Pyramid Rock

Pyramid Rock at Red Rock Park is a great trail to hike on a quick stop while traveling on Interstate 40. The Pyramid Trail is a 3.5-mile out-and-back trail that is part of a complex trail system that the city of Gallup, New Mexico, maintains. The trail takes a couple of hours and is easy to find right off of the interstate. There are scenic views of the red rock formations that inspired the animators of "Cars," the Disney/Pixar movie. There are two main trails in the park, Pyramid and Church trails, and each trail has signage to the designated parking area that makes them easy to find. 

The Pyramid Trail ascends the whole way up the spire. The first quarter mile of the trail is simple to follow and then traverses an exposed rock face that is easy to walk on and marked with crains. After about three-quarters of a mile the trail opens up atop a mesa. After about a mile hikers will see the landscape to the north, and it shows miles and miles of New Mexico countryside, high desert combined with red rocks. Hikers should keep following the well-maintained trail up the backside of the spire. Once at the top, there is a 360-degree view of the landscape that dominates the area. The view is stunning even if part of it includes hotels and a casino. It’s amazing to look at the open landscape and the railroad and the interstate that give thousands of people a day the ability to travel across the country.  

After enjoying the views, continue back the way you came. If you have the time, there are additional trails that connect Pyramid Rock to Church Rock as well as other trails in the Gallup Area. This is a great way to spend lunch or stretch your legs if you are traveling for several hours from either Albuquerque to the east or Flagstaff from the west.