Category Archives: 2019

Piedra Lisa South Trail Hike – 05/02/2019

May 4, 2019

We haven’t hiked the Piedra Lisa trail in a long time; I last hiked it back in 2015. Pat & I thought it would be a good one today: close by, in the shade, not to long or strenuous. Oops, wrong on that last count.

The Drive In

The trailhead is on Forest Service 333 Rd, about a third of a mile beyond where the pavement ends.

The Hike

Introduction

When I first hiked here, the initial “trail” was on the road for about half a mile, then headed off into the woods. Now there is a “bypass” trail that is much nicer, running parallel to the road and in the shade of woods and presents a small elevation gain (~100 ft) for that half mile. But … the trail then heads uphill, gaining about 100 ft for each .1 mile ( or 17% slope) ‘tho offering a nice, easy hiking surface. The trail continues that way to the top with only a couple of somewhat level stretches.

The Hike

We hadn’t planned on such a hike but were pleased to have conquered Piedra Lisa. All along the trail the views were great: to the southwest down La Cueva Canyon and beyond to a broad vista of Albuquerque and to the east the cliffs of this west side of the Sandia Mountains. Unfortunately this was a hazy day so the photos below don’t convey the views very well. At the “top”, a saddle atop Rincon Ridge, we stopped for our mid-hike break where we had a nice view north into Placitas. (From here, one can continue north on the Del Agua trail that ends on the Loop Road that comes off NM165 in Placitas; Jay and I did a p0int-to-point on these trails back in 2013, not long after we started hiking regularly.)

Hiking up Piedra Lisa is strenuous; likewise hiking back down the trail is strenuous in a different way. Because it is quite smooth but in many places with a layer of sand, careful management of downhill speed/energy is required. This can be as wearing on muscles as the climb up, ‘tho different muscles. It is, however, contributing to our conditioning to do more and sometimes strenuous in the coming months.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.3 miles
Elevation: start 6,929 ft, maximum 8,166 ft, minimum 6,929 ft
Gross gain: 1,237 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,642 ft, descending 1,643 ft
Maximum slope: 37% ascending, 39% descending, 12.4% average
Duration: 4:16

Piedra Lisa South Hike.Pat.2019-05-02 (KML)	159 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Piedra Lisa South Hike.Pat.2019-05-02 (GPX)	99 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

USDA Forest Service: Piedra Lisa South Trailhead-Piedra Lisa Trail 135
ASCHG: Piedra Lisa South Hike
Piedra Lisa South To North Hike
AllTrails: South Piedra Lisa Trail
SummitPost: Piedra Lisa Trail No. 135 (South Trail)
ondafringe: Day Hike: South Piedra Lisa Trail
Enchanting Wildflowers: 10 Enchanting Wildflowers Native to New Mexico

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

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

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

Palomas Peak/Faulty Trail Hike – 04/28/2019

May 3, 2019

Jay and I hiked Palomas Peak back in 2016, once in snow and three weeks later in nicer weather. This was a nice return to this trail (also identified by a couple of signs as Faulty Trail, but the Faulty we know is some distance from here, in middle-south on the eastern slopes of the Sandias and out of Tijeras Canyon).

The Hike

On this hike we were reintroduced to trails in the Sandias – they give us a good climb, more elevation gain than other places we hike. So .. it was a good workout, and a day of very nice weather. Visit pages for the other hikes for more description, etc.

Jay here: It’s hard to believe, but George neglected to mention that we once again went off the trail on a wild and whooly (or whiplashy) bushwhack that accounted for dozens of places on hands, arms and legs where blood was drawn. I can understand how George might fail to mention this part of the hike, since he thinks bushwhacking is so much fun. On the other hand, I could do without the drama and running so low on bandaids.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.77 miles
Elevation: start 7,061 ft, maximum 7,053 ft, minimum 8,075 ft
Gross gain: 1,022 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,513 ft, descending 1,518 ft
Maximum slope: 43% ascending, 38% descending, 10.1% average
Duration: 4:09

Palomas Peak-Faulty Hike.Jay.2019-04-28 (KML)	132 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Palomas Peak-Faulty Hike.Jay.2019-04-28 (GPX)	140 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

Hiking in New Mexico:
Palomas Peak Hike – 05/01/2016
Palomas Peak Hike – 05/22/2016
AllTrails: Palomas Peak Via Faulty Trail

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

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

Embudo Canyon Trail Hike – 04/26/2019

April 28, 2019

After our hike on the Three Gun Springs trail, we set our sights on preparing to do a one-way hike, Embudo Canyon to Three Gun Springs or the reverse. But first we wanted to “test ourselves” and to become familiar with Embudo, then decide which direction for our one-way hike.

We’ve hiked Embudo Canyon before, Pat & I back in 2010 and 2011; unfortunately that was before I started tracking hikes so there is no track record. And I’ve since gone with Marlin and Jay but these were back in 2014. So this was a refresher for this trail.

The Drive In

The trailhead is at the eastern terminus of Indian School Rd, a large parking lot (no fee, but no toilet as is provided in Elena Gallegos).

The Hike

The first half mile or so is in Albuquerque’s Open Spaces, a wide sandy path up the canyon, past a huge water tank, to the top of a flood control dam – a good climb for starters and no shade. Descending down from the dam, one enters the Sandia Mountains Wilderness area and you’re -on the trail-.

Initially inside the Wilderness boundary, the canyon is wide and the trail easy going. But … about a half mile along the canyon becomes very narrow with some large rocks and rock falls it would seem blocking the way (hereafter, The Rocks). But in each case, we found a route to get over or around these “blockages”. (On the way down, we discovered a trail to bypass this section – more on that later.) From there the trail (well used and easy to follow) continues on up the canyon with beautiful view of the south end of the Sandia Mountains. The trail follows the verge of the canyon for about a half mile from the Rocks (some 300 feet elevation gain), then starts uphill towards the saddle and the junction with Three Gun Springs and Oso Pass trails.

After a couple of switch-backs on this steeper section of the trail, we stopped for our mid-hike break – PB&J sandwich, veggies, and coffee. Then headed back down the trail. Nearing the Rocks, a sign indicated a ‘Y’ in the trail, one route going down the bottom of the canyon (to the Rocks), the other heading up the south side of the canyon, identified as the “Horse Bypass”. Wishing to avoid descending through the Rocks, we chose the Bypass. Here we faced a bit of a climb, then gentle descent until .. we were looking -way- down at the trail. But, soon this Bypass took a right turn and descended to the canyon floor and the trail. From there it was all downhill, over the dam and back to parking.

Weather was beautiful, sunny with slight breeze, cool to start and at the higher elevation, warm as we finished up. But we now have a plan for the end-to-end – Embudo up, Three Gun Springs down (and then to Roots Farm Cafe in Tijeras for lunch).

Statistics

Total Distance: 5.3 miles
Elevation: start 6,172 ft, maximum 7,424 ft, minimum 6,172 ft
Gross gain: 1,252 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,524 ft, descending 1,525 ft
Maximum slope: 40% ascending, 35% descending, 9.3% average
Duration: 4:37

Embudo Canyon Hike.Pat.2019-04-26 (KML)	228 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Embudo Canyon Hike.Pat.2019-04-26 (GPX)	56 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

City of Albuquerque:
  Sandia Foothills Open Space
    Embudo Canyon Trailhead (pdf)
ASCHG: Numerous hikes in Embudo
AllTrails: Embudo Canyon
Hiking Project:
  Embudo Canyon
    Embudo Trail
ondafringe: Day Hike: Embudo Trailhead to 3 Gun Spring Trail, etc

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

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

La Tierra-Calabasas Trail Hike – 04/06/2019

April 28, 2019

We sought a trail in the Santa Fe area, but not in the Sangre de Christos – still lots of snow even at middle elevations. We decided on explore Santa Fe’s La Tierra Trails, a web of trails for hiking and biking. Somewhat arbitrarily, we chose the Calabasas Trail.

The Drive In

Access is off of NM 599 (Santa Fe Bypass) about 4 miles south of US 84 – Camino de los Montoyas. Follow this for a mile where you will find a large parking lot on the right. Cross the street to the Calabasas Trailhead.

The Hike

As one would expect for trails suitable for biking, they are wide, sandy, and relatively smooth – easy walking and easy to follow (in spite of the network in La Tierra). Driving by the road that leads to La Tierra Trails, the area appeared to be not very exciting and I suspected it would be heavily used, being so close to Santa Fe. But I was pleasantly surprise – tho’ the trail was ‘plain’ (not much in the way of interesting geology or plant life), the views to the west, across the Rio Grande to the Jemez Mountains, were scenic. The trail was easy going, there was some elevation change, and we saw few hikers or bikers. It’s close and offers a good workout.

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.78 miles
Elevation: start 7,233 ft, maximum 7,233 ft, minimum 6,963 ft
Gross gain: 270 ft. Aggregate ascending 535 ft, descending 634 ft
Maximum slope: 12% ascending, 16% descending, 5.6% average
Duration: 2:14

La Tierra-Calabasas Hike.Jay.2019-04-06 (KML)	123 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
La Tierra-Calabasas Hike.Jay.2019-04-06 (GPX)	82 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

City of Santa Fe: La Tierra Trails (pdf)
Santa Fe new Mexican: Trail riders: A trip to Calabassas Trailhead at La Tierra Trails
Broken Spoke: La Tierra Trails (great interactive map)

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

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

Pino Trail Hike – 04/02/2019

April 8, 2019

Pino Hikes in 2012 (screenshot, click for larger image)

For this hike, Pat & I sought a trail a bit easier than last week’s hike on Three Gun Springs. We’ve hiked the Pino Trail more than once in the past – it was likely the first -real- hike we took after moving to Albuquerque in 2010. The image to the right is a screenshot with placemarks identifying the turnaround point on hikes that year.

The Hike

‘Twas our recollection that Pino is a gentle, continuous slope so we could get -some- elevation gain without much strain. And the views of the northern Sandias above us and Albuquerque and the Rio Grand valley below us would reward our effort. So it was.

This day’s hike was most pleasant – a comfortable temperature (started with 3 layers, shed to 2 midway outbound), no wind, bright blue sky with some filmy clouds at times. Folks we met on the way up reported encountering snow near the top – we weren’t expecting to go that far so no problem for us. We did go far enough to find small patches of snow in heavily shaded spots, some on the trail, but none making the trail even muddy. We stopped for our mid-hike break at a wide, sandy area, perfect to brew some coffee, and enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, carrots, and a bit of tequila.

Statistics

Total Distance: 5.38 miles
Elevation: start 6,453 ft, maximum 7,730 ft, minimum 6,453 ft
Gross gain: 1,277 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,454 ft, descending 1,462 ft
Maximum slope: 26% ascending, 24% descending, 9.4% average
Duration: 5:02

Pino Hike.Pat.2019-04-02 (KML)	116 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Pino Hike.Pat.2019-04-02(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

USDA Forest Service: Pino Trail 140
Sandia Mountain Hiking Guide: Pino Trail
ASCHG: Pino Trail to Crest Trail Hike
ondafringe: Day Hike: Pino Trail~Sandia Mountains
AllTrails: Pino Trail

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

Querencia Arroyo Driveabout & Walkabout – 04/01/2019

April 8, 2019

We went looking for new territory in the Ojito Wilderness. I’d planned to park on US 550 across from the north end of Dragon’s Back and explore the valley below the Back and the mesas and such to the east. (Thanks to a Land Ownership overlay for Google Earth, I knew that we would be on state-owned or BLM land.) However, as we drove away from San Ysidro, I looked over at the Rio Salado and, behold, there was water running in it. That meant that we’d have to ford the Rio to get to the area of interest, so … we went to Plan B.

The Driveabout

Querencia-Arroyo-Driveabout.Jay_.2019-03-31

I’d often noticed a gate on the left further along on US 550; we found it to be only chained shut (not locked) and a sign “Ojito Wilderness” beckoned us to enter. Driving past some well-built corrals, we found ourselves on a reasonable well used two-track. Upon reaching the Rio Salado we found water running, only a few feet in width against the near shore. The bottom appeared to be hard as did the sand beyond, so putting the Tacoma in 4-wheel drive we drove through – easily.

From there we proceeded into an exploration of the northern extents of the Ojito Wilderness. The two-track was generally good, until that is we encountered a more challenging stretch – steep and somewhat washed out (I think one would need a high clearance vehicle for this stretch). Just past this stretch was a gate. Our first thought was to hike from here, but after a quarter of a mile on foot, the wind and cold caused us to reconsider – back to the gate (again only chained) and make this a DriveAbout.

Jay, rock surfing again. He’s getting good at it.

Continuing on what would be a ‘nice’ two-track, we headed southeast in the Querencia Arroyo with Cucho Mesa on our right and unnamed mesas ahead. Encountering a ‘Y’ in the two-track, we headed more westerly into a large basin; we continued until the two-track ended at the base of the mesa. Still curious about the area, particularly if we might get near territory familiar from other hikes, we returned to the ‘Y’ and went up the other leg (labeled on the topo map as a “jeep trail”). We proceeded until encountering a ravine crossing that was more than we wanted to challenge.

The Walkabout

Querencia Arroyo Walkabout.Jay.2019-03-31

We chose to do a WalkAbout (just wandering, not a great distance), exploring galleries protruding into the ‘unnamed’ mesa. (We were also curious about the condition of the two-track beyond our stopping point; as far as we explored, it was in good condition. On further inspection via GoogleEarth, it appears to be very challenging further along as the canyon becomes more narrow before topping out still some distance from Pipeline Road. It would seem to make a great route for something more nimble than the Tacoma, like an ATV or such.) After the WalkAbout, we enjoyed our traditional mid-hike snack, then headed back to US 550.

Jay here: When the wind was at our backs it did not seem that cold. Then we turned back into the wind and realized that the combination of wind and temperature was making it a bone chiller. Happy to get back in the Tacoma out of the wind. All of this area is worth exploring again under better weather conditions, but before the blistering summer heat. Sometime in May might be about the right time…unless the aforementioned Rio crossing is still running strong with snowpack runoff.

Compilation of our Hikes in the Ojito Wilderness (link to KML file below)

Through all this, we were curious about our position in this excursion relative to the many other hikes we’ve made in the Ojito Wilderness. Using that wonderful tool, GoogleEarth, I plotted those hikes. As you can see (click on the screenshot above for a bigger view), we were still some distance from any previous hike. But .. I see that this entrance into the Ojito (red line near top of screenshot) offers potential for more hiking, to explore this amazing geology. And … what else might we find (like the petrified wood pile we found on a hike back in 2017).

Statistics

Total Distance: 1.15 miles
Elevation: start 5,660 ft, maximum 5,717 ft, minimum 5,660 ft
Gross gain: 57 ft. Aggregate ascending 216 ft, descending 205 ft
Maximum slope: 43% ascending, 49% descending, 5.8% average
Duration: 0:54

Querencia Arroyo Driveabout.Jay.2019-03-31 (KML)	112 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Querencia Arroyo Driveabout.Jay.2019-03-31 (GPX)	65 Downloads
Querencia Arroyo Walkabout.Jay.2019-03-31 (KML)	109 Downloads
Querencia Arroyo Walkabout.Jay.2019-03-31 (GPX)	131 Downloads
Compilation of Ojito Hikes - 04/04/2019 (KML)	612 Downloads
Compilation of Ojito Hikes - 04/04/2019 (GPX)	153 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

Hiking in New Mexico: Our hikes in the Ojito Wilderness
Descriptions, tracks, references, and photos

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

Three Gun Spring Trail Hike – 03/29/2019

March 31, 2019

It has been a long time since Pat and I have hiked in the Sandias; last time was in 2017, coincidentally on Mar 30 we hiked the Three Gun Spring Trail. We had also hiked there on three outings back in the winter of 2010-2011 (if I was recording tracks then, I’ve since lost the files). This time of year, the southern end of the Sandias is preferable – more sun – it’s not so pleasant during summer temperatures. And the Three Gun Spring trail is an easy one – a really easy trail surface and a -steady- climb for a nice gain in elevation.

The Hike

Access to the trailhead is all-season: I-25 east from Albuquerque, exit at Tramway to get on NM 333 (also Old Rt 66); 3.17 miles, turn left (north) onto Monticello Dr, then up the hill for .5 miles. A sign directs you to turn left onto Alegre, then right (another sign) onto Tres Pistolas Trail. Park, check the map on the large signboard, and set out up the Three Gun Springs Trail (also know as Tres Pistolas trail). In about .3 miles you will encounter the entrance to the Sandia Mountain Wilderness; a few yards beyond that the junction with the Hawk Watch Trail, another great hike (seek hikes with Pat back in 2011, and with Jay back in 2013 and 2014).

This is a -very- scenic hike, with views of mountainscapes left, right, and ahead, especially to the vertical rock “slopes” of South Sandia peak. And views of a few of Mother Nature’s interesting rock sculptures. On this day Mother Nature also blessed us with so many early signs of spring (deserving of a post itself).

About a 1.5 miles up the trail, crossing a small canyon (or ravine?), one can turn a bit to the right to visit the trail’s namesake, Three Gun Spring. We chose to continue on up the trail, stopping for our mid-hike break with a -superb- view down the canyon, across the Manzanita Mountains to the Monzanos, and to their right the open plains of Kirtland AFB, and beyond, what we know of as Tierra Grande. ‘Tho it was a bit hazy, we could also make out the Los Pinos Mountains.

People who live in Albuquerque are so fortunate to have such amazing places to visit, to be outdoors among interesting places with scenic views. And some many so very close – within less than a half hour drive from anyplace in the city.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.13 miles
Elevation: start 6,327 ft, maximum 7,582 ft, minimum 6,326 ft
Gross gain: 1,256 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,294 ft, descending 1,294 ft
Maximum slope: 29% ascending, 32% descending, 11.5% average
Duration: 3:21

Three Gun Springs Hike.Pat.2019-03-29	101 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Three Gun Springs Hike.Pat.2019-03-29 (GPX)	67 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.

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

Soda Springs Hike – 03/24/2019

March 24, 2019

We went looking for a somewhat easy hike for this day, since we’ve had a few weeks away from the trails. And something near Santa Fe. I was familiar with Diablo Canyon from a hike down the Canyon with Pat a bit over a year ago. I found references to this hike, Soda Springs (see References below) – it appeared to fit our goals.

The Drive In

The hike begins at the Diablo Canyon Trailhead, about 3 miles beyond the Diablo Canyon Recreation Area. It is a long drive from NM 599, about five mile on pavement, then some 8 miles on a well maintained and used gravel road. From the interchange on US 84 to NM 599, drive 3.5 miles south on 599 to the exit for Camino la Tierra, (exit 282). After about 4 miles (on pavement), turn right onto Old Buckman Road (a dirt road). These may also be marked as Sandoval County Road 77. Some 7.5 miles on, pass the Recreation Area; continue another 2.5 miles to the Trailhead.

The Hike

The trail begins where Diablo Canyon ends at the eastern bank of the Rio Grande. We first attempted to proceed along the edge of the river, but the vertical cliffs come right down to the water – to go that route would require wading (at least on this day as the Rio was running higher than normal due to the snowmelt coming down from the mountains and being released from the upstream reservoirs).

So, retracing our route for a few hundred yards, we picked up the Forest Service trail markers and pressed ahead on an old two track, weaving around the terrain with some ups-and-downs but easy going. We were shooting for two miles out and hoped that we would be able to descend to the river, based on the Hiking Project track (or sketch?), for our mid-hike break. No such luck, so we found a flat open area offering nice views up, down and across the river, had our coffee etc., and headed back to parking. It felt good to be back on the trail, enjoying New Mexico’s amazing scenery and weather.

Jay here: Been a while since I’ve been on the trail. Strained ankle tendon and ligament had me in physical therapy for a few months, so it was great to be hiking again. Rio Grande was about as high as it’s going to get thanks to good rains and a large snow pack. I clocked that dirt road in at closer to 10 miles but the scenery is worth it. It was amazing to realize that during our coffee break we were looking at folks over in White Rock, standing on a viewing platform where they could see up and down the Rio Grande valley. And look at us drinking coffee!

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.75 miles
Elevation: start 5,467 ft, maximum 5,624 ft, minimum 5,462 ft
Gross gain: 162 ft. Aggregate ascending 658 ft, descending 657 ft
Maximum slope: 21% ascending, 23% descending, 5.5% average
Duration: 2:50

GPS Track Files for Download	Soda Springs Hike.Jay.2019-03-24 (KML)	121 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download	Soda Springs Hike.Jay.2019-03-24 (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: Soda Springs Trail #306
Santa Fe Outdoors: Soda Springs Loop Trip
Hiking Project: Soda Springs Trail

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

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

Elena Gallegos South Trails Hike – 03/03/2019

March 3, 2019

Pat & I started early, breakfast at Flying Star on our way to Albuquerque’s wonderful Elena Gallegos Open Space. ‘Tis close to the city, yet it is truly Open Spaces, giving one the feeling of being away from the city and close to the Sandia Mountains. In years past we’ve hiked numerous times within the Open Spaces and through it on our way to other hikes -into- the Sandias, but all some time back. ‘Tis nice to return (and to explore trails going south where we had not gone before).

We brought a map (pdf) which was good to get us started. We chose trails that would give us more than 3 miles and finish within 2 hours. As you can see, it was somewhat longer but we made the 2 hours. Like all trails, most are well used and present a comfortable track. Going transverse to the arroyos, the trails present some ups and downs; we welcomed even that small elevation gain to prepare us for more to come this spring.

The Hike

Elena Gallegos South Hike.Pat.2019-03-03

We headed south on trail Trail 366 – easy to follow. But at the intersection with Trails 366, 365, and 305a there were more tracks than trails marked on the map. In fact, throughout the hike we encountered “other trails” which we could not identify on the map nor on the GPS. So we would choose one and proceed. After some confusion, we did find ourselves on Trail 305; then in the interest of time crossed back to Trail 366 via Trail 305a.

The people of Albuquerque are very fortunate to have such marvelous Open Spaces at the edge of the city, between the city and the Sandia Mountains.

Additional notes: There is a fee for entrance to Elena Gallegos: $2 on weekends, 1$ weekdays, and $30 for an annual pass. It is very popular, for walkers, hikers, and mountain bikes, so one must be on the alert for folks coming from either direction.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation: start 6,459 ft, maximum 6,473 ft, minimum 6,237 ft
Gross gain: 222 ft. Aggregate ascending 636 ft, descending 636 ft
Maximum slope: 17% ascending, 15% descending, 5.0% average
Duration: 1:52

Elena Gallegos South Hike.Pat.2019-03-03 (KML)	107 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Elena Gallegos South Hike.Pat.2019-03-03 (GPX)	0 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

Albuquerque Open Space:
      City of Albuquerque: Elena Gallegos Open Space
Foothills Trail Map – Elena Gallegos (pdf)
NMTS: The “Foothills” Mountain Bike Trail System (with links to details)
AllTrails: Best Trails in Elena Gallegos Picnic Area
                    (a map that expands to show clearly the many marked trails)

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

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

Bosque Trail Morning Walk – 02/23/2019

February 23, 2019

It has been our practice of late, Pat and me, to make an early morning walk in our neighborhood. This morning we extended our range into the Bosque where there are some nice trails along the Rio Grande river. The day before, late in the afternoon and into the evening, the area was blanketed with light rain followed by beautiful large-flake snowfall.

The Walk

This morning was quite cold (below freezing), preserving the snow even against the bright sunshine that usually melts such snow quickly. Although streets and sidewalks were dry, lawns, rooftops, even branches on trees, anything that was insulated from the ground, still had a layer of snow.

We chose to extend our walk beyond our usual route in the Country Club neighborhood, heading through Tingley Beach and into the Bosque. Everywhere we looked – areas of grass or fallen leaves, on rooftops, even on handrails and street signs – there was a layer of snow. And on tree branches and even twigs – 1/2″ of snow. As we entered the Bosque we found ourselves surrounded by white snow on everything and glistening when looking towards the early morning sun.

Highlight

It was truly a magical setting. And even more so realizing that in an hour or so, after the sun had worked its magic warming and melting it all, it would be gone – we would be among a very few people to see this magic.

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.38 miles
Elevation: start 4,947 ft, maximum 4,962 ft, minimum 4,947 ft
Gross gain: 15 ft. Aggregate ascending 103 ft, descending 104 ft
Maximum slope: 6% ascending, 7% descending, 0.7% average
Duration: 1:27