Category Archives: Sandias, East

In the vicinity of the east slopes of the Sandia Mountains, NM.

Osha Spring Trail Hike – 08/31/2023

Back to Placitas to hike on another of the trails Jay and I have enjoyed. This one — Osha Spring Trail on the northeast corner of the Sandia Mountains.

The Drive In

The trailhead is on NM 165, the road that goes along the east side of the Sandia Mountains. One can get to the trailhead from the north or the south, but it is -very- rough especially from the south, from the Sandia Crest Highway NM 536. This road is not recommended for ‘city’ cars.

Thus I recommend – from the Bernalillo exit on I-25, take NM 165 eastbound through Placitas. The pavement ends at 9.3 miles where the road becomes very rough for 100 yards or so. Continue for two-tenths of a mile; after crossing a 2nd bridge look on the right for the start of the trail, a steep path up a short incline from the road. Turn around and park on the wider section of the road across from the trailhead. A few yards from the trailhead is a sign announcing the Osha Spring Trail.

The Hike

Osha Spring Trail Hike.Jay.2023-08-31

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Much of the trail is in the open sun through juniper and scraggly piñon pine trees. The trail surface is over rocky and gravelly ground (“ball bearing” Nancy calls it). Except for a few sections, it is a steady climb to make the 1,200 feet elevation gain in 2 miles. On the upper portion of our hike, above 7,000 feet, the ground gave way to dirt and even some pine needle cover now that we were above the altitude where ponderosa and healthy piñon pines abound.

In contrast with our prior hikes when we experienced “..chilly..” conditions and even snow, on this day the weather was -hot-, certainly in the high 80s. This made it difficult to apply the description from another of our prior hikes: “.. a nice trail, and easy..”. The beer when we stopped for lunch at the Cafe in Placitas was truly welcome.

Jay here: The memory does play tricks on us. I didn’t remember how much of a steady grade up this trail has…or I blocked that part out. We did make it further than our previous hikes, which was on the plus side. On the minus side, we also forgot that the return downhill on the rocks required lots of fancy footwork if you wanted to maintain an upright position. Someday we might actually get to the end of the trail, to the Lands End Mine. Or maybe it will always just beyond our physical endurance. Quien sabe?

Highlight

When there was an opening in the trees alongside the trail, or when looking back down the trail, there were some good views.

Statistics

Total Distance: 5.03 miles
Elevation: start 6,509 ft, maximum 7,801 ft, minimum 6,501 ft
Gross gain: 1,300 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,420 ft, descending 1,420 ft
Maximum slope: 29% ascending, 30% descending, 10.4% average
Duration: 3:25, Average Speed: 1.47 mph

Osha Spring Trail Hike.Jay.2023-08-31 (KML)	49 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Osha Spring Trail Hike.Jay.2023-08-31 (GPX)	47 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

Other Hikes on Osha Spring Trail
Other Hikes Around Placitas

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service: Osha Spring Trail 247
AllTrails Osha Spring Trail
ASCHG: Osha Spring Trail
ondafringe: Day Hike: Osha Spring Trail

Sandia Crest North Trail – 10/09/2020

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‘Tis autumn when the aspen forests “bloom” in bright yellow. The northwest slopes of North Sandia Peak have a large forest of aspen. Back in 2017 we hiked the North Crest Trail hoping to catch them in full glory – we were late. This year, we again attempted to see the spectacle – but again we were just a bit late. Next year .. ??

The Drive In

From downtown Albuquerque: east on I-40 to the Tijeras turnoff, then north on NM 14 through Cedar Crest to Antonito and the turnoff for NM 536, Sandia Crest Road (also known as the Sandia Scenic Highway). The Crest Road has many twists and turns, many at 20 mph to change direction by 180° or more. But that’s the way to get to 10,000 feet in 17 miles. There is ample parking at the Sandia Crest House (‘tho a $3 “Amenity Fee” or an America the Beautiful Pass is required; our Senior Pass was sufficient).

The Hike

North Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-10-09

The trail begins at the north end of the parking lot by skirting the downhill (east) side of the radio antenna compound. A half mile along it follows along the edge of the Crest. We passed by the Ys in the trail (referred to in our hike earlier this year), intent on getting to the Del Agua Overlook and a view of aspen in full color. The trail descends almost all the way, from 10,645 ft to 9,950 ft at the Overlook. The surface is in places rocky (solid, not loose) and in other sections a dirt trail surface, often covered by aspen leaves that had fallen.

Along the way we could see aspen along the trail, some in bright color but many already turning “dirty yellow” or the leaves had already fallen. This did not bode well for the destination view. And … sure enough, most of the slope of North Sandia Peak was bare aspen, except of one section in the middle that still had some color.

After having lunch at the Overlook, we headed back in a mid-late afternoon sun. We took advantage of that light to enjoy some of the aspen along the trail that still had their leaves. They were so very bright against the clear blue New Mexico sky, almost like they were being lit from within. So we got a taste of aspen in the autumn.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.37 miles
Elevation: start 10,642 ft, maximum 10,655 ft, minimum 9,956 ft
Gross gain: 699 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,261 ft, descending 1,263 ft
Maximum slope: 56% ascending, 58% descending, 9.6% average
Duration: 4:17

North Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-10-09 (KML)	77 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
North Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-10-09 (GPX)	59 Downloads

I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

North Crest Trail-North Sandia Peak Hike – 06/18/2020
North Crest Hike – 10/12/2017

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service:
    Crest Trail 130 – North & South
    Sandia Mountain Trails (PDF)
Sandia Peak.com:
    Sandia Crest Trails and Trailheads (PDF – brochure and great map)
AllTrails: North Crest Trail
Dog of the Desert: North Crest Trail, North Sandia Peak, and Survey Trail
ASCHG:
      Sandia Crest Trail North Hike
         Sandia Crest to del Agua Hike

George's Photos (with captions): Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

South Crest Trail Hike – 09/04/2020

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We are so fortunate to have the Sandia Mountains so close to Albuquerque. We can make it to a great hiking trail with 20 minutes, or in summertime an hour to the top of Sandia Peak (10,200 feet) and cooler weather.

The Hike

South Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-09-04

We’ve hiked on this trail many times in the past. Review the Previous Posts below for reports from other hikes.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.08 miles
Elevation: start 10,628 ft, maximum 10,636 ft, minimum 10,136ft
Gross gain: 500 ft. Aggregate ascending 940 ft, descending 936 ft
Maximum slope: 38% ascending, 44% descending, 7.6% average
Duration: 3:56

South Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-09-04 (KML)	164 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
South Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-09-04 (GPX)	60 Downloads

I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

South Crest Trail Hike – 08/08/2020
South Crest Trail Hike – 07/09/2020
South Crest Trail Hike – 04/02/2017
10k-South Crest-10K Trails Hike – 07/24/2016
South Crest Trail Hike – 08/12/2014

South Crest Trail Hike – 08/08/2020

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Another hike seeking cooler temperatures at a higher elevation – this time to Sandia Crest. And for this hike, we were joined by my brother who moved to Albuquerque a few weeks ago.

The Hike

South Crest Trail.PatGarth.2020-08-08

We parked at the Visitors Center, then headed south on the South Crest Trail as far as the Top of the Tram, then returned on the Gravel Pit Trail then Switch Back and Buried Cable trails back to the parking lot. A pleasant hike on well used trails. For more details, please see my earlier post, South Crest Trail Hike – 07/09/2020.

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.79 miles
Elevation: start 10,651 ft, maximum 10,655 ft, minimum 10,276 ft
Gross gain: 379 ft. Aggregate ascending 800 ft, descending 800 ft
Maximum slope: 48% ascending, 39% descending, 6.8% average
Duration: 5:03

South Crest Trail.PatGarth.2020-08-08 (KML)	281 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
South Crest Trail.PatGarth.2020-08-08 (GPX)	60 Downloads

I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

South Crest Trail Hike – 07/09/2020 Crest Trail Hike – 8/22/2016

Survey-10K Trails Hike – 07/17/2020

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Back to high elevation and cooler temperatures, this time trails on the east slopes below Sandia Crest. As for many of the hikes on east slopes, drive to Tijeras, north on NM 14 to Antonito, then up the Crest Highway. Eleven miles from Antonito, there are large parking lots on the left and right; the lot on the right for trails going north; on the left for trails going south.

The Hike

Survey-10K Trails Hike.Pat.2020-07-17

Trailhead for the Survey Trail.

We chose to go out via the Challenge and Switchback Trails, connecting to Survey Trail near the Ellis Trailhead parking lot. About 3 miles into the hike, at the intersection with the 10k trail, we turned left to go to the Del Agua Canyon Overlook. These are great trails – forest shade with a soft trail surface except a few sections that are rocky. The greatest elevation gain is in the first mile or so, from 9,900 to 10,400 feet. From there it is an easy downhill slope to the Del Agua Canyon Overlook.

Aspen on the north slope of North Sandia peak.

The views from the Overlook are great. To the left, nearly the whole north slope of North Sandia Peak is covered with aspen, very green this time of year but the color must be amazing in autumn. Ahead, a view of the big Del Agua Canyon. And to the right a the Rio Grande valley with the Jemez and Nacimiento Mountains in the distance. We stopped here for our first mid-hike break, then continued north on the North Crest Trail to enjoy more of the great views from rocky points at the edge of the Crest. At the intersection with the Ellis Trail, we turned south, then briefly onto the Osha Loop trail until the intersection with 10k which we then took 10k Trailhead.

Like Survey, 10k is forest shade and mostly a nice trail surface. From the Osha Loop Trail it descends 300 feet, then back up to 10,000 (hence its name, 10k). After our customary 2nd break for the remainder of our lunch, we continued to the Trailhead. This is another great hike in summertime.

Satistics

Total Distance: 6.66 miles
Elevation: start 9,972 ft, maximum 10,440 ft, minimum 9,652 ft
Gross gain: 320 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,930 ft, descending 1,932 ft
Maximum slope: 39% ascending, 44% descending, 9.6% average
Duration: 6:20

Survey-10K Trails Hike.Pat.2020-07-17 (KML)	70 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Survey-10K Trails Hike.Pat.2020-07-17 (GPX)	316 Downloads

I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service: 10k Trailhead and 10K Trail 200
AllTrails: 10K and Survey Loop
Dog of the Desert: 10K Trail north from the Crest Highway
Meetup, Albuquerque Singles:
Saturday Morning East Sandia Mountain 10K – Survey Loop Hike

Pat's Photos w/ Captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

George's Photos w/ Captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

South Crest Trail Hike – 07/09/2020

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This time of year in New Mexico we repair to higher elevations and cooler temperatures for our outdoor activities. We’re so fortunate to have options – mountains all around, choices of destinations for each, all within an hour or two drive. Staying closer to home on this day, we chose to become better acquainted with the Sandia Mountains, in particular the forested east slopes and .. shade from the high-elevation sunlight at 10,000 feet.

The Drive In

From downtown Albuquerque: east on I-40 to the Tijeras turnoff, then north on NM 14 through Cedar Crest to Antonito and the turnoff for NM 536, Sandia Crest Road (also known as the Sandia Scenic Highway). By this point we’re at 6,900 feet elevation and already noticing a drop in air temperature. The Crest Road has many twists and turns, many at 20 mph to change direction by 180° or more. But that’s the way to get to 10,000 feet in 17 miles. And on The Crest – the temperature will stay below 80 all day. There is ample parking at the Sandia Crest (‘tho a $3 “Amenity Fee” or an America the Beautiful Pass is required; our Senior Pass was sufficient).

The Hike

South Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-07-10

The trailhead is at the south end of the parking area, below to the east of the Crest House. The trail begins with the Crest House Nature Trail, a half mile loop filled with flowers and trees, and with signage that provides truly great descriptions. (I’ve put most of the signs in the Gallery below for my study and your perusing pleasure.) The view across Albuquerque and up and down the Rio Grande valley is stunning (from this sheer cliffside vantage point). In the 11 years that we’ve been in Albuquerque, we’ve been unaware of this true gem; it will be on our list of places to bring visitors, to get a (thorough) glimpse of what New Mexico has to offer.

The western leg of the Nature Trail loop (also Crest Trail #130) runs near the edge of the cliff that forms the top of the Crest (in some sections at the edge). In a couple of places a bit of “scramble” over rocks is required.

Approaching Kiwanis Cabin.

At the turnback point of the Nature Trail loop, rather than follow the South Crest Trail, we proceeded south along a track that continued to follow the edge of the Crest. This brought us to a large open area at the far end of which was the Kiwanis Cabin. After surveying the Cabin, we headed downhill to rejoin Crest Trail #130 and continue south with occasional diversions up to the edge to take in the view.

Skirting the Upper Tram Terminal and the lifts of the Sandia Peak Ski Area we continued south on the South Crest Trail for another half mile. When the trail began descending, we turned around, content with a good 5 mile hike. On the return we found ourselves on the Gravel Pit Trail (#339) running below but parallel to the South Crest Trail. It is much more a forest trail with a wide variety of plant life. After one significant ascent of some 180 feet, it was an easy hike back to the trailhead.

Highlight – Lunch at Ten 3

The highlight on this hike was reaching the Top of the Tram and the new Ten 3 restaurant. As we approached, we met Benny Abruzo, one of the owners of Ten 3; in conversation with him we learned that the restaurant would be open at 1100 (with restrictions due to Covid-19), and that we could dine in or take out. We chose takeout: the “Classic Ahi Tuna Salad” was superb and the desert cupcake was to die for. What an unexpected treat, to be hiking in the woods and enjoy such a delectable lunch; we left our usual Ramen and PB&J/carrots/apple slices in the pack.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.62 miles
Elevation: start 10,635 ft, maximum 10,648 ft, minimum 10,142 ft
Gross gain: 506 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,311 ft, descending 1,308 ft
Maximum slope: 45% ascending, 42% descending, 8.3% average
Duration: 6:02

South Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-07-10 (KML)	84 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
South Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-07-10 (GPX)	236 Downloads

I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

References and Resources

Note: The Crest Trail runs the length of the Sandia Mountains. Some of the references below cover the whole distance.
USDA Forest Service:
    Crest Trail 130 – North & South
    Sandia Mountain Trails (PDF)
    Kiwanis Cabin Interpretive Site
Sandia Peak.com: Sandia Crest Trails and Trailheads (PDF – brochure and great map)
AllTrails:
South Crest Trail
   Kiwanis Cabin via South Crest Trail
   Kiwanis Cabin via South Crest #130 and Gravel Pit #339 Loop (from Top of the Tram)
SummitPost: Sandia Crest Trail
UNM LoboLife: Kiwanis Cabin
Ten 3: An Elevated Dining Experience
Facebook: Ten 3

Photos

To help envision where the photos were taken, the two Galleries, George’s Photos & Pat’s Photos, are in the order in which we encountered them on the hike.

George's Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Pat's Photos w/ captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Information Signs: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

North Crest Trail-North Sandia Peak Hike – 06/18/2020

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After our hike to the summit of Mount Taylor (11,300 feet), having found we aren’t acclimated to the thinner air, we returned to a higher elevation than other trails – North Crest Trail on the Sandia Mountains(starts at 10,660 ft). The trailhead is at the north end of the parking lot for the Sandia Crest House.

The Hike

North Crest Trail-North Sandia Peak Hike.Pat.2020-06-18

The trail begins by skirting the downhill (east) side of the radio antenna compound. A half mile along it follows along the edge of the Crest. A mile down the trail we chose a Y to the left that kept us “on the edge” and afforded us the best views of the various features on this west side of Sandia and across the Rio Grande valley: Albuquerque, the West Mesa, Tierra Grande beyond Kirtland AFB & the Sunport to the south, and the Jemez Mountains in the distance to the northwest – spectacular (tho’ limited this day by smoke in the lower atmosphere from fires in Arizona).

About 2 miles another Y presents itself: to the right to continue on the North Crest Trail to the Del Agua Cañon Overlook (and ultimately to Placitas), or to the left a less used trail to the summit of North Sandia Peak (10,447 ft); we chose the Peak (we had done the former back in 2017). This leg of the Y was a bit difficult to identify because it began with a short rock scramble, not easy to identify -the- trail. Beyond that, as it is all along the Trail, the slope to the summit was gradual and easy. We paused at the Peak for our mid-hike break, then made the return to the trailhead, hopefully having gained some acclimatization to thinner air.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.26 miles
Elevation: start 10,660 ft, maximum 10,660 ft, minimum 10,214 ft
Gross gain: 446 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,518 ft, descending 1,524 ft
Maximum slope: 45% ascending, 54% descending, 10.9% average
Duration: 4:06

North Crest Trail-North Sandia Peak Hike.Pat.2020-06-18 (KML)	157 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
North Crest Trail-North Sandia Peak Hike.Pat.2020-06-18 (GPX)	65 Downloads

I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

References and Resources:

AllTrails: North Sandia Peak Trail
North Crest Trail
SummitPost: North Sandia Peak
ondafringe: Day Hike: North Crest Trail to Del Agua Canyon Overlook
Visit Albuquerque: Some of the Best Hiking Trails in & Near Albuquerque

George's Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Flower Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Osha Spring Trail Hike – 09/08/2019

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We returned today to the Osha Spring Trail; we’ve hiked here thrice before. It’s close to Placitas and the Cafe for our traditional breakfast. It is nice to return to familiar trails, to see things familiar .. and things we didn’t notice before.

The Hike

Osha Spring Trail Hike.Jay.2019-09-08

This -is- a nice trail, and easy 1000+ elevation gain: no sections that are very steep with a rocky trail in places (normal throughout the Sandias) Generally we hike through juniper, some scrub oak, and in some places what we think are mountain mahogany “shrubs”. It is interesting to see the changing vistas to the east (as we climb above the elevations of the Crest of Montezuma and the ridge north of Palomas) and to the north (Las Huertas valley and in the distance the Ortiz Mountains, Cerrillos Hill, and the Sangre de Christo Mountains).

You may note in the posts for prior hikes, we spoke of extending our hike to the Landsend Barite Mine. Well .. one day we’ll set out to do that. We’re in better shape now (and with more confidence in our hiking ability), that is back on our “someday” list.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.32 miles
Elevation: start 6,502 ft, maximum 7,628 ft, minimum 6,502 ft
Gross gain: 1,126 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,276 ft, descending 1,282 ft
Maximum slope: 30% ascending, 30% descending, 10.7% average
Duration: 3:47

Osha Spring Trail Hike.Jay.2019-09-08 (KML)	188 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Osha Spring Trail Hike.Jay.2019-09-08 (GPX)	129 Downloads

I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service: Osha Spring Trail 247
All Trails: Osha Spring Trail
ondafringe: Day Hike: Osha Spring Trail
Sandia Mountain Hiking Guide:
Osha Spring Trail
Landsend Barite Mine (book extract)

George's Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Tree Springs-Fossil Garden Hike – 06/10/2018

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Seeking cooler territory without driving too far today, we headed for the East side of the Sandias and a shaded trail we’ve hiked back in 2014 and 2015 – Tree Springs – extended this time to visit the Fossil Garden (from ASCHG’s hike). After breakfast at the Placitas Cafe, we drove up NM 165 (Las Huertas Canyon) to NM 536 (Crest Highway), then left, -downhill- to the parking area for the Tree Springs Trail (#147). [Note: NM 165 in las Huertas Canyon is a -very rough- road. It is not a road to travel on in a ‘city car’. Without a high-clearance vehicle, one risks snagging a rock with some important part under the car. And it is so rough that vehicles not designed for such rough roads are likely to suffer damage or some form of ‘hurt’. So be advised!]

The Hike

Tree Spring-Fossil Garden Hike.Jay.2018-06-2018
(Ignore the snow on the GoogleEarth image. It was a warm summer day, in the 80s on the mountain.)

The trailhead is easy to find – it has it’s own parking area off of NM 536 (crowded on this Sunday morning). The trail presents a steady climb from the trailhead to the Sandia Crest Trail and a bit further to the edge of the top of the Sandia Mountains. It is shaded most all the way leaving few opportunities for horizon views; the surface is at times quite rocky, demanding concentration on the trail (easier since the absence of views avoids such distractions). Immediately after passing through a gate into the Wilderness Area, which is just beyond the intersection with the 10k Trail, the Crest Trail crosses Tree Springs – there are no signs for guidance.

We chose to continue up to the crest for the view across Albuquerque and the Rio Grande valley. Satisfying our appetite for the view, we descended and turned south onto the Crest Trail, continuing the 1 mile to the Fossil Garden. After getting adjusted to what these fossils look like, we found many different and interesting specimens (examples in the photos below). After our mid-hike break, we headed down to lower elevation (and warmer air).

Jay here: This hike brought back the memory of the last time we hiked this trail. That would be the time I forgot to put on my hiking boots so I had to make the hike wearing slip-on shoes (it takes almost 40 minutes to get up or down the dirt road portion of NM 165, so we were not going back for my boots). The almost continuous shade makes this an ideal summer hike…assuming you have the appropriate footwear.

I’m taking a photo of Jay, while he’s taking a selfie.

Statistics

Total Distance: 6.59 miles
Elevation: start 8,467 ft, maximum 9,499 ft, minimum 8,467 ft
Gross gain: 1,032 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,787 ft, descending 1,775 ft
Maximum slope: 25% ascending, 24% descending, 9% average
Duration: 4:31

Tree Spring-Fossil Bed DriveOut.Jay.2018-06-10 (KML)	115 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Tree Spring-Fossil Bed DriveOut.Jay.2018-06-10 (GPX)	58 Downloads
Tree Spring-Fossil Bed DriveOut.Jay.2018-06-10 (KML)	105 Downloads
Tree Spring-Fossil Bed DriveOut.Jay.2018-06-10 (GPX)	103 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

References

ASCHG: Tree Spring Trail to Fossil Garden Hike
AllTrails: Tree Spring Trail
SummitPost: Tree Springs Trail

Jay's Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show

George's Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Tree Springs Hike – 05/04/2014

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A Retro-post, a hike from 2014, a trail that Jay had hiked a couple of times before. One of our early hikes, checking out trails on the east side of the Sandia Mountains.

The Hike

Tree Springs Hike.Jay.2014-05-04
(Ignore the snow on the GoogleEarth image.)

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.95 miles
Elevation: start 8,480 ft, maximum 9,502 ft, minimum 8,480 ft
Gross gain: 1,022 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,138 ft, descending 1,224 ft
Maximum slope: 28% ascending, 28% descending, 10% average
Duration: 3:04

Tree Springs Hike.Jay.2014-05-04 (KML)	162 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Tree Springs Hike.Jay.2014-05-04 (GPX)	68 Downloads

I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

References

USDA Forest Service: Tree Spring Trailhead and Tree Spring Trail 147
ASCHG: Tree Spring Trail to Fossil Garden Hike
AllTrails:
Tree Spring Trail
Tree Spring to 10-K Trail
SummitPost: Tree Springs Trail
Trek Southwest: Tree Springs Trail – Sandia Mountains, New Mexico

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

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