Continental Divide Trail: New Mexico Section 15

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail spans some 3,100 miles across 5 states from Mexico to Canada. The trail travels through the Rocky Mountains, exploring a vast array of different environments and landscapes along the way. The New Mexico portion of the trail features 820 miles of diverse hiking from the desolate Chihuahuan Desert in the south, to the unique Canyons of the Gila River, to the Rocky Mountains in the north. Exploring the Continental Divide Trail can be done as a single thru hike that will take 4-6 months, or by section hiking smaller segments. In this guide we'll look at New Mexico Section 15.Section 15 begins by following Forest Road 3070 for a short distance, then veers off onto single track trail (keep an eye open for this turn, it's an easy one to miss). What follows is a stretch of fairly strenuous hiking with lots of ups and downs.One popular alternate is available on this section and will save some ups and downs. It is the Govina Canyon Alternate. The alternate starts off fairly straightforward by following a forest road into the canyon. There are some easy to miss turns however, so pay attention to the GPX track. You'll reach a cow pond which is the only water source for a while. Continue following the road but watch for an easy to miss right hand turn onto single track. The trail is defined but not frequently travelled. Follow the trail up and out of canyon while keeping an eye out for a few more easy to miss turns.The alternate then rejoins the official CDT.Once back on the official CDT you'll climb to the (almost) summit of Wagontongue Mountain, then descend with great views. After the initial descent you'll join a sandy road for a bit then veer off on single track trail again. You'll come to a gravel road junction where you can turn right to Aragon well, an important water source. Then from the well it is just a short walk out to Highway 12 and the end of New Mexico Section 15.