Southwest Explorers League

This hike starts at the usual trailhead for Red Wash in the Abiquiu valley. The route will be a mix of old and new sections that will require some hard uphill climbing on sliprock as well a high shoulder climb and peak both offering view of the wash as well as that of Copper Canyon. Some rough arroyos will also be incounted. It should be about a 6 mile moderate plus hike.

I will meet the Santa Fe hikers at Bodes 9am.

Tapia Canyon Long Exploration (15+ miles)

Let's do a Tapia Canyon Long Exploration on Wednesday December 4th to see some of the five upper slot canyons.

Tapia Canyon contains natural bridges, slot canyons, tower ruins and huge panels of petroglyphs

(bad weather could cause this event to be postponed)

This is an explore day and not a generic hike, so walking fast will be the primary priority. Special gear suggestions would be for each to carry three bright LED lights with spare batteries for each in unlikely case that we cannot make it back to the vehicles before sunset.

Meet at 7:00 AM (OMG!) at Home Depot near Bernalillo (7700 US Hwy 550 NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124) just west of the storage sheds to carpool. One way drive mileage is estimated to be 75 miles. There will not be other carpool meet locations for this explore. Contributions of about $15 for your driver's gasoline would be appreciated.

Regarding driving conditions, the dirt roads that make up the last 25 miles of the drive are quite variable. As of November 16, dirt roads were in fairly good condition so that any Subaru class vehicle can make it to the base of Tapia Arroyo but not beyond. Any driving up Tapia Arroyo will require high clearance 4x4. I will drive my Toyota Tacoma 4 door 4x4 and have room for 3 passengers.

Assuming we can get a 4x4 (1.5 miles) up the arroyo as far as the old trail head then round trip mileage to/from the upper slot canyon would be 15 miles. Yes, if 4x4's travel cannot "move" the hike start further up then walking miles would be increased. Total climb on this walk would be about 600 feet.

Rockford Cogar
719-648-7281

Rock Cogar & Nick Ricci will co-lead this event. We'll meet, set-up carpooling, & be gone by 8:45, from ABQ location below. SF peeps meet in SF to setup carpool at Sawmill Speedway about 7:30. Approx. 90 min. drive from ABQ south to Lemitar, N of Soccoro. We'll head inland on a paved road, then shortly there is a good dirt road, with no high clearance needed, for a couple of miles, to Bursum Springs. There will be 2 parts to this hike: A short 3+ mile loop, very scenic, with an excellent variation of patterns of minerals in rocks, and a variety of colors. Pace will be MODERATE, 2-2.5 mph. Then we'll head about 10 more miles in, to a VERY cool area, with a few pictographs from the Piro tribe, circa 1600's, & a gorgeous short slot canyon, with colorful rocks & rock patterns. Dogs ot carried cannot make this portion through the slot! After the hike on the way back we will stop at a great little spot for a while to see AND HEAR likely THOUSANDS of sandhill cranes & snow geese flying above, some landing close by, until sunset; then those who wish to may go to a small Mexican restaurant in Belen with good food & good prices for post-hike social sustenance! LOOK AT THE EVENT THE DAY PRIOR to make sure event is on if weather is an issue: LAYER UP. I've done this several Decembers & it's been excellent!

Transport: Approx. 150+ miles RT, so suggested $12-15 per carpooler for the driver. YOU are responsible to keep up. As per policy, "no-shows" will be Waitlisted on future hikes

Aerobic Afternoons is our winter weekly series of more strenuous events. They start in the morning but end early in the afternoon, leaving you time and daylight for an evening activity.

Destinations are posted in the comments, so I can make this a series for all winter. Some will cancel or move for weather or my schedule conflicts, or by request. Once in a while it will be an all day event since we must drive far to the Puerco Valley or South to find hiking weather.

Rating: ModPlus for rough trail ascent & descent

Distance: 8miles
Gain: 800'
Drive: 80 miles RT
Dogs: Fine if well behaved