Chicoma, highest peak in the Jemez Mountains

Visible out the window of my home office is Chicoma Peak, the highest peak in the Jemez Mountains.  The 11,561-foot peak is visible from Los Alamos as the peak with a large triangular meadow that is located north of Caballo. Chicoma, also known as Tschicoma or Tchicoma, has the 2nd highest

prominence of any New Mexico peak. It is a long drive from Espanola, 25 miles west on a gravel/dirt road, but an easy hike of about 3 miles round trip and 1000 feet elevation gain. The summit, while on Federal land, is sacred to Santa Clara, and is a piece of the Earth that should be treated with respect.



We will leave Los Alamos at 9 AM on Sunday August 16th. If interested, please contact me at

bill@priedhorsky.net for the meeting place, and let me know whether you would like to stop for dinner in Espanola on the return. Bring a lunch, water, rain gear, and clothing that works even if it is cold and wet.