Carson National Forest is still open to hiking, but under Stage II fire restrictions, so no campfires (stoves are ok). I have not been to that area, so this is somewhat exploratory, and I'm open to deviate from the suggested plan. My plan is to meet at Sullivan Field at 7:30 AM on Saturday, June 9, drive to Cabresto Trailhead (about 2.5 hours or a little less) and start hiking Lake Fork Trail. At the junction with Bull Creek (about 2 miles), we remain on #82 and head to Heart Lake (11,500 ft) where we set up camp (about 2.5 miles, total elevation gain from TH is 2,300 ft).
We'll hike a lovely trail that follows Rito de la Olla about 5 miles to Bernardin Lake (may be dry). Known for its wildflower-filled meadows, the hike starts at 8600 feet and has an elevation change of about 850 feet, usually with few hikers. It's a 90 minute ride to the trailhead, so let's meet at the White Rock Y at 7 a.m. to beat the heat and arrange for carpooling. If all hikers are interested, we may stop for a mid-afternoon dinner at 5-Star where any pooches are welcome on the patio.
In an exploration of a New Mexico classic that I’ve never done, this hike will take the standard route up Hermit Peak on Saturday, May 26, which is Memorial Day. Hermit Peak, at the southeastern corner of the Pecos Wilderness, is a rocky sentinel reaching 10,212 feet that looks out over the high plains of northeastern New Mexico. We will hike out and back to the summit, for a total of 2,700 vertical feet and 8 miles round trip. The hike is via a good trail.
This hike has beautiful views almost the entire way. It's about a total of 4 miles and we will go to the tip of the Mesa and admire the view. We will meet at 9:30 a.m. and will be finished by noon. Meet east of Red Jackson dressage area which is east of Brewer Arena which is at the bottom of the road where the horse stables are. If you don't have a car, I have room for 3.
Once more into the Canyon Country! For our spring 2018 trip, I have arranged with BJ Orozco of Llama2Boot to shuttle us to a camp on The Gulch, which is actually a clear-water stream a few miles upstream from the Escalante River. This will be a cool and comfortable destination for a mid-May trip. We’ve worried about warm weather in previous Mays, but actually haven’t run into much, and have had our share of cool or even snowy weather instead. There is complex slickrock in many directions from this camp, so there will be plenty to explore in our 5 days of wilderness hiking.
Visit the fantastical spires, columns, and mesas of Plaza Blanca, immortalized by Georgia O'Keefe in her painting "From the White Place." We'll ramble through narrow canyons, climb up on mesas for amazing views, and visit some human earth installations rock art (?) near Abiquiu. The hike may involve some scrambling if you wish, and will be up to 5 miles. Bring plenty of water, food, and sunscreen (there is not much shade). Carpool from the White Rock Y at 7:30. We should be back by 1:30 or 2. Please contact one of the trip leaders to save your spot.
Time for a cooler mountain hike! We'll start at the Coyote Call Trailhead, and hike over to St. Peters Dome Road via the Alamo Boundary Trail. On the way back, we'll attempt a climb up Scooter Peak (elevation change of about 600 ft over a rougher 1-mile trail). The route covers about 5.5 miles total. Meet at Sullivan Field at 8:30.
NOTICE: No dogs allowed, half of the hike is on Bandelier National Monument. I am sorry about not being able to take the furry four-footeds!
This is a request for feedback from the LA Mountaineers.
Are you interested in learning about backpacking, and going on a beginner backpack trip? If so, send me an email, and I will organize a get-together (probably a weekday evening) to discuss gear and training. It should be possible to borrow needed equipment from other LAM members or perhaps to rent gear. Then we will schedule an overnight trip to a local spot (perhaps Bandelier, or Water Canyon) to try out gear and hiking.
