Fisher community Trail
A lightning storm from the Fisher trail head.
Distance: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
The Fisher Trail provides a beautiful location for walkers who want a wilderness experience within walking distance of the center of Cuba. It begins at a parking area on the Cubita Road 1 mile north of the NM 197 junction. The trail follows contours of the side of a tree covered mesa uphill and downhill until it crosses a large arroyo. It then climbs to a ridge that leads to the nearest corner of Santa Fe National Forest. Cairns (large rock pile markers) end at this point. Ambitious hikers can continue through a break in the cliff to the top of Cuba Mesa. The trail crosses from pinon~juniper woodland to ponderosa-oak forest and provides striking views of sandstone cliffs, the Nacimiento Mountains and the Village of Cuba. Wildlife sightings are frequent here. Bring water.
Rito san jose trail
Cubita Road separates the Rito San Jose and Fisher Trails.
Distance: 1.0 mile
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Rito San Jose Trail provides a nice location for walkers who want a natural river terrace experience within walking distance of the center of Cuba. It begins at a parking area on the Cubita Road 1 mile north of the NM 197 junction and across from the Fisher Community Trail parking area. The trail runs east over a sage covered flat across a small drainage and then to the rim of a small canyon. Hikers can continue down a slope to a figure-of-eight loop along the willow-covered river terrace. The trail provides beautiful views of Cuba Mesa and the Nacimiento Mountains. The river terrace is a great place for early morning and late afternoon birdwatching. Bring water and a snack.