Mount Taylor is a huge peak that looms north of Interstate-40 west of Albuquerque, about half way to the Arizona state line. Anyone who has driven along I-40 has almost certainly laid eyes on this big peak. In the winter or spring when the mountain is snow covered, it is truly an impressive sight. The access to Mount Taylor is from the town of Grants. Also, this peak is not far from the McKinley county highpoints, Cerros de Alejandro, which I had done the previous day. The network of forest roads north of Taylor would allow one to access Taylor from the routes leading to Alejandro. I had spent the night in Grants at one of its many cheap hotels along its main drag. Actually it was nice enough for $20 - but the hooting trains during the night can keep anyone awake, so be aware. The next morning I drove up First Street to the highway (NM-547?) about 12 miles to where the road's pavement ends. At this point, I went right onto FR-193 about five miles to the trailhead, which is marked on the left by a small sign mentioning "Gooseberry Trail #77". The road is pretty decent.

The initial hike is through moderate forest cover. It gained a bit, then leveled for a while and dropped into Gooseberry Draw. There is a very old road in here but it is heavily eroded and closed to vehicles, but open for hikers. I followed the trail up a forested slope and past a gate, then a little more through the forest before it broke into the wide open grassy meadows high up on Taylor's west and south slopes. This was roughly the half-way point for the hike up. From here, the views were very pleasurable and the hiking fantastic. It was a bit steep up the slope to gain the ridge, but it went fast enough. The trail then goes behind a smaller peak, then makes a couple of long switchbacks to gain the summit (and passing through another gate curiously enough). In all, three and a half miles to the top, which I covered in just over 90 minutes.

I stayed on top for about 30 minutes and ate my lunch in the beautiful weather, The top has a big pit for some reason. The views were quite beautiful in all directions; due to this peak's prominence and the lack of smaller foothills, I had nearly unobstructed views nearly into Arizona, it seemed. The hike down went quick, taking about an hour. A number of people were on the slopes today, including joggers, families and people with their pets. It's moderate inclines and overall ease make it a great day hike for just about anyone - not bad for an 11,000-foot peak! After getting back to my truck I drove south and managed another highpoint today, Socorro County's South Baldy in Socorro County.