Fourth of July Canyon

Tucked into the east side of the Manzano Mountains, Fourth of July Canyon holds the largest stand of bigtooth maples in New Mexico. For a couple of weeks each October, the maples turn red and the canyon fills with people who come specifically to see it.

What to Do

Fourth of July Trail 173 climbs steadily but gradually from the campground through dense canyon woods, with the first mile passing through the densest stretch of maples, burgundy, red, and orange against green conifers at peak color. Most hikers turn around there for an easy 2-mile round trip, but the trail continues up to connect with Cerro Blanco Trail 79, forming a 4.4-mile loop with about 900 feet of elevation gain that circles back to the trailhead, a solid half-day hike with more solitude than the crowded lower canyon. Photography is the other main draw. Come on a clear morning for the best light through the canopy.

How Much Time to Spend

The short walk into the densest maples and back takes about an hour. The full Cerro Blanco loop should take two and a half to three hours.

Getting There

From Albuquerque, take I-40 east to the Tijeras exit, then follow NM 337 south about 35 miles to NM 55, continuing through the village of Tajique (the route follows the Salt Missions Trail Scenic Byway along the Manzanos’ east side). Watch for signed turns to Fourth of July Canyon, the campground and trailhead sit about 7.5 miles up a maintained dirt Forest Service road from Tajique, passable to most vehicles in dry weather. This is a popular fall foliage spot, so expect a full parking lot and a crowded trail on October weekends.

The maples are worth timing a visit around, but only for that short window. Outside peak color, it’s a quiet canyon hike like any other in the Manzanos.