This is the fifth annual spring climb to iconic Cabezon Peak.
Cabezon Peak towers 2000 feet above the Rio Puerco Valley. This volcanic plug is the remnant of the core of a volcano - like Shiprock. Appearing impregnable, Cabezon can nonetheless be ascended by the intrepid mountaineer who follows the hidden route that wends its way through a crack in the peak's defenses. Said mountaineer must be able to execute a couple of low fourth class maneuvers in pursuit of the summit and its spectacular views.
Trip participants are expected to be prepared for the level of technicality and the level of difficulty. Trip participants should be aware that outdoor activities such as this one, can be hazardous and involve danger to participants. By signing up for this trip, the participant is accepting any and all risks of injury and death. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver at the beginning of the trip.
We have picked new dates after previously postponing due to weather. The trip is full - participants who signed up in the fall will have the opportunity to secure your spot again. Please email if you'd like to be added to the waitlist.
The Los Alamos Mountaineers and PEEC are jointly sponsoring 2 classes on knots for rock climbing:
Rock Climbing Knots 101
March 11, 2025
6:30pm-8:30pm
Have you always wanted to learn how to tie safe, efficient, and correct knots? During this 2-hour, hands-on course, you will join Kei Davis and other instructors from the Los Alamos Mountaineers and learn the basics of climbing knots. This is the first of two classroom sessions on rock climbing knots, each of which are limited to 20 participants. Advance registration is required.
It's time to dust off the cobwebs and rappel down a canyon. Let's do Pajarito Gorge in White Rock. This is not a class or workshop… just a canyon descent. Prior rappelling experience is required, but not canyoneering experience. This canyon has four rappels, longest is about 120 feet. It is usually possible to do this canyon without getting your feet wet. The hike out has a bit of 3rd class scrambling in the sun. We may need to cancel at the last minute due to weather, but that's how it goes sometimes with canyoneering.
Join PEEC and the Los Alamos Mountaineers for an intermediate, point-to-point snowshoe or cross-country ski outing from the Las Conchas Trailhead to the East Fork Trailhead on Saturday, Feb 15. This trip will cover 4.5 miles and about 800 feet of elevation gain. It will be of intermediate difficulty and technicality and participants should be able to hike 5 miles in 2.5 hours comfortably and have previous experience snowshoeing or skiing. The use of snowshoes and skis will be weather-dependent.
Let's ski out to the Brazos Overlook while there is still snow on the ground. Looks to be sufficient snow as I skied near Cumbres Pass today (20250130). Temperatures are expected to be relatively warm for early February so plan appropriately. This is an activity best suited for cross-country touring skis. Waxless skiers will likely require glide. Waxing skiers will likely require magic. Bring lunch and prepare for highly variable temperatures.
After a huge start, things are not looking great for the New Mexico ski season. There is a classic solution to this problem - head north! I would like to propose a long weekend trip, staying in Pagosa Springs, and spending our days in winter sports - skiing at Wolf Creek, or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing wherever there is snow to be found. Wolf Creek currently has a 40" base, which is good enough for me. Although the January 6 storm was a disappointment, there is still hope - a Pagosa contact said on Jan 7 "We were there last Sat and there was still 2-4” powder in the trees.
