Day hike to gypsum landforms below “The Dome,” Chama River

I would like to announce an exploration in the Colorado Plateau terrain along the Chama River. Reading the river guidebook on our recent Chama River raft trip, I noted a mention of slot canyons in the gypsum formations downstream of “The Dome”, a mesa visible to the left when one hikes across Skull Bridge. New Mexico canyoneer Doug Scott mentions a canyon that he calls Dome Canyon at https://dougscottart.com/hobbies/SlotCanyons/Dome.htm. We have crossed Skull Bridge for some exploratory hikes in the past, but never gone into this terrain downstream of the bridge. We will explore the canyons as much as possible from below, but do not plan any technical ascents or descents.

This will be a warm-up hike for the Hanksville canyon trip that starts the next weekend, but is also open to all. The hike will be exploratory, out-and-back on a cross-country route that I have not scouted – we will be finding our way together. We may cover 6 to 8 miles. We will plan on an all-day hike, but will return to the cars in time to drive home before dark. Our departure from Los Alamos will be at 8:00 am, with the meet-up location to be determined.

To take part, please contact Bill at bill@priedhorsky.net.