The hike begins at an elevation of approximately 8,320 feet at the Nogal Trailhead located in upper Nogal Canyon. The path climbs gently up Nogal Canyon Trail (48) onto the ridge forming the east-west watershed divide. The route follows Tortolita Canyon Trail (54) behind Nogal Peak to the intersection with Crest Trail (25). The hike continues east on Crest Trail (25) to the junction with Forest Service Road 108 and then north on this road back to the trailhead.

To reach the trailhead, take Hwy 48 north out of Ruidoso approximately 10 miles to the junction with Hwy 37. Turn left onto Hwy 37 and go approximately 9 miles to the intersection with United States Forest Service (USFS) Road 400 just before the village of Nogal. Turn left onto USFS Road 400 (Nogal Canyon Road) and go approximately 8 miles to the trailhead located at the upper end of Nogal Canyon. The trailhead is situated about 100 yards past the point where USFS Road 108 leaves the bottom of Nogal Canyon and begins to switchback up the slope toward the Bonito Creek drainage. USFS Road 400 is a good County-maintained dirt road for the first 4 miles but deteriorates over the last 4 miles. The road is marginally passable by car. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

Upon reaching the trailhead, notice a mine tunnel sunk into the canyon wall on the north side of the creek. The mine is approximately 30 feet deep and was driven into altered andesite with a high pyrite content. The bottom of the mine typically stands in water.

The hike begins by ascending Nogal Canyon Trail (48) for 1.25 miles to the intersection with Tortolita Canyon Trail (54). Although the trail climbs 800 feet over the 1.25 miles, the grade is gentle and the hiking is easy. A fence stretches as far as the eye can see around the entire upper part of Nogal Canyon. Not only does it detract from the wilderness setting, but one must wonder why a few livestock interests seem to be more important than managing the area as a true wilderness for the majority of users who come to the area. Food for thought.

Turn west onto Tortolita Canyon Trail (54) and proceed for 1.5 miles around the steep slope as Nogal Peak literally towers over the trail. The cliffs along the trail are the weathered remains of andesitic lava and ash flows. The trail is rocky through this area but well defined. The deep chasm below the trail is Water Canyon. This canyon drops almost 3,000 feet in 2.5 miles as it stretches from Nogal Peak to the floor of the Tularosa Basin.

Upon reaching the intersection with Crest Trail (25) on the ridge southwest of Nogal Peak, turn east on the Crest Trail. This intersection is marked with a sign. Follow Crest Trail (25) for approximately 2 miles as it contours along the south side of Nogal Peak. This section of trail is relatively flat and easy to hike. Take time to soak in the view of the upper Bonito Creek drainage.

The Crest Trail terminates at the junction with USFS Road 108. Follow this road north for about 1 mile as it switchbacks down into Nogal Canyon to return to the original trailhead.

The best camping locations along this loop are in upper Nogal Canyon and on the ridge between Water and Nogal Canyons. Water is intermittently present in Nogal Canyon near the trailhead but otherwise is nonexistent along the remainder of the loop. Plan on packing water for any type of overnight camping. A minimum of two quarts of water per person should be carried for the loop hike.

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