Distance

3.1 mi to summit

6.2 mi total

Elevation

5,020 ft start

Vertical

2,300 ft gain

Time

1 hr 40 min to summit

2 hr 55 min total

CR-C016 off NM-81 provides access to Gillespie Mtn, crossing private property to NM state land abutting the Winkler Ranch. The road is graded although had soft spots due to recent rains. CR16 is signed at the junction with NM-81 as "Young Ranch Rd" but appears on most maps as "Mining & Milling Road". If you look carefully at the street sign you will see C016 in the lower right hand corner denoting it as a county maintained road. The road name changes from Young Ranch road to Cottonwood road north of the Young ranch. Cottonwood Road ends at a gate for the Winkler Ranch. The ranch house appears abandoned or for seasonal use. There is a parking area near the gate but its on private land. When I did the hike I didn't see a no trespassing sign on the way in. When I returned to the area a year later there was one posted about a half mile from the ranch where New Mexico State trust land ends. Best to park on NM state land. The owner, the Diamond A Ranch is a large corporate outfit with significant land holdings.

Obstacles

no info yet

Key gear

trekking poles, GPS device