Pedernal Hike

Join PEEC and the Los Alamos Mountaineers for an ascent of one of the seven peaks of the Northern New Mexico Peak Challenge.

Pedernal is a landmark visible throughout northern New Mexico, standing as a sentinel at the northern end of the Jemez Mountains. It was Georgia O'Keeffe's mountain, painted by her time after time. The summit is a classic destination and views from its 9,862' narrow top are spectacular. 

Reaching the summit takes a two-hour drive from Los Alamos and a hike of 8 miles round-trip with 2,000 feet of vertical ascent. A vertical 15-foot rock face a few minutes from the summit requires a short stretch of class 4 climbing. This section is option, folks who prefer to avoid it can wait at the base, having lunch and enjoying the views. In any case, this is a strenuous hike over a rough trail. Participants must be prepared and in shape.

Registration is required for this outing, and you must register via the PEEC website at https://peecnature.org/events/details/?id=29055; or in person at the Nature Center in Los Alamos. Space is limited to 12 people, so reserve your place soon!

Participants should meet at the Los Alamos Nature Center at 8:00 a.m. to carpool. Bring water and a hearty lunch and be prepared for any sort of weather. Participants must commit to an all-day outing. There will be an option to stop for dinner in Abiquiu after the hike on the way home to Los Alamos.

Admission: Free for Challenge registrants, PEEC members, and LAM members; $10/family or $5/person for non-members. 

The Northern New Mexico Peak Challenge is a collaboration between PEEC and the Los Alamos Mountaineers meant to challenge participants to climb seven iconic peaks of Northern New Mexico. You can participate in the Challenge on your own or through organized hikes like this one! Challenge finishers will receive an award coin and will be honored on PEEC's website. It costs $10 to register for the Challenge. Find out more about how to participate here.