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Ernst Tinaja Trail
Short trail perfect for all ages and has a high likelihood of wildlife sightings.
Plan Around Ernst Tinaja Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Ernst Tinaja Trail Details
The Ernst Tinaja Trail is definitely a park highlight. The 1.9-mile out and back trail shows off the area's uniquely colored and striped rocks and canyons. The highlight of the hike is the tinaja, which is a large hole in the earth. The tinaja stores water and has provided a source of life for animals and humans for thousands of years. Stay clear of the edge though, as many animals, including mountain lions, have been found drowned in the tinaja are they tried to get down to the water. That being said, be on the lookout for wildlife and birds, this is a great spot to catch them in action. To access the Ernst Tinaja Trail, follow the road west out of Rio Grande Village and take a right onto Old Ore Road after three miles. Stay on Old Ore Road for five miles and the trailhead will be on your right.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
1.9 miles
Estimated time
25 min
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Ernst Tinaja Trail
Compare nearby parks around Ernst Tinaja Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Ernst Tinaja Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Ernst Tinaja Trail while the map context is still fresh.
5.4 mi away
Historic Hot Spring
The park's oldest tourist attraction. You are still able to soak in the hot spring by following a 1 mile hiking loop.
5.4 mi away
Hot Spring Historic Area
The park's oldest tourist attraction. You are still able to soak in the hot spring by following a 1 mile hiking loop.
5.4 mi away
Daniel's Ranch Picnic Area
Great birding and a wonderful picnic spot.
5.8 mi away
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
Open from November - April, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., with a brief lunch-break closure.
6.0 mi away
Rio Grande Village
A bird watcher's paradise that now has a viewing platform from which to observe birds as well as other wildlife.
