Distance

0.6 mi to summit

1.2 mi total

Elevation

7,425 ft start

Vertical

550 ft gain

Time

25 min to summit

50 min total

These three "ears" are easily seen from a distance. There is really no "good" road to get there as access roads are not maintained. The easiest way is from the north using Starr Road but its a rutted dirt road, and to make matters worse, there are no signs from start to finish. To access the mountain from the north: From US-64 west of Taos, turn onto West Rim Road, immediately followed by a turn west onto a wide dirt road that maps call, Sheepherders Road. Proceed about three miles then turn south on another dirt road (Starr Road) that heads to a clearly visible Tres Orejas mountain. Continue down Starr Road until you're roughly SW of the mountain and look for gate for FR-603. The gate was open and appeared to remain open the day I went through it. FR-603A is the first left but only take it if you have 4WD. If not, either park or look for an alternative. To access the mountain from the south you will likely need a HC-4WD vehicle. From NM-567 turn onto an unsigned Coyote Trail Road at virtual milemarker 6.4. This road is directly across from Matisse Road which is signed. Coyote Trail Road ends about 1.5 miles in and FR-604 takes over. Much of the road is not bad but there are a couple spots that could potentially be an issue for a non-4WD vehicle. The hike: some deadfall and rock outcrops to include the summit cap. Easiest access up the cap is on the north side.

Obstacles

road/access issues, bushwhacking, rockfall/loose rock

Key gear

trekking poles, GPS device