Cruce de Parida (Parida Crossing) is a short and easy connecting trail in the Coyote Hills that brings four area trails together and provides access to the Arroyo de la Parida. The tranquility and scenery of this desert area is relaxing and picturesque, with red earth and ancient sandstone cliffs climbing out of deep arroyos. Whether you want to explore, camp, hunt for rocks, or just get some fresh air and sunshine, planning a trip within the network of trails that Cruce de Parida connects is a great way to go.
Flora and fauna abound in this rugged yet beautiful landscape. At certain times of day, you may see area wildlife including gray fox, mule deer, coyote, bobcat, porcupine, raccoon, ground squirrel, opossum, jackrabbit, cottontail and of course, always be on the lookout for rattlesnakes!
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From I-25: Take Exit 152 at Escondida, head east and follow the east frontage road to the north, just over a mile to Escondida Lake. Turn right at the Escondida Lake sign and travel east over the Rio Grande River. At Pueblito, a T-intersection, turn right and head south for about 1 mile to the beginning of the Quebradas Backcountry Byway. Turn left (east) onto the Byway and travel 3.5 miles to the Flagstone Road trailhead on the left (north) side of the Byway. Travel north 1 mile to the end of Flagstone Road, a T intersection. Turn left (west) to start the Overlook Road. Travel Overlook Road to its Waypoint 5, a Y junction where the trail leading to the right (east) is Cruce de Parida. Proceed right (east) to start Cruce de Parida.
Cruce de Parida is an easy connector trail. Even though I'd only consider it mildly challenging, I think a difficulty rating of 2 would be more appropriate. The scenic views are beautiful.
There's a gate at Waypoint 2. Be sure to leave it as you found it after going through.
Just a short little connector, nothing you'd go out to run on its own, but the trails it connects are a blast!
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Scott Mitchell is a Personal Defense and Defensive Tactics Instructor in Albuquerque. A New Mexico native, Scott lives in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, adjacent to the Sandia Mountain Wilderness Area in the Cibola National Forest.
Scott likes to get out at every opportunity to explore his state's off-road trails. As a Trailsoffroad contributor, his goal is to find and share as much reliable information as possible to help others navigate and enjoy the great New Mexico outdoors.
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