Dog Canyon to Sunspot

Alamogordo, New Mexico, United States

19.6 miles (31.6 km) · 5,378 ft elevation gain · Loop · Route

Dog Canyon to Sunspot is a 19.6 mile loop route located in Alamogordo, New Mexico, United States. The route climbs 5,398 feet and descends 5,362 feet. The largest climb extends 5.5 miles, gaining 1,772 feet. The course averages 275 feet of vertical gain per mile. 50% of the route can be run, with walking required on steeper grades. Terrain difficulty is rated as very hilly. Difficulty is rated 17.9 out of 10, placing it in the 84.1th percentile. This route serves runners seeking varied terrain.

Route facts

Distance	19.6 mi (31.6 km)
Elevation gain	5,378 ft (1,639 m)
Average gain	274 ft per mile (52 m per km)
Longest climb	9.7 mi, 4,760 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	64.4%
Runnable	50% of the route
Climbs / descents	2 climbs, 2 descents
Profile shape	Up, then down
Difficulty score	14.9 of 100
Route shape	Loop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	12%
Mild uphill	15%
Moderate uphill	4%
Steep uphill	23%
Mild downhill	16%
Moderate downhill	6%
Steep downhill	22%

Questions about Dog Canyon to Sunspot

How much elevation gain does Dog Canyon to Sunspot have?

Dog Canyon to Sunspot has 5,378 ft (1,639 m) of elevation gain over 19.6 miles (31.6 km). That averages 274 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Dog Canyon to Sunspot?

The difficulty score for Dog Canyon to Sunspot is 14.9 of 100. That is harder than 83.1% of routes at a similar distance. About 50% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Dog Canyon to Sunspot?

The longest climb on Dog Canyon to Sunspot runs 9.7 miles (15.6 km) and gains 4,760 ft (1,451 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 64.4%.