Cabezón Peak: The Giant's Head on the Horizon

Southwest of the balloon-filled skies of Albuquerque, a great stone head rises abruptly from the empty Rio Puerco valley. Cabezón Peak — Spanish for 'big head' — is a towering volcanic plug, a landmark visible for miles and a serious challenge for hikers willing to seek out its remote, rugged base.

A volcano's leftover core

Like Shiprock, Cabezón is the hardened throat of an ancient volcano, exposed as the softer land around it eroded away. It's the most prominent of dozens of such plugs dotting this volcanic field.

Cabezón looms over the empty valley like a sentinel left behind by a vanished volcano.

A demanding climb

Reaching the summit involves a steep, loose, and exposed scramble that is not for the casual walker. Those who make it are rewarded with staggering, uninterrupted views across the volcanic country and beyond.

Remote and quiet

The rough back roads that guard Cabezón keep the crowds away. This is solitude country — bring everything you need, tell someone your plans, and savor having a landmark almost entirely to yourself.

Field notes

• The summit scramble is steep and exposed — for experienced hikers.
• Access roads are rough; a capable vehicle helps.
• It's remote — carry ample water and tell someone your route.

Most travelers only ever see Cabezón as a distant silhouette. Get to its base, or brave its summit, and you'll experience a wilder, emptier New Mexico that rewards every mile of rough road it takes to reach.