Cookes Peak
A dramatic granodiorite laccolith offering a challenging hike and breathtaking panoramic views of southwestern New Mexico.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Cookes Peak
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic granodiorite laccolith offering a challenging hike and breathtaking panoramic views of southwestern New Mexico.
"It looks daunting and intimidating, but it is not as bad as I anticipated. The view is spectacular!"
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Recommended
The road to the trailhead can be rough. A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is best, or be ready for a longer hike!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear outdoor pants and shoes with good grip for the scramble. Trail runners or hiking boots are ideal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Scramble
Upper section of the trail
Conquer the thrilling Class 3 rock scramble for a rewarding, adrenaline-pumping ascent to the peak.
Panoramic Summit Views
Cookes Peak summit
Behold breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the New Mexican landscape, stretching as far as El Paso on clear days.
Historic Marker & Registry
Cookes Peak summit
Sign the summit registry and appreciate the historical significance of this peak, a marker for travelers for centuries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Access
What to Pack & When to Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Recommended
The road to the trailhead can be rough. A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is best, or be ready for a longer hike!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear outdoor pants and shoes with good grip for the scramble. Trail runners or hiking boots are ideal.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is a challenging hike. Stay hydrated! Pack more water than you think you'll need.
⬆️ Trail is Well-Marked
Excellent cairns mark the route, especially helpful when the trail gets confusing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Recommended
The road to the trailhead can be rough. A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is best, or be ready for a longer hike!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear outdoor pants and shoes with good grip for the scramble. Trail runners or hiking boots are ideal.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is a challenging hike. Stay hydrated! Pack more water than you think you'll need.
⬆️ Trail is Well-Marked
Excellent cairns mark the route, especially helpful when the trail gets confusing.
⏱️ Allow Ample Time
Plan for several hours for the climb, plus time to enjoy the summit and descent.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cookes Peak is a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike with spectacular summit views. While the road to the trailhead can be rough, the well-marked trail and the thrilling Class 3 scramble make it a memorable adventure. Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the breathtaking panoramas, though the difficulty of the final ascent is a key consideration.
"Cookes Peak is an unmistakably familiar feature in the New Mexican southwestern region. Sharp eyes on a clear day can see it as far as the Transmountain overlook on the west side (El Paso).
Cookes Peak is a laccolith mass. This granodite tower is between 39.9 - 37.7 million years old. It is the highest peak in the Cookes Range with its summit at 8404 ft. It was named after Captain Philip St. George Cooke. The peak also served as a marker for water for those traveling through here for the Native and American travelers alike.
It looks daunting and intimidating, but it is not as bad as I anticipated. Regardless, definitely plan for a few hours worth of climbing and a few more for enjoying the summit and climb down. You can get away with wearing shorts on this hike, but wouldn't hurt to wear pants made for outdoors/activity. 5.11 plants for example. Surprisingly there is a trail with excellent cairns that mark the route. They come in very handy when the trail gets confusing. Getting to the trailhead might be difficult depending on what you drive. We ended up parking 1.5 miles away due to the toad's terrain being unfavorable. There is a section towards the top that'll require you to scramble up a large segment of rock wall at a very steep incline, but it's very doable if you're physically able. It would be fair to rate it at Class 3. It's all well worth it! The view is spectacular! There's also plenty of Lady Bugs to keep you company up there. Don't forget to sign the registry as you take it all in. Definitely a fun challenge.
Plan ahead. This will take a few hours. Bring what you need and stay safe. Respect the land."
Alexander “Polar Bear” O'Connor
"The hike to the peak offers a completely different challenge and experience depending which route you take.
10/10 take the time to make it to the top! Spent the night on one trip and got to behold a lightning storm on the horizon from the ridge."
Just_2 Nightengales
"Very pretty, but road is deceiving. Sorry way too much time on my hands driving through NM. ;-)"
Cory
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessible via a dirt road. Depending on your vehicle, you might need to park 1.5 miles away and hike in due to the rough terrain.
A high-clearance vehicle or 4WD is recommended for the road leading to the trailhead.
Cookes Peak is located south of Silver City and north of Deming, making it a notable landmark in the southwestern New Mexico region.
Yes, on a clear day, Cookes Peak is visible from the Transmountain overlook on the west side of El Paso.
No, the road leading to the trailhead is unpaved and can be quite rough, requiring careful navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees mentioned for Cookes Peak, as it appears to be a natural landmark accessible to the public.
Cookes Peak is an outdoor natural area, so it is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety.
No advance booking is required for Cookes Peak. It's a natural hike, not a ticketed attraction.
Yes, Cookes Peak is generally open year-round, but weather conditions can affect road and trail accessibility, especially in winter.
No specific permits are mentioned for hiking Cookes Peak. However, always practice Leave No Trace principles.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered challenging, especially the final Class 3 scramble up a steep rock wall. It requires good physical fitness.
The trail is marked with excellent cairns, but the terrain can be confusing in parts. The final section is a steep rock scramble.
Plan for several hours for the round trip, plus additional time to enjoy the summit views and sign the registry.
Wear durable outdoor pants and sturdy shoes with good traction. Shorts are possible, but outdoor activity pants are recommended.
There are no developed amenities at Cookes Peak. It's a natural area, so be prepared to be self-sufficient.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The rock formations and the challenging scramble also make for dramatic shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer colors.
Regulations for drone usage in natural areas can vary. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions.
Keep an eye out for ladybugs, which are often found on the summit, and the unique geological formations of the laccolith.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families seeking a less strenuous experience, exploring the base of the Cookes Range or enjoying the views from a distance might be more appropriate. If you do decide to hike, ensure children are well-hydrated and supervised closely, especially during the rock scrambling section. The presence of ladybugs on the summit can be a fun point of interest for kids.
⛰️ Experienced Hikers & Climbers
For those looking for an extended experience, spending a night on one of the ridges has been mentioned as an option, offering the chance to witness unique weather phenomena like lightning storms from a spectacular vantage point. The peak's geological significance and historical role as a marker also add depth to the experience for those interested in natural history and exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and History of Cookes Peak
This geological formation not only shapes the visual appeal of the region but also influences the hiking experience. The rugged terrain and the challenging final ascent are direct results of its volcanic origins. Understanding its history adds a layer of appreciation for the endurance of those who traversed this land centuries ago.
The peak's significance as a navigational aid underscores its importance in the region's past. Its imposing presence would have been a welcome sight for weary travelers seeking direction and resources in the vast desert. Today, it continues to draw visitors seeking adventure and a connection to the area's natural and historical heritage.
Navigating the Cookes Peak Trail
The most notable feature of the ascent is the final scramble. This section involves navigating a large rock wall at a very steep incline, often rated as Class 3. While physically demanding, it is described as very doable for those who are reasonably fit. The effort is consistently rewarded with spectacular views from the top, making the challenging climb well worth the exertion.
Hikers are advised to wear appropriate gear, such as outdoor activity pants and shoes with good grip. Planning for several hours for the entire hike, including time to savor the summit, is essential. Respecting the natural environment by packing out all trash is also a key aspect of the visitor experience.
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