Near Three Guns to Embudito Trailhead
Near Three Guns Trail
Near Three Guns to Embudito Trailhead
View of the Manzanita and Manzano mountains from three guns trail.
Near Three Guns to Embudito Trailhead
Barrel Cacti blossom in beautiful spring color.
Near Three Guns to Embudito Trailhead
The view on Embudito Trail about 2 miles up.
Near Three Guns to Embudito Trailhead
Embudito Canyon

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Three Guns to Embudito Trailhead

4.6 (5 Ratings)
A very scenic shuttle hike along the Tres Pistolas (Three Gun Springs) and Embudito Trail (192).
7.9
mi
Distance
2,486
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.94mi
Distance
2,486ft
Elevation Gain
2,562ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
8,473ft
High Point
6,239ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
In order to perform the hike as mapped, you'll need two vehicles to shuttle back and forth between the two trailheads; otherwise, you'll be in for a very long out-and-back! The hike begins at the Tres Pistolas (Three Gun Springs) trailhead north of Carnuel in high desert shrubs and cacti. From here, you make a moderate climb along the Tres Pistolas (Three Gun Springs) trail with a few switchbacks over two miles until reaching the southern ridge and running into the Embudo Trail. Continue on the Tres Pistolas (Three Gun Springs) trail for a relatively flat traverse along the side of the mountain until a moderate climb which brings you to the intersection with the Embudito Trail (192). At this point, you'll be in dense alpine vegetation, and the temperature will cool noticeably. At the intersection, hop on the Embudito Trail (192) for a nice descent through a dense valley until returning to high desert near the Embudito Trailhead.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Whitewash Loop

Hike Route

Whitewash Loop

Birding
strenuous
12.38 mi
+3,292 ft
Embudo Canyon

Hike Route

Embudo Canyon

River/Creek
strenuous
6.74 mi
+1,804 ft
Otero Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Otero Canyon Loop

Birding
moderate
5.39 mi
+620 ft
Birdhouse Loop

Hike Route

Birdhouse Loop

Birding
strenuous
7.07 mi
+940 ft
Domingo Baca Trail / TWA Flight 260 crash site

Hike Route

Domingo Baca Trail / TWA Flight 260 crash site

River/Creek
strenuous
6.7 mi
+2,204 ft
Sandia Crest to Sandia Peak Tramway Trail

Hike Route

Sandia Crest to Sandia Peak Tramway Trail

Views
easy
3.18 mi
+662 ft
Contributors
Matthew Earthman