Mesa Trail #13
Mesa Trail #13 is a ~5.6-mile moderate hiking route in the Magdalena Mountains (Cibola National Forest) near Magdalena, New Mexico, built around a loop/figure-8 style layout that links canyon hiking with time on the mesa top.
The climb out of the Water Canyon Road area (FR-235) is the main effort. Expect a steep ascent from the road before the trail wraps into a canyon and continues upward toward the mesa surface.
On top, the route moves across the mesa-top terrain with generally consistent grades, and it connects with a loop segment that brings you back to the broader trail corridor; some junctions are lightly signed and are easier to miss if you’re not paying attention.
The return generally includes a steep, loose downhill that transitions into a rugged arroyo/canyon section, followed by a smoother segment with tall waterbars before you reach the road again.
Plan on about 3.5 to 4 hours for a typical hike. Dogs are permitted but must be leashed.
Water is often a practical consideration: the route area includes a rainwater catchment/guzzler system on the mesa/top section, but you shouldn’t count on it for your whole trip—bring enough water for the hike.
Difficulty
Moderate