*Please carefully read the entire posting before signing up.*
These are two shorter trails at mid-altitudes in the Sandias that feature great views to the north and east as well as attractions such as seasonal wildflowers.
Tecolote distance approx 2-1/2 miles, gain 300 feet.
Capulin distance approx 1 mile, gain 250 feet
Us wise old owls (the trail name is Spanish for the bird) will hike Tecolote first. We’ll park at the dirt area just past mile marker 6 on the Crest Highway. The trail proceeds past an abandoned comfort station before ascending a couple of switchbacks. Then it opens up, affording views down to the west and even better ones east. We follow a short loop before retracing our route to the cars.
Capulin Peak Trail starts at the Capulin Spring Snow Play Area and goes down and north at first, before ascending to the trail’s high point on the summit. The peak was the site of a USFS lookout tower that burned down in 1948. The moniker is Spanish for the chokecherry tree, which can be found in the mountains.
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
