Category Archives: 2018

Fenton Lake Hike – 08/14/2018

September 7, 2018

This is the first hiking on a 3-day trip with grandson Thomas. Our original destination was one of the campgrounds further into the Jemez Mountains (and higher elevations), but with the threats of rain/thunderstorms, we holed up in the Vista Linda campground near Jemez Springs. We enjoyed the bubbling Jemez River adjacent to the campsite, but the conditions were hot. Once the R-Pod was set up, we headed to higher ground, Fenton Lake. Driving through the campground, we noted this for future camping. Near the back end of the campground, near the dam, we parked and set out on a short hike.

The Hike

This was a “walk in the woods”, really a stroll down the Rio Cebolla below the dam for Fenton Lake with Thomas. The trail is well used, easy walking even biking. Along the stream it is lush with grasses and flowers, as you can see in the photo gallery below. View the Gallery with captions for a brief narrative of the hike.

Statistics

Total Distance: 2.92 miles
Elevation: start 7,676 ft, maximum 7,710 ft, minimum 7,612 ft
Gross gain: 98 ft. Aggregate ascending 711 ft, descending 696 ft
Maximum slope: 33% ascending, 32% descending, 7% average
Duration: 2:38

Fenton Lake Hike.PatThomas.2018-08-14 (KML)	216 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Fenton Lake Hike.PatThomas.2018-08-14 (GPX)	171 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

New Mexico State Parks: Fenton Lake State Park
Campsite Photos: Fenton Lake Campground
Angler’s Guide: New Mexico’s Fenton Lake
Lake Lubbers: Fenton Lake, New Mexico, USA

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

I’ve been entranced on so many hikes in New Mexico by the many flowers that seem to thrive here. I’ve photographed many of them with my Samsung/Android phone, but with mixed results. Now I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100, much better at getting good photos of objects up close, especially with its zoom lens. And this walk, with its lush growth of flowers, presented a great opportunity to get photos worth sharing.

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

Paliza Canyon Hike/Bushwhack – 08/05/2018

September 6, 2018

Planning this hike, I turned to GoogleEarth to sketch out a route into new territory. Since I would be introducing Kelly to the area, I chose to begin the hike on FR 10 near the Kiatsukwa Ruins, then down into Goblin Colony. From there into Paliza Canyon, proceeding up-canyon, then climb back up to the mesa top to make a loop back to the truck. Using the normal GoogleEarth presentation, coupled with the USGS Topo overlay (see reference below), I chose a side canyon about 1.5 miles up Paliza Canyon that looked promising for the climb. Once on the mesa top, then down a canyon to more level terrain and an elevation near that of the truck. (See the Sketch .kml file below).

The Hike

Paliza Canyon Hike_Bushwhack.Kelly.2018-08-05

The hike went more or less as planned until we headed out of Paliza Canyon. First, we surveyed the Kiatsukwa Ruins; this is quite large, nearly 200 yards in length and 50 or more yards wide. Mostly consisting of mounds of rock and dirt, the general outline of the pueblo is clearly evident. In a few places one can see the shape of individual rooms. From there it was back onto FR 10, downhill until entering the top of Goblin Colony. We chose a route that descended through the middle of the ‘goblins’; we had a challenge finding a path that we could navigate (the preferred route is to descend on the ridge above the north extent of the ‘colony’ until reaching a lower elevation, then going south for views -up- into the main collection of ‘goblins’).

We then proceeded further down the canyon below Goblin Colony, crossing over into Paliza Canyon and heading up-canyon. ‘Tho there was no noticeable trail ‘on the ground’, the route was relatively easy. Reaching the side canyon that I had identified on the sketch, we turned left (north) to head up to the mesa top. This canyon became narrow, and soon we encountered a very narrow section effectively blocked by fallen trees (and maybe a rock face – we didn’t explore further). We made a tactical decision to tackle the climb up the side of this canyon – a poor choice. Though relatively free of impediments, the slope was -very- steep, so steep that one could barely keep from sliding back down. On the GoogleEarth track it is measured to be

Statistics

Total Distance: 7.02 miles
Elevation: start 7,714 ft, maximum 8,527 ft, minimum 7,062 ft
Gross gain: 1,465 ft. Aggregate ascending 2,146 ft, descending 2,152 ft
Maximum slope: 47% ascending, 48% descending, 9.4% average
Duration: 7:15

Paliza Canyon Sketch 1 Revised (KML)	227 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Paliza Canyon Sketch 1 Revised (GPX)	63 Downloads
Paliza Canyon Hike_Bushwhack.Kelly.2018-08-05 (KML)	151 Downloads
Paliza Canyon Hike_Bushwhack.Kelly.2018-08-05 (GPX)	57 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

Earth Point Topo Map: Top Maps – USGS Topographic Maps on Google Earth

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

Green Mountain Hike – 07/09/2018

September 6, 2018

Staying at a BnB near Grand Lakes, this trail was recommended as one where we might see wildlife, deer, elk, maybe moose. This after, one morning watching a cow moose pass by between our BnB cabin and the lake during breakfast, the next morning a bull moose passing by the same, and while canoeing on the lake seeing a cow moose belly deep in the water having breakfast. So, with hopes our luck would change for seeing wildlife, we headed up the Green Mountain trail.

The Hike

Like other hikes on this trip, the trail is well-used, easy to hike on. It follows a stream, passing through ponderosa pine, fir, aspen, and other trees large and small. Along the way we passed by two or three meadows; at the far edge of one of those our attention was drawn by other hikers to a cow moose and her calf – finally, wildlife in the wild. About 2 miles into the hike we entered into a large open meadow with the Tonahutu river flowing through it. This made an ideal spot for our mid-hike break. It was then back the same route to finish this really nice hike (another one at 9,000 feet elevation; by now were enjoying greater endurance at these altitudes).

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.89 miles
Elevation: start 8,780 ft, maximum 9,470 ft, minimum 8,780 ft
Gross gain: 690 ft. Aggregate ascending 706 ft, descending 1,080 ft
Maximum slope: 29% ascending, 37% descending, 7% average
Duration: 4:06 (3:46 plus 20 minutes of no GPS data)

Green Mountain Hike.Pat.2018-07-09 (KML)	249 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Green Mountain Hike.Pat.2018-07-09 (GPX)	89 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

AllTrails: Green Mountain Trail
Rocky Mountain hiking Trails: Big Meadows
National Park Service, Rocky Mountain National Park: List of Hiking Trails

Forsyth Canyon Hike – 07/07/2018

September 6, 2018

After spending the night near Boulder, we sought a trail for a good hike. This trial sounded interesting and was nearby. Colorado route 132 ascends very quickly from the main road that goes up Boulder Canyon, and is at time ‘on the edge’ of steep mountain sides. Then turn on to SR 68, a typical Forest Service road, 2 miles to a parking area.

The Hike

The trail is easy to follow, and is well used so easy hiking – downhill to the lake. The trail remains generally in the canyon, ‘tho at about .85 of a mile down the trail one must get over a very large rock/outcropping. Nearing the lake, we visited the site of the waterfall; not enough water this time this year for any water-falling. Reaching the upper extent of the lake, we found that we could proceed only a few yards along the shoreline; beyond that there was nothing resembling a beach, just a near-vertical shoreline.

Statistics

Total Distance: 2.72 miles
Elevation: start 7,698 ft, maximum 7,698 ft, minimum 7,239 ft
Gross gain: 459 ft. Aggregate ascending 968 ft, descending 970 ft
Maximum slope: 63% ascending, 75% descending, 8% average
Duration: 2:39

Forsyth Canyon Hike.Pat.2018-07-07 (KML)	105 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Forsyth Canyon Hike.Pat.2018-07-07 (GPX)	96 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

Day Hikes Near Denver: Forsythe Canyon to Waterfall and Gross Reservoir
AllTrails: Forsythe Canyon to Waterfall and Gross Reservoir
Forest Service: Forsythe Canyon Trail
Go Hike Colorado: Forsythe Canyon

Echo Lake Hike – 07-03-2018

September 6, 2018

The Hike

This was a short hike, to stretch our legs after spending much time driving, and to enjoy the clear and cool high-altitude air.This was a short hike, to stretch our legs after spending much time driving, and to enjoy the clear and cool high-altitude air.

Statistics

Total Distance: 1.09 miles
Elevation: start 10,679 ft, maximum 10,695 ft, minimum 10,630 ft
Gross gain: 65 ft. ascending 290 ft, descending 289 ft
Maximum slope: 38% ascending, 35% descending, 7% average
Duration: 0:36

Echo Lake Hike.Pat.2018-07-03 (KML)	106 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Echo Lake Hike.Pat.2018-07-03 (GPX)	96 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

Dayhikes Near Denver: Echo Lake Trail Near Mt. Evans
AllTrails: Echo Lake Trail
Forest Service: Echo Lake Campground

Brainard Lake Hike – 07/02/2018

September 6, 2018

This was our first chance to hike on our trip through Colorado. On our way from Arvada to Central City, we drove to Boulder, then Nederland, then north to Ward and Brainard Lake, looking for high elevation (cool) and maybe some wildlife. We parked in the lot adjacent to the Pawnee Campground, then set out going first down the road around Brainard Lake.

The Hike

From there, we hit the Niwot Cutoff Trail #907.2, proceeding on the Jean Lenning Trail #807.1 that passes along the south shore of Long Lake. We hoped to make a loop, returning on Pawnee Pass Trail #907, but crossing St Vrain Creek required going through a very marshy area. So we returned by the same route. The trails are well used, easy to hike on, and provided great views of Long Lake and the surrounding mountains including Apache Peak at 13,442 feet.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.63 miles (started GPS tracking .69 miles late)
Elevation: start 10,358 ft, maximum 10,658 ft, minimum 10,358 ft
Gross gain: 300 ft. Aggregate ascending 653 ft, descending 770 ft
Maximum slope: 23% ascending, 26% descending, 5% average
Duration: 3:39 (3:17 from GPS track plus 22 min before GPS track was started)

Brainard Lake Hike.Pat.2018-07-02 (KML)	209 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Brainard Lake Hike.Pat.2018-07-02 (GPX)	57 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: Brainard Lake Recreation Area
AllTrails: Isabelle Glacier Trail (up to a point abreast Long Lake)
Rocky Mountain Hiking Trails: Long Lake Loop (Jean Lunning Loop)

San Gregorio Lake Hike – 08/01/2018

August 11, 2018

‘Tis summer, hot in the “low lands”. San Pedro Parks beckons us, to it’s higher elevation and forested landscape. Having hiked here with Jay two years ago, I’ve looked forward to returning with Pat.

The Hike

‘Tis much as I described in that earlier BLOG post – an easy trail, wide without much elevation change. I didn’t recall that there is so much downfall – downed trees all along the trail in this part of the Parks. We did look about for camping sites for possible future (short) backpacking; one of the first sites we came upon is, unfortunately, within the No Camping boundary around the lake. There is an open meadow where we turned around that looked appealing. And I’ve read that San Pedro Parks is great for camping. This was a most pleasant hike, so pleased to come here with Pat.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.8 miles
Elevation: start 9,223 ft, maximum 9,620 ft, minimum 9,223 ft
Gross gain: 397 ft. Aggregate ascending 778 ft, descending 784 ft
Maximum slope: 25% ascending, 23% descending, 5% average
Duration: 4:26

San Gregorio Lake Hike.Pat.2018-08-01(KML)	144 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
San Gregorio Lake Hike.Pat.2018-08-01 (GPX)	225 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.

Hikes in San Pedro Parks

References

USDA Forest Service: Vacas Trail/San Gregorio Lake Trailhead #51
ASCHG: San Gregorio Reservoir Long Hike
Hiking in New Mexico: San Gregorio Hike – 08/20/2017
ondafringe: Backpacking: San Pedro Parks Wilderness
Wilderness Connect: San Pedro Parks Wilderness
AllTrails: San Pedro Parks Trail
Summit Post: San Pedro Parks Wilderness

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

Borrego-Winsor-Bear Wallow Hike – 7/29/2018

July 30, 2018

Another venture to higher elevation for cooler temperatures, this time driving up Hyde Park Road from Santa Fe to the Borrego trailhead. We started early enough to enjoy the cool air, tho’ it warmed up by the time we finished, the heat amplified by the uphill climb back to parking.

The Hike

Borrego-Winsor-Bear Wallow Hike.Jay.2018-07-29

This is a very popular trail with lots of hikers and bike riders; it didn’t feel crowded however. We chose to do the loop counterclockwise, so proceeded down the Borrego trail to its intersection with the Winsor trail. Looking for more that the 4 miles of the loop, we turned right onto Winsor and climbed a mile up to our maximum altitude where we enjoyed our mid-hike break. Then it was back down Winsor, past the Borrega intersection to the intersection with the Wallow trail. Turning left there, we headed up the mile plus back to parking. This was a steady uphill climb; to have the elevation gain of this trail at the end of the hike – I’ll call it “building” .. endurance that is.

As mentioned above, the trail is well used, which makes it’s surface wide and smooth (a few rocky areas). It is also well marked with signs at the intersections identifying the trails. The folks in the featured image above were marking out a new path through a nice meadow; the original tracks had become deep and narrow, washed out after years of use and rain. The new track is a great improvement. Thanks to the trail steward from the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society.

Jay here: Not sure exactly why this hike took so much out of us, although uphill for the last few miles was surely a factor. Letting faster hikers lope on by us we were reminded that we had 40 years on them and a whole lot more lifetime miles.

Statistics

Total Distance: 6.30 miles
Elevation: start 8,878 ft, maximum 9,127 ft, minimum 8,207 ft
Gross gain: 920 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,932 ft, descending 1,945 ft
Maximum slope: 32% ascending, 31% descending, 10% average
Duration: 4:10

Borrega-Winsor-Bear Wallow Hike.Jay.2018-07-29 (KML)	320 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Borrega-Winsor-Bear Wallow Hike.Jay.2018-07-29 (GPX)	75 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 and Resources

Santa Fe New Mexican: Happy Trails: Borrego Trail offers …
ASCHG: Bear wallow – Borrego Loop Hike
Hiking Project: Borrego Trail
AllTrails: Borrego-Bear Wallow-Winsor Triangle Trail

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

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

Rio de las Vacas Hike – 07/24/2018

July 27, 2018

Another day seeking cooler temperatures, so we headed to San Pedro Parks Wilderness with elevations above 8,000 feet. However, with recent rains particularly in these mountains, we also chose to remain on paved roads (NM 126 is paved from Cuba to Telephone Canyon; Jay & I have hiked in Telephone but came in on NM 126 from the other direction; that portion -is not paved- from the Fish Hatchery to Telephone).

Not finding any published trails in our research, using GoogleEarth (GE) I sketched a couple of hikes beginning in the Rio de las Vacas campground. One track proceeded up the Rio de las Vacas canyon – on GE it appeared to be a narrow canyon with steep sides, sometimes cliffs (GoogleEarth file: Rio Vacas CampgroundCanyon Loop Sketch). In case the Rio canyon involved too much bushwhacking, as a backup I also sketched a loop heading first to the top of the mesa east of the Rio, then back down to NM 126 (GoogleEarth file: Rio Vacas Campground Canyon Loop Sketch 2).

The Drive In

The drive from Bernalillo is always enjoyable with beautiful New Mexico scenery – varying topography and geology all the way. In the middle of Cuba one turns right onto NM 126. The scenery changes because one now is driving through Señorito Canyon, climbing from Cuba’s 7,000 ft elevation to nearly 9,000 feet with ponderosa pine, some aspen, and at higher elevation spruce and fir forest. The Rio de las Vacas campground lies along it’s namesake river, with tall trees and 15 wide backin camp sites; we will return (‘tho before Sep 11 when the campground is closed for the winter).

The Hike

Donning our packs we started up the Rio canyon, intending to follow the first sketch. ‘Tho initially there appeared to be a trail, we soon found ourselves engaged in some serious bushwhacking; the canyon is very narrow, rocks, trees, and bushes completely blocking our progress. We soon “headed for higher ground”, climbing up the steep side of the canyon into more open spaces. At this point we changed our plan to lean towards the 2nd sketch.

The climb out of the canyon was quite steep, at times requiring a 4-point stance for balance. We climbed 400 ft in .4 miles to reach near the top of the mesa; slope at times greater than 45 degrees. At times we were able to follow game trails that made things easier, but those trails didn’t always go where we wanted to go.

Once on top, close to 9,000 feet, we enjoyed a nice open forest with occasional views across canyons to other canyons and mesas. We checked our track against the 2nd sketch, and based on our experience and lessons learned (below), we plotted our return track to follow a ridge rather than a canyon back to NM 126 and the campground. The proved to be a good choice – the descent was steady but not steep, and we were able to follow game trails all the way down (those deer and elk have it figured out). Nearing the road we found open spaces that should be ideal for campsites with short backpacking from the road.

This wasn’t a long hike, but challenging and at the same time quite relaxing. There are published trails a bit north of this hike, around San Gregorio Lake and including part of the Continental Divide Trail; we’ll be heading back to San Pedro Parks when muddy roads aren’t a concern. This is a beautiful area.

Highlight

Some lessons learned:
- When a canyon appears on GoogleEarth to be narrow with steep sides, plan on serious bushwhacking
- When the 20 foot lines on a topo map run together, expect nearly sheer cliffs
- When the 20 foot lines on a topo map have space between them only as wide as the line, it will be a –steep– climb
- Be wary of a narrow canyon with a stream running, like the Rio de las Vacas; it is likely to be “bush-heavy” with rocks, trees, fallen trees, and thick bush growth

Statistics

Total Distance: 2.61 miles
Elevation: start 8,320 ft, maximum 8,935 ft, minimum 8,259 ft
Gross gain: 676 ft. Aggregate ascending 908 ft, descending 929 ft
Maximum slope: 50% ascending, 35% descending, 12% average
Duration: 4:42

Rio De Las Vegas Driveout.Pat.2018-07-24 (KML)	74 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Rio De Las Vegas Driveout.Pat.2018-07-24 (GPX)	73 Downloads
Rio Vacas CampgroundCanyon Loop Sketch (KML)	342 Downloads
Rio Vacas CampgroundCanyon Loop Sketch (GPX)	84 Downloads
Rio Vacas CampgroundCanyon Loop Sketch 2 (KML)	78 Downloads
Rio Vacas CampgroundCanyon Loop Sketch 2 (GPX)	399 Downloads
Rio De Las Vegas Hike.Pat.2018-07-24 (KML)	111 Downloads
Rio De Las Vegas Hike.Pat.2018-07-24 (GPX)	57 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

Recreation.gov: Rio de las Vacas Campground

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

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

Aspen Vista Hike – 07/22/2018

July 26, 2018

Seeking cooler temperatures, we headed for higher elevation – the Sangre de Christo mountains and the Aspen Vista trail. We began at nearly 10,000 feet; ’tis a steady climb up 3.4 miles to 11,300 feet. Air temperature was much cooler than in Albuquerque or even Santa Fe (well above 90 there); more like upper 70s on top (‘tho we descended into warmer temperatures, finishing the hike mid-afternoon).

The Hike

This trail is a well used two track; ‘tho not crowded on this Sunday, we encountered maybe 40 day hikers and a few mountain bikers. We could see why this trail is dubbed “Aspen Vista”; there are very large groves of very tall aspen for about two miles from the trailhead. Then nearing 11,000 feet elevation, the forest becomes primarily douglas fir and spruce. Because of the forest, there are few opportunities for vista views, although on this day smoke and humidity hindered getting a clear picture across Santa Fe, the Rio Grande valley, and to the Jemez mountains. At the top of our hike (half way to the advertised end at the peak above Santa Fe Ski Basin), we did enjoy a more open view from north, west, and south.

Jay here: Long uphill slog to get to a magnificent view and of course the elevation is always a reminder that most of our hiking is done well below 8,000 feet. You would think that downhill all the way back would be easier…but you would be wrong. It still requires you to put one foot behind the other.

Statistics

Total Distance: 7.74 miles
Elevation: start 9,979 ft, maximum 11,361 ft, minimum 9,979 ft
Gross gain: 1,381 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,940 ft, descending 1,945 ft
Maximum slope: 26% ascending, 20% descending, 8% average
Duration: 4:06