Per reports from hikers, a portion of the main NNML route along Midnight Trail #81 in Section 5 (approx MP 18.2 to 21.4) features hundreds of large blowdowns, rendering the trail essentially impassable following a severe winter wind storm. Because Midnight Trail is the only trail allowing for an easterly exit from Latir Peak Wilderness, the trail damage forces a larger detour, potentially missing this fantastic wilderness area altogether. This alternate route offers a way to keep Latir on the itinerary by forming a loop spur of the Wilderness from the Cabresto Lake trailhead off FR 134 (Section 5 mile 6-7). Then, back at FR 134 after completing the loop, one can continue south on trails over Elephant Rock in order to reach the town of Red River sooner than otherwise and avoid additional roadwalking along FR 134. Distances from Questa to Red River along the original main route and new bypass approach are, conveniently, about the same (33-35 miles), so no changes need be made for planning purposes. Please refer to the waypoints on the map for additional details and follow the large arrow icons to get a sense of the direction of travel when thru-hiking the NNML clockwise in the spring season.