*Please carefully read the entire posting before signing up.*
It’s autumn and the colors are changing! Our Humanists New Mexico Hiking Special Interest Group adventure will explore the higher, northern section of the 10K Trail, a nice forested trail with meadowed stretches that leads to the crest of the Sandias. That’s where we’ll see the largest aspen grove in the mountains from the Del Agua Overlook.
Distance: 5 miles. Gain: 800 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. Plentiful aspens here that we hope will hint at what’s ahead with their golden colors.
We continue another four-tenths mile and 150 feet gain to the Crest. We’ll stop there, relax, refuel and be wowed by the golden aspen grove cloaking the north slopes of Sandia’s North Peak.
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-and-rain-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
