*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 higher, northern section, add in sections of trails to balloon out for more views and to lead us to the crest of the Sandia Mountains.
Distance: 7 miles. Gain: 1100 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 at the northwest end of the parking lot.
Our path proceeds to roll along a sometimes forested, sometimes small-meadowed route that crosses the powerline to the crest at about ¾ mile, then the junction to the Osha Trail on the right at 1.8 miles. We’ll go straight another half-mile to a junction with the Ellis Trail at a long meadow. We’ll enter the Sandia Wilderness and go along the Ellis for a mile, affording sweeping vistas north and east of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristos, plus the nearer ranges out towards Madrid and the eastern plains.
Junctioning with the Osha Loop Trail (named for a plant with lovely lacy leaves, now seasonally yellowing), we pass the end of the Survey Trail and join the Crest Trail. We’re treated to a third of a mile of spectacular views west of the mountains of Albuquerque, Mt Taylor and more along the Del Agua crest before rejoining 10K. After lunch in a shady spot, we go back to the trailhead.
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
