Twining Campground Loop via Long Canyon Trail #63 and Gold Hill Trail #64(edit)

Overview

This route to Gold Hill, the highest peak in the Columbine Hondo Wilderness, provides great views of the Taos Valley Ski Area and Wheeler Peak. It passes some interesting mining ruins.
Access to the trailhead is easy with plenty of parking at the Ski area. Because of this it has been a popular loop.

Yet the severe winds of December 2021 have left severe blowdown on both trails. A number of hikers I have talked to made attempts and decided to turn back. You may want to find out if the trails have been cleared before making the trek.

My mileage was 10.8 to the summit while the listed distance is 8.4. I assume the difference was my numerous and strenuous walk-arounds the timber piles.

Gold Hill is a wonderful destination. You might consider taking the Columbine Trail to the Deer Creek Trail to the summit. It is a well built trail with little blow down as of July, 2022. The trailhead is east of Questa on New Mexico 38.