encounter wet weather—since surfaces and obstacles can change quickly along these canyon approaches.

More information: 2021-04-24 Water Canyon to Hop Canyon (Magdalena Mts), Copper Canyon Trail #10 - New Mexico Volunteers For The Outdoors