Sandia Knife's Edge of the Shield – Chimney Canyon Variation

Sandoval County, New Mexico, United States

9.2 miles (14.8 km) · 3,056 ft elevation gain · Loop · trail · Route

Sandia Knife's Edge of the Shield – Chimney Canyon Variation is a 9.2 mile loop route located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, United States. The route climbs 4,010 feet and descends 4,019 feet. The longest climb spans 2.5 miles with 1,485 feet of gain. Elevation gain averages 438 feet per mile. 30% of the route can be run, with walking required on steeper grades. Surface conditions are primarily trail. The course features mountainous terrain. The course difficulty of 43.2 puts it in the top 1.3% of challenging routes at this distance. This route serves both trail runners training for ultras and hikers exploring New Mexico.

Route facts

Distance	9.2 mi (14.8 km)
Elevation gain	3,056 ft (932 m)
Average gain	332 ft per mile (63 m per km)
Longest climb	4.9 mi, 2,698 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	40.3%
Runnable	32% of the route
Climbs / descents	2 climbs, 1 descents
Profile shape	Steady descent
Difficulty score	19 of 100
Surface	trail
Route shape	Loop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	7%
Mild uphill	7%
Moderate uphill	10%
Steep uphill	30%
Mild downhill	7%
Moderate downhill	10%
Steep downhill	29%

Questions about Sandia Knife's Edge of the Shield – Chimney Canyon Variation

How much elevation gain does Sandia Knife's Edge of the Shield – Chimney Canyon Variation have?

Sandia Knife's Edge of the Shield – Chimney Canyon Variation has 3,056 ft (932 m) of elevation gain over 9.2 miles (14.8 km). That averages 332 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Sandia Knife's Edge of the Shield – Chimney Canyon Variation?

The difficulty score for Sandia Knife's Edge of the Shield – Chimney Canyon Variation is 19 of 100. That is harder than 89.5% of routes at a similar distance. About 32% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Sandia Knife's Edge of the Shield – Chimney Canyon Variation?

The longest climb on Sandia Knife's Edge of the Shield – Chimney Canyon Variation runs 4.9 miles (7.9 km) and gains 2,698 ft (822 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 40.3%.