Hiking Third and Second Mesa Loop Trail

A real estate management professional in the small Northwestern New Mexico town of Mentmore, New Mexico, Drita Bronkey serves as a consultant with Zemer Property Management Consultants. When she isn’t working, Drita Bronkey is an avid hiker.

A scenic desert loop in the greater Mentmore area, the Third and Second Mesa Loop Trail covers 12 miles and supports mountain bikers and runners, as well as hikers. It also allows dogs, both on and off leash.

The trail weaves around and stretches up and down two desert mesas. Hikers travel through terrain that is sandy, rocky, and covered with various forms of vegetation. After climbing to the top of the highest mesa through several switchbacks, they encounter rolling terrain that is dotted with unique and striking rock features. In the lowlands on the return section of the loop, hikers cross over exposed rock ledges and pass through a cairn garden. Zia Rides uses the Third and Second Mesa Loop Trail as the site of its annual Dawn Til' Dusk event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Gallup’s Bikemobile program.