Chaves County High Point Trip Report
One Tree Peak
Date: April 21, 2000
Author: John Mitchler
Named after a lone giant Ponderosa pine at the entrance to Sunflower Canyon, this peak was gained by a
one mile stroll on a faint two-track up the grassy gully (canyon) and a steep walk an additional half-mile
up through Juniper and pine to the rounded grass summit. Just before reaching a large yellow water tank,
we veered off the trail and bushwhacked straight up from a bathtub serving as a cattle refreshment stand.
One Tree can be seen sticking out head and shoulders above the other peaks on the north-south ridge line
and offers a fine view to the west of higher ranges in the Lincoln National Forest.
From the south, take NM24 north from Pinon to FR176 (Dog Canyon Road) and drive 7 miles to the
Sunflower Canyon sign. About 200' north of the sign, there is a gate in the fence that serves a ranch road
into the canyon. If approaching from the north, FR176 (Cuervo Canyon Road) is 0.1 miles south of
Dunken off NM24 to the west. The faint Sunflower Canyon sign can be reached in 13 miles. The map
and local signs, indicate that One Tree is on National Forest lands.
The land appears to be leased for grazing.