We’re organizing a rewarding two-night backpacking trip into the beautiful and rugged Handies Peak Group—and we invite fellow LA Mountaineers to join us! We’ll explore the high basins and peaks of the San Juan Mountains, with the opportunity to summit several Centennial peaks, including Handies Peak (14,048 ft), Redcloud Peak (14,034 ft), and Sunshine Peak (14,001 ft). For those looking to push further, there’s also the option to climb two unnamed Centennial Thirteeners just east of Redcloud. Expect incredible alpine scenery, wildflowers, solitude—and early starts!
We will meet at the ski hill parking lot and begin hiking up the service road at 5:00 PM. Please bring a dish to share, your own plate, utensils, and beverage. We will share dinner and at the picnic table overlooking the Rio Grande Valley.The weather at the top of the mountain can be much cooler, and the weather can change quickly. Carrying warmer clothing and rain gear is recommended.
07/21/25: Sorry, cancelled due to impacts of the nearby fire
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Inspired by two nice visits about 8 years ago, I have arranged a return to Gallina Canyon Ranch. I know of no place that is this remote and yet so close - just 2 - 2 1/2 hours - from Los Alamos.
This is a trip to Adak Island, in the Central Aleutians of the Aleutian Island Chain. I have chosen Adak for ease of access - you can fly there with Alaska Airlines. For reference, I paid ca. $1,500 for my roundtrip ticket from ABQ (August 9-20, 2025).
Due to a car accident and police/fire investgation, the Camp May Road was closed for several hours. I am rescheduling the missed hike for tomorrow, Saturday, evening. We will meet at the ski hill parking lot and begin hiking up the service road at 5:00 PM. Please bring a dish to share, your own plate, utensils, and beverage.
We will meet at the ski hill parking lot and begin hiking up the service road at 5:00 PM this coming Friday. Please bring a dish to share with fellow hikers, your own plate, utensils, and beverage. The hike up takes about an hour and is an elevation gain of about 900 feet.. Be prepared for cooler weather or the possibility of rain at the top as we enjoy a meal together and specatcular views.
I'll be covering for Ellen for the August 1 ski hill hike. We will meet at the ski hill parking lot and start hiking up the service road at 5:00 PM. Please bring a dish to share with others, your own plate, utensils, and beverage. This hike has an elevation gain of about 900 feet. The temperature at the top can be much cooler so bringing something warmer to wear is recommended. Rain is often a possiblity so including rain gear is also recommended.
We will meet at the ski hill parking lot and start hiking up the service road at 5:00 PM. Please bring a dish to share with others, your own plate, utensils, and beverage. This hike has an elevation gain of about 900 feet. The temperature at the top can be much cooler so bringing something warmer to wear is recommended. Rain is oftern a possiblity so including rain gear is also recommended.
If there is a cancelation due to inclement weather, a determination will be made by 4:20 PM. Please RSVP via my email address if you plan to attend.
This is a trip to introduce folks who enjoy being in wild places to the mania of fly fishing. You should have some experience in backpacking and the necessary kit. You do not need to be an experienced fly fisher, but you will need a fly rod, reel, leader, tippet and imitation flys. Some exposure to fly fishing would be helpful but is not necessary. A pre trip planning and organizational meeting will be held Wednesday July 9th at the library at 5:30 a week in advance of the trip. The trip is limited to six participants.
The next Friday evening Ski Hill Potluck Hike is scheduled for July 18th. We will meet at the ski hill parking lot and begin hiking up the service road at 5:00 PM. Please bring some food to share, your own plate and utensils, and your own beverage. The weather can be much cooler at the top. Warmer clothing is recommended along with raingear.
If there is a cancellation due to weather conditions, I will send out a message by 4:30 PM.
