To register for an outing, you will need to give your contact information and sign a participant waiver completion online in advance of every outing.

October 2023

Saturday, October 7: Cerros de Amado Ramble. The landscapes will be pleasing in this geologically interesting area. With no forest cover, the rock strata and their contortions are laid bare and we walk up and down through millions of years. This hike is 6 miles long with an elevation gain of 800 feet. Ages 14 and up with parent or legal guardian, no dogs.
Leader: Jim Nelson
Level: Moderate
Location: East of Socorro
Register by October 4

Friday, October 13: Bosque Walk at Durand Open Space. 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Welcome to the beautiful South Valley! Durand Open Space provides excellent access to forest paths and river views. We’ll do a 2-mile loop and then take a break at the covered picnic area. Let’s meet at the Durand parking lot by 9:55 a.m. No dogs please.
Leader: Diane Reese
Level: Easy – no elevation gain; mix of shaded-unshaded, flat trail, root trip hazards
Location: Durand Open Space, 4750 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105
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Saturday, October 14: More Fall Birds Along Animas River in Farmington. 8:00 a.m. to approximately 11:00 a.m., three-miles round trip. This and the September 16^th trip aim to discover which of the 31 migrants, who headed north last spring, will follow the same route, heading south in the fall. We’ll also look for the 24 residents discovered last spring, hopefully find a few more. Eighteen years-old and up only. No dogs please. Use sunscreen, bring a binocular, water, snacks, and dress for the weather. Limit of twelve people.
Leader: Mike Foster
Level: Easy
Location: Farmington, NM
Register by October 11

Saturday, October 14, Angel Peak Eclipse Peek-a-Boo. 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The annular solar eclipse which will occur at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, should be a spectacular event. The path of the eclipse will pass directly over the 4 Corners and Angel Peak Scenic Area 15 miles south of Bloomfield, New Mexico. The eclipse will last for approximately three hours. Angel Peak and Kutz Canyon are in a remote area of beautiful, stark badlands unrivaled anywhere in the West. The Rio Grande Chaper of the Sierra Club will host an outing for this event which will be limited to 20 registrants, all of whom must be 18 years of age or older. The fact that this outing will be in darkness for most of the three-hour span, and the fact that rattlesnakes and other critters may still be out in mid-October presents too much of a risk for pets and kids. See calendar event for details about camping.
Leader: Hart Pierce
Level: Easy
Location: 4 Corners area
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Saturday, October 21: Sierra de la Cruz Scramble. Looking from Socorro to the east across the Rio Grande, you’ll see a rounded formation 10 miles distant. This hike will take us to the top of this cap of Permian marine limestone, a scramble of 4.6 miles and 600 feet of elevation gain, with panoramic views of the Rio Grande valley and the broken and uplifted country on its east side. Take I-25 to Escondida which is the last exit north of Socorro, and drive east and then north following the paved road 1.5 miles to the turnoff east to Escondida Lake, where we’ll meet in the parking lot and, ideally, share rides. The 18-mile drive in from there is for moderately high-clearance vehicles. Ages 14 and up with parent or legal guardian, no dogs.
Leader: Jim Nelson
Level: Moderate
Location: East of Socorro, NM
Register by October 19

Sunday, October 22: Hike Palomas Peak Via Faulty Trail. This trail is approximately 7.5 miles long with 1,860 elevation gain and is rated by all trails as moderate to strenuous. We will meet at the Sandia man cave parking area. If it is full, there is additional parking about 1 mile past it at a picnic area. We should be done in 5 hours if everyone who signs up has a 1.5  mph pace going uphill. This is a remote trail with some great views. We will stop for water breaks and a snack break along the way. If interested afterwards we can arrange to stop at the Placitas Cafe for lunch.
Leader: Debbie Bryant
Level: Moderate-Strenuous
Location: East Mountains of Albuquerque
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November 2023

Wednesday, November 8: Zero Waste Tour of the Rio Grande Compost facility. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the West Mesa. Come and see the process up close on how biosludge from the ABCWUA, is mixed with green waste, stable bedding, and wood chips to make nutrient-rich compost. Tour starts indoors with a brief orientation then moves outdoors and to an open warehouse, so dress accordingly. Must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Limited to 10 people, first-come first-served. Participants must be able to stand during the entire tour. Meet at the facility parking lot, 7400 Jim McDowell Rd. NW.
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque’s West Mesa
Register for this event by November 18, limited to 10 people

Friday, November 18: Beat the Black Friday Rush Bike Ride to Nob Hill. Meet at Winrock Mall parking lot at 9:45 a.m. This eight-mile course includes 225 feet of elevation gain and will pass by city parks and destinations between Uptown and Nob Hill. Previous experience riding in mixed traffic is recommended. This ride is appropriate for children over 16 when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. A road-suitable bike and helmet are required. Tire sealant and bike lock are strongly recommended. No direct cost, but money for purchases at restaurants and shops is recommended. Maximum10 participants. No dogs are allowed.
Leader: Patrick Burton
Level: Easy-Moderate
Location: Albuquerque Winrock to Nob Hill
Register by November 11, limited to 10 participants

December 2023

Saturday, December 2: Introduction to Backpacking. New Mexico has hundreds of miles of trails waiting for you. Whether you just want to get away for a weekend of solitude with your family or solo thru-hike from Mexico to Canada, adventure is right in our backyard. Perhaps you’re merely curious and not quite sure how to begin backpacking or whether it’s for you? This clinic is designed for those who’ve never shouldered a backpack as well as those who just want to learn more about how to safely hike in the backcountry. During this six-hour course we’ll take you from the basics, to the essential things you need to know for an extended thru-hike. We’ll use both classroom and hands-on learning. Class runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch. Appropriate for children 14 and up with parent or legal guardian. Class size limited to 16 attendees. We’ll cover the following topics: Planning and preparing for a trip, Risk management and safety, Proper pack fit and pack loading, Essential, optional and non-essential gear, Care and uses of gear, Self-care, Leave-no-trace ethics.
Leader: Terry Owen
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque East Mountain Library
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Coming in 2024

Wednesday, February 21: Night Stargazing Bike Ride. 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. It may not seem so at first, but the middle of winter is actually a good time for a nighttime bike ride. It’s quiet with minimal traffic and clear skies overhead. Join us for a ride from Montgomery Park and ride to Canteen Brewery. Five miles round trip with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. Road-capable bike with front and rear lights, helmet, and reflective clothing required. Participants must be 21 or over. No dogs are allowed. Deadline for registering: February 12, limit 5 participants.
Leader: Patrick Burton
Level: Moderate
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event