Visit the fantastical spires, columns, and mesas of Plaza Blanca, immortalized by Georgia O'Keefe in her painting "From the White Place." We'll ramble through narrow canyons, climb up on mesas for amazing views, and visit some human earth installations rock art (?) near Abiquiu. The hike may involve some scrambling if you wish, and will be up to 5 miles. Bring plenty of water, food, and sunscreen (there is not much shade). Carpool from the White Rock Y at 7:30. We should be back by 1:30 or 2. Please contact one of the trip leaders to save your spot.
Time for a cooler mountain hike! We'll start at the Coyote Call Trailhead, and hike over to St. Peters Dome Road via the Alamo Boundary Trail. On the way back, we'll attempt a climb up Scooter Peak (elevation change of about 600 ft over a rougher 1-mile trail). The route covers about 5.5 miles total. Meet at Sullivan Field at 8:30.
NOTICE: No dogs allowed, half of the hike is on Bandelier National Monument. I am sorry about not being able to take the furry four-footeds!
This is a request for feedback from the LA Mountaineers.
Are you interested in learning about backpacking, and going on a beginner backpack trip? If so, send me an email, and I will organize a get-together (probably a weekday evening) to discuss gear and training. It should be possible to borrow needed equipment from other LAM members or perhaps to rent gear. Then we will schedule an overnight trip to a local spot (perhaps Bandelier, or Water Canyon) to try out gear and hiking.
Within the last year, access has been opened to the Sabinoso Wilderness east of Las Vegas, NM. Previously, the wilderness was land-locked by private land and inaccessible. Per the BLM web site on the Wilderness (https://www.blm.gov/visit/sabinoso-wilderness), "The Sabinoso Wilderness is a remote area in the northeastern portion of New Mexico. The Wilderness includes a series of high, narrow mesas surrounded by cliff-lined canyons. ... The deep canyon area, surrounded by the wide-open New Mexico plains, is unique for this region.
Celebrate Earth Day with this hike out to the end of Otowi Mesa. We'll look at petroglyphs and other-worldly rock formations on the route. A wee bit of scrambling and a very different view of Los Alamos are included in this approximately 5-mi roundtrip hike with 400 ft elevation change. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and sunscreen. Meet at Sullivan Field at 1 p.m. to carpool to the trailhead (limited parking at the end of Los Pueblos); we should be done in about 4-5 hours. You'll have plenty of time to visit the LAMountaineers Booth at the PEEC Earth Day Celebration in the morning!
Week-end ski trip for 6+ people to finally ski some snow. Loveland is underrated and has the best late season snow that I know of. A-basin is just over the hill and is just plain beautiful as well as challenging. All the tourists will have left and I think it is the best time to ski.
Join us for a hike beginning in the "urban" area of White Rock on Canada Del Buey Trail, then go past the Pottery Monuments along Highway 4. We'll look for some petroglyphs in Pajarito Canyon (10-20 feet hike down and up), eat lunch on the edge of White Rock Canyon, and finish the loop along the Rim Trail. Approximately 6.5 miles with about 300 ft elevation change. Meet at 531 Hamlin Court in White Rock, leaving at 11 a.m. (should be done at the latest by 2:30 or 3 p.m.). Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
The last downhill ski area open for the 2017-2018 season is Sipapu (https://www.sipapunm.com/). It might not be spectacular, but it is open. I propose a day trip up there this Saturday, leaving Los Alamos at 8 AM, and skiing for at least a good part of the day. Sipapu is included on most Pajarito passes. Please contact me at bill at priedhorsky dot net if you would like to join me.
Come along on a visit to Amoxiumquaa, an ancient Jemez village, perched high on Virgin Mesa near Jemez Springs. The 2.5 trail goes up about 800 feet along a road that fades to a steep path for about 1/2 a mile. The last 1/2 mile brings us to Amoxiumquaa, a village that once held about 800 people. There is a spectacular view of Albuquerque, huge rubble piles, lots of pottery, circular depressions for kivas, and even (perhaps) a reservoir. It is well worth the effort!
