Details
Bobcat hikes are intended to be moderately easy, up to 6 miles and generally less than 1,000' elevation gain, with a mellow plus pace affording a more intimate experience with the trail.
Description: Bobcatting Vista Verde and Slide Trail near Pilar
Round Trip Hiking Distance: One hike of 2.5 miles, one of 2.8 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3.0 hours
Elevation: ~6,200 to 6,600'
Gain: ~500'
Rating: Easy
Pace: Mellow Plus
Please be considerate of others and do not RSVP for this hike if you cannot go up and down Atalaya in under 3 hours. This helps us to stay together as a group, enhancing the hiking experience for everyone. It is not about competition, but cooperation. This is a group hike and participants are expected to remain with the group. No commercial solicitations or firearms.
READ THIS--PANDEMIC ISSUES:
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You MUST be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (including first booster) to attend this hike--this is non-negotiable and there will be no exceptions. I may ask for proof of vaccination from people I do not know.
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Car pooling is up to attendees.
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If you have recently had, or been definitely exposed to, Covid-19, you must be in compliance with CDC isolation and quarantine rules.
Hike Description: Vista Verde trail and Slide trail are out and back trails located in the Orilla Verde Rec area, ~1.5 hours north of Santa Fe. Vista Verde is a 1.2 mile (each way) out and back hike along a shelf wedged between the Rio Grande and the west rim of the Rio Grande gorge. The 1.4 mile (each way) Slide Trail ascends ups an old road--closed years ago due to a rock slide--thru a gorge along the cascading Rio Pueblo de Taos just upstream of where it merges into the Rio Grande. Both trails pass through juniper and cacti fields and feature great vistas and views of their respective rivers. The area is frequented by big horn sheep and we might see some, and if we are super lucky, we might catch a glimpse of otters playing in a river. Each trail also features some rock art, including some reputed Comanche petroglyphs.
For the drive up, we'll regroup at the Rec Area visitor center on Hwy 68 before driving the last few miles on a decent (not great) dirt road. There is some road construction on the drive.
What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outerwear
Snacks, lunch, water
Meeting Place: DEVARGAS. We will meet at DeVargas Center behind /market Street (fka Albertons) (i.e., towards St Francis). If you are running late or your plans change at the last minute, please call Ken: 248-252-0708.
Maximum one guest per person signing up.
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs with no history of problems on group hikes are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
Cost/Driving: Non-drivers are to contribute $10 for gas. SUVs preferable, as there’s one crummy section of road near Vista Verde.
Cancellations:
Please be courteous to those on the wait list and if your plans change and you won't attend, put yourself in the 'not going' group. If you don't know how to do that contact me and I'll do it for you.
Release and Waiver:
By attending, the Participant releases the Event Leaders from liability arising from the Event and assumes all risks of the Event, including: 1) injuries from falls, living things, pre-existing health conditions, vehicles, and weather, and 2) injuries resulting from the Event Leaders not undertaking the least risky option available (e.g., hiking a steep slope instead of a gentle slope) or not treating an injury in the optimal way (e.g., due to insufficient training). The preceding sentence supplements any other exculpatory arrangement to which the Participant is subject.
