My solo hike involved navigating steep cliffs to the top of the Sand HIlls Plateau.  This hike requires considerable route finding, hiking in steep terrain and an ascent up a steep crack to gain the plateau.

Terrain is varied and interesting, including some petrified wood.  The views looking south are rewarding.  There is a man-made "square spring" high on the cliff and an Anasazi ruin on the top of the plateau.  This is a lovely area, and the weather in mid-March was a lucky combination of light night-time precipitation and cool day-time temperatures.

To access the trailhead, drive south and west from White Rock on NM 4 for about two miles. I accessed the canyon from Gate #7, which is below road grade and not visible from the road. Park on the south side of the road across from a gate to LANL property to avoid hassles from laboratory security. Proceed through the gate and walk southeast on the well-marked trail.