The best walks and hikes around Church Rock
5.0
(1)
22
hikers
5
hikes
Hiking around Church Rock offers routes through a landscape characterized by towering sandstone spires and layered cliffs. The region, particularly within Red Rock Park, provides sweeping views of the surrounding canyons. This area is known for its distinctive geological formations, showcasing millions of years of natural processes.
Best hiking trails around Church Rock
- The most popular hiking route is Pyramid Rock β Red Rock Park, a 4.6 miles (7.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 9 minutes to complete.β¦
Last updated: May 14, 2026
1
hikers
2.33km
00:37
20m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
hikers
7.37km
02:09
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
4.77km
01:19
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
3.29km
00:58
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
7.93km
02:20
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The North Hogback Trail is well marked with signs and cairns. The dirt path features some switchbacks near the trailhead, but then becomes easier. The beautiful view from the top is well worth the hike.
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North Hogback Trailhead has some parking on a dirt pull off from the dirt road, which is popular with ATVs. There are also signs showing the trails here.
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Church Rock Loop is a trail best taken in a clockwise direction, as indicated by the signs. This trail has hikers walking on a larger rock rather than a traditional path at some points. If you're not comfortable placing your foot in small cutouts and climbing a staircase-like feature, it is best to avoid the Church Rock Loop, but the Church Rock Stem is still a great, traditional trail to enjoy. There are four sections with gains of a few hundred feet in elevation, with steps carved into the rocks. At the top, the trail flattens out more, and hikers can follow cairns the rest of the way.
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The Church Rock Stem Trail leads to Church Rock Loop, winding through red rock formations and desert scrub. This area witnessed the largest uranium spill in U.S. history in 1979, releasing more radioactivity than the Three Mile Island accident just four months earlier.
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Red Rock Park is Gallupβs most popular parks and recreation system, nestled among red cliffs created over 200 million years ago. The park has a convention center, rodeo grounds with horse stalls, a museum, and campgrounds.
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Pyramid Rock, part of the Navajo Nation, can be reached by a Pyramid Rock Trail that leads to the summit of the peak, providing stunning views. At the top, a sign indicates the distance to cities like LA, Miami, New York, Seattle, and Albuquerque.
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The Pyramid Rock Trail offers a steep climb with stunning views. The well-marked path leads hikers through wild sagebrush, sandstone rocks, and trees like juniper and pine. Plenty of parking is available near the southern base of Red Rocks Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of landscape can I expect when hiking around Church Rock?
Hiking around Church Rock, specifically within Red Rock Park in New Mexico, offers a landscape characterized by towering sandstone spires and layered cliffs. You'll experience sweeping views of the surrounding canyons, showcasing millions of years of natural geological processes. The terrain often includes packed dirt and slick rock.
How many hiking trails are available in the Church Rock area?
There are 4 distinct hiking routes available around Church Rock, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These include easy loops and more moderate climbs through the unique sandstone landscape.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Church Rock offers easy trails suitable for families and those looking for a less strenuous hike. The Church Rock Loop β Red Rock Park is an easy 4.8 km path that provides a varied loop through Red Rock Park. Another easy option is the Jagged Edge & North Hogback Loop β Rehoboth, a 3.3 km trail.
What are some moderate hiking options for more experienced hikers?
For those seeking a moderate challenge, the Pyramid Rock β Red Rock Park trail is a popular choice. This 7.4 km route features significant elevation gain and offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Another moderate option is the Pyramid Rock Trail β Pyramid Rock loop from Church Rock, which is 7.9 km long.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Church Rock?
The trails in Church Rock are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning views of the sandstone spires and surrounding canyons, as well as the well-marked paths within Red Rock Park.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions to see near the hiking trails?
Yes, the Church Rock area is rich in natural and historical attractions. You can explore Red Rock Park itself, which is home to the iconic Church Rock formation. The nearby city of Gallup also offers historical sites like the El Rancho Hotel & Motel.
Is the Church Rock Trail suitable for mountain biking?
While the Church Rock Trail in Red Rock Park is primarily known for hiking, some areas with similar terrain in Southern Utah (near St. George) are popular for both mountain bikers and hikers. For the specific trails listed in this guide, they are designated for hiking, but the varied terrain can be enjoyed by different outdoor enthusiasts.
What is the elevation gain like on the Church Rock trails?
The elevation gain varies depending on the trail. For instance, the easy Church Rock Loop β Red Rock Park has an elevation gain of about 80 meters. More moderate routes like Pyramid Rock β Red Rock Park involve a more significant climb, with an elevation gain of over 200 meters.
Are the trails around Church Rock well-marked?
Yes, particularly within Red Rock Park, the trails are generally well-marked with signs and cairns, making navigation straightforward for hikers.
Can I find circular walking routes in the Church Rock area?
Yes, there are circular routes available. The Church Rock Loop β Red Rock Park is an easy circular path, and the Jagged Edge & North Hogback Loop β Rehoboth also offers a loop experience.
What is the best time of year to hike around Church Rock?
While specific seasonal details are not provided, the desert landscape of Church Rock in New Mexico generally makes spring and fall ideal for hiking, offering milder temperatures compared to the heat of summer or potential cold of winter.
Most popular attractions around Church Rock
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