*Please carefully read the entire posting before signing up.*
The 10K Trail weaves around its eponymous altitude, somewhat under two miles high. Our Humanists New Mexico Hiking Special Interest Group adventure will explore the lower, southern section, a nice forested trail with meadowed stretches that leads to the crest of the Sandia Mountains.
Distance: 5 miles. Gain: 1000 feet.
Our hike will begin at an official trailhead, near mile marker 11 on the Crest Highway. Right now, this is where the road is closed due to US Forest Service fuel clearing and remedial work nearer the Crest. (Weekday parking is usually available to the north, comfort station too). The trail is mostly shaded and starts across the road, going left and downhill, junction to the Challenge Trail to the right. Challenge and 10K are coincident here, the same route continuing southeast to a junction with the Double Eagle Trail where we’ll take the left. At the next intersection the 10K goes its own way to the right.
Our path then proceeds to roll along a sometimes forested, sometimes meadowed route that crosses 9 ski paths that vary in width from 50 to 300 feet, before resuming a forest route that at nearly 2-1/2 miles joins the Tree Spring Trail coming up from the left. We’ll go right another tenth of a mile to the Crest. We’ll stop here, relax, refuel and then retrace our route down slope back to the trailhead. Our hike’s climb of 1000 feet will be rewarded by spectacular views to the west of the Sandias and Albuquerque. Expect seasonal wildflowers. Possible viewable animal life ranges from Abert’s squirrels (common) to bears (rare).
MEETING PLACE AND CARPOOL: Let’s meet at Smith’s Tramway and Central in the SW corner of the parking lot and travel together. The trailhead parking does need a pass, so bring your America the Beautiful card for your driver to display.
Please keep cell phones silenced during our hike.
NOTE: Hiking involves risks. You need to be sufficiently fit and properly equipped with poles, hiking boots, sun-protective clothing, water, nutrition and sunscreen. You are responsible for your own safety.
CANCEL: The promise of rain or adverse weather and road conditions will cancel this event.
IMPORTANT: If you sign up, please remember that the leader has you on a list and you have a responsibility to keep him informed of your plans so as not to cause delays and confusion on the day of the hike if you don’t join us at the meeting place. This can be done by text or call to his phone or comments on the Meetup posting.
Questions? Contact Derek 310-870-3133
