Rito San Jose Trail

The Rito San Jose Trail provides a nice location for walkers who want a natural river terrace experience within walking distance of the center of Cuba. It begins at a parking area on the Cubita Road 1 mile north of the NM 197 junction and across from the Fisher Community Trail parking area. The trail runs east over a sage covered flat across a small drainage and then to the rim of a small canyon. Hikers can continue down a slope to a figure-of-eight loop along the willow-covered river terrace. The trail provides beautiful views of Cuba Mesa and the Nacimiento Mountains. The river terrace is a great place for early morning and late afternoon birdwatching. Bring water and a snack.