Sierra Trail Mix is a weekly guide to nature-oriented happenings, mostly in the Santa Fe area. It’s published to over 550 people by the Outings Program of the Sierra Club’s Northern NM Group.
NEAR-TERM SIERRA OUTINGS
Latest info normally available on the Santa Fe Sierra Outings Meetup page. We’ve pretty much gone to a Meetup-based posting and signup process at this point, although it’s not absolutely necessary to sign up that way. Please RSVP the leader unless otherwise stated.
Saturday, September 15 Easy Hike along Deer Creek/Grasshopper Canyon. About a 3 mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike along Deer Creek. This hike starts along I-25 just north of the Canoncito exit. Shady and pretty along the creek the whole way. Let me show you this sweet hike if you haven’t found it on your own. The drive out is about 15 miles putting the carpool cost at $3. Hosted by Alan Shapiro. https://www.meetup.com/Santa-
Sunday, September 9: Monica Canyon, San Mateo Mountains. The Monica Canyon trail ascends into the San Mateos at some distance from FR 549, which carries wheeled traffic up to the saddle. It also forks off onto an old, closed road that can be seen occasionally from FR 549. We’ll take one of these routes up to the Mount Withington forest road. 1,700-foot elevation gain, 6–8 miles round trip. Trailhead is accessible by car. Difficulty: intermediate. Leader: Jim Nelson at jcnelson@gilanet.comor 575-854-2259. Location: Central NM (Socorro)
Saturday, September 22: Walk in the Bosque on the fall equinox. Meet at the tree sculpture garden south of the Montano Bridge and walk south to check on the Oxbow and then down to the Rio Grande. It is an easy walk on even ground. 8 a.m. (two-hour walk). Leader: Margaret,mardel18@aol.com Location: Albuquerque
Sunday, September 23: Annual Monuments to Main Street Hike, Picacho Peak. We will hike the new Western Ridge trail to the top of Picacho Peak. At the top of Picacho Peak you will enjoy 360 degree views of the entire National Monument as well of views into Texas and Mexico. We will return via the original trail route. 3-4 miles round trip. 700 feet of elevation gain. Call Howie Dash for meeting time and place. Hike limited to 15 people. Leader: Howie Dash, 575-652-7550 orhowiedash@aol.com Location: Las Cruces area
Saturday, September 29: Easy hike in Northern New Mexico; details TBD due to forest closures. Look for updates on our Meetup site. Leader: Alan Shapiro nm5s@yahoo.com Location: To be determined, out of Santa Fe
Summer trips will generally be posted to the Chapter Events calendar and the Outings Program page. But ALL near-term Santa Fe ones will be on our Meetup site.
Sign-up is by contact with leader (phone, or email if shown). To go you’ll need to sign a waiver that the leader will provide. Dogs only allowed as noted. Trips are normally FREE (pay when carpooling) and open to non-members (spread the word!), though we do like it if you join the Club to increase our local and national clout.
TRAIL REPORT – WILLIAMS LAKE (TAOS SKI VALLEY)
From Dag Ryen:
A short piece of the Williams Lake Trail has been rerouted while forest thinning and other construction takes place. From the wilderness boundary on, it’s basically a rocky drainage for the first mile. The switchbacks to Wheeler Peak are in good shape up to the scree. Loose rock makes some upper sections treacherous on the descent.
The Bavarian Inn, popular spot for an apres-hike brewski, is still undergoing renovation.
The Bavarian Inn, popular spot for an apres-hike brewski, is still undergoing renovation.
CLEARING HITS A SNAG (SFR)
The Forest Service’s plan to thin trees from 1,800 acres off Hyde Park Road near the Black Canyon campground skipped an environmental review stage. The agency says that’s allowed under exemptions in the Healthy Forest Restoration Act. Longtime Santa Fe forest activist Sam Hitt says the project will create roads in a uniquely roadless part of the forest that’s just minutes from downtown. Elizabeth Miller reports for SFR.
The Forest Service’s plan to thin trees from 1,800 acres off Hyde Park Road near the Black Canyon campground skipped an environmental review stage. The agency says that’s allowed under exemptions in the Healthy Forest Restoration Act. Longtime Santa Fe forest activist Sam Hitt says the project will create roads in a uniquely roadless part of the forest that’s just minutes from downtown. Elizabeth Miller reports for SFR.
TRAIL-RELATED OPPORTUNITIES PER SF CONSERVATION TRUST (TIM ROGERS, NON-SIERRA)
Hello All – Several more volunteer opportunities, more ways to support SFCT and partners’ open space and trail work, and more information on upcoming trail, bicycle, and walking events in August and September for you . . .
snip
– Santa Fe Conservation Trust 25th Anniversary Raffle. Please see https://sfct.org/2018-
– Railyard Park Beautification Week, Sept. 4 – 8, leading up to the Railyard Park’s 10th Anniversarycelebration events on Sept. 15-16. See https://railyardpark.org/
– Bike Santa Fe is offering a Smart Cycling course on Sept. 6 & 8, details at http://www.bikesantafe.org/
– NM Rail History Celebration, all September but especially Sept. 15-16. Details at http://www.
tim@sfct.org, www.sfct.org, 505.989.7019 o
COYOTE RANGER DISTRICT FRENCH MESA PRESCRIBED BURN COULD START SEPT. 18
SANTA FE, NM – September 1, 2018 – For Immediate Release. Fire managers on the Coyote Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) could begin ignitions as early as Sept. 18 on the French Mesa to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire.
Conditions, which include fuel moisture levels, air quality and weather forecasts are favorable for ignitions. Up to 1,000 acres of hazardous fuels may be treated per day by hand and air ignitions in the French Mesa fuelwood area. The total prescribed burn area is 3,580 acres.
Forest Roads 8 and 11 will remain open, but travelers are discouraged from traveling the road during times of prescribed burn activity. Also, try to avoid camping in the vicinity due to the high potential for smoke.
The area is located approximately eight miles north of the community of Gallina, and 18 miles northwest of the Coyote Ranger District office. Smoke is expected to be visible from Gallina, Coyote, Youngsville, Regina, Llaves, Lindrith, Ghost Ranch, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu and possibly Canjilon, Chama, Espanola and Counselor. Smoke may settle into lower elevations and in drainage areas during the evenings, but should lift by mid-morning.
SAN PEDRO PARKS WILDERNESS TRASH CLEANUP—SAN GREGORIO LAKE 9/ 8 (NMWILD EVENT)
Per Jennifer Sublett, District Volunteer Coordinator, SFNF: Here is another opportunity to help wilderness rangers with NMWild on September 8. It’s a trash clean-up at San Gregorio Lake in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness. Come join in the fun and help beautify the area around the lake!
THE SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST (SFNF) WILL CONTINUE TO HOST OPEN HOUSES TO GIVE THE PUBLIC THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK WITH FOREST SERVICE SPECIALISTS ABOUT THE FOREST PLAN UNDER REVISION.
There will be no presentation or agenda prepared for the Open Houses. They are instead an informal opportunity for you to ask questions and for us to share information and pre-draft material about the revision of the Forest Plan, the comprehensive document that will guide management of all forest resources for 10 to 15 years. Open Houses are good opportunities to get a preview of documents as they are developed and prior to their release and formal comment period.
This is a chance to share the progress made since the public meetings on Forest Plan Alternatives and Management Areas in March 2017. In previous Open Houses, table topics focused on resource areas, but the upcoming Open Houses will focus on planning topics including Alternatives, Geographic Areas, Management Areas, Monitoring, Wilderness, and Wild and Scenic Rivers. Forest Plan and District specialists will be available to answer questions on resource areas or Forest Planning more generally. Below is the Open House schedule for fall 2018:
snip
· Tuesday, September 11th (2:30-5:30pm) – Sandoval County Fairgrounds, 37 Rodeo Rd, Cuba, NM 87013
· Thursday, September 27th (2:30-5:30pm) – Santa Fe National Forest, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508
· Wednesday, October 10th (2:30-5:30pm) – Rio Arriba Cooperative Extension Office (Conference Room), State Road 554 House #122-A, Abiquiu, NM 87510
· Thursday, October 11th (2:30-5:30pm) – White Rock Fire Station #3 (Training Room), 129 NM-4, White Rock, NM 87544
· Wednesday, November 14th (12-3pm) Technical Meeting – Santa Fe National Forest, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508
· Thursday, November 15th (2:30-5:30pm) North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center (Classroom 5), 7521 Carmel Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
· Monday, December 10th (2:30-5:30pm) New Mexico Highlands University (TEC 205, #30 on Campus Map), 1031 11th Street, Las Vegas, NM 87701
Below is the format for all of our Open Houses:
· You can arrive any time, stay for as little or long as you like, and can circulate among Forest Service specialists discussing various topics.
· Open Houses are not part of a comment period so we will not be recording public comments, but specialists may take informal notes during conversations.
· We will bring our current work to share with you and answer your questions, but we will be reviewing pre-draft material which will not be made available to the public either as a handout or on our website. This is an informal, intermediary step. We will bring handouts from previous public meetings, which are available on our website, and there will be opportunities later for public comment on draft work products.
If you have questions please call 505-438-5442, email santafeforestplan@fs.fed.us, or mail: Forest Plan Revision, Santa Fe National Forest, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508. To learn more, please visit our website: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/
We look forward to your continued involvement.
Forest Plan Revision Team, Santa Fe National Forest, 505-438-5442
BANDELIER — TICKETS FOR 7TH ANNUAL OPERA ON THE ROCKS available online
Once again, The Los Alamos Opera Guild of The Guilds of The Santa Fe Opera, Inc. is joining Bandelier National Monument to present Opera on the Rocks, Saturday, September 15, 2018.
The performance returns this year with a concert staging of scenes from several popular operas. The New Mexico Performing Arts Society will present selections from Gounod’s Faust, Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier, Johann Strauss, Jr. The Gypsy Baron, and Offenbach’s Barcarolle, all selections from their sold-out performances in Santa Fe. The New Mexico Performing Arts Society was founded to promote the work of New Mexico-based professional musicians and features several singers who have already delighted us at past Opera on the Rocks performances; Andre Garcia-Nuthmann and Jennifer Perez will be welcomed back. Artistic Director Franz Vote brings to Santa Fe many years of international experience, including conducting at Bayreuth and the Metropolitan Opera. Artist information may be found at NMPAS.org.
Opera on the Rocks is an informal, family-oriented introduction to the world of opera, set in the beautiful, rustic amphitheater at Bandelier’s Juniper Campground. Shuttle buses provided by Los Alamos County Atomic City Transit, will bring visitors from Sullivan Field in Los Alamos and from the White Rock Visitor Center, beginning at 3 pm. Due to very limited parking at Bandelier, arrival by these free shuttle buses is required. Exceptions are vehicles displaying disability placards. Return shuttles to Los Alamos and White Rock are scheduled for just after the performance as well as around 7pm allowing time for opera goers to enjoy after performance food and drink in the park.
Los Alamos’ own Sirphey and UnQuarked will be selling food and beverages. Wine and beer tasting prior to purchase will also be available as well as dessert selections. Children can join Park Rangers for various crafts activities and a Pueblo drummer will remind us of the long history of music in Bandelier’s canyons and mesas.
In the event of rain, Opera on the Rocks will be rescheduled for Saturday, September 29.
This annual event is a fundraiser for The Santa Fe Opera Education and Community Programs and for the Friends of Bandelier. Ticket prices are $15 for individuals or $40 for a family of 4. Opera Guild members pay $10 for individuals or $25 for a family of 4. Overnight campers at Juniper Campground can attend for free. Thursday, September 13, is the final day to purchase tickets online.
For ticket information or to buy tickets, please visit the Opera Guild’s website at www.guildsofsfo.org/LA. Information about Bandelier National Monument available at 505-672-3861 x 517 or visit www.nps.gov/band, on Facebook, BandelierNPS.
BANDELIER: SATURDAY NIGHT RANGER GUIDED ACTIVITIES IN FRIJOLES CANYON – August and September (Non-Sierra)
On most Saturdays, August 4th through September 29th, Interpretive Rangers at Bandelier National Monument will be providing Bat Strolls and Night Walks in Frijoles Canyon. Rangers Ryan Gaul and Jason Knight will reveal fun bat facts and accompany visitors on the Falls Trail to a spot where the group will quietly wait for any emerging bats. While Rangers Wesley Hermann and Derek Wallentinsen will share insight about what night time activity in the canyon may have been like when the canyon was inhabited by ancestral people.
Bat strolls begin at 6:30pm, cover about 2.5 miles round trip on the Falls Trail over rolling, uneven, rocky terrain and may last 2-2 ½ hours. Night walks begin at 7:30pm, cover about 1 mile round trip on the Main Loop Trail, on mostly level terrain that includes some stairs and may last
1 ½ -2 hours. As the summer wears on, start times will be earlier. Both programs require reservations, which can be made by calling the Bandelier Visitor Center in Frijoles Canyon.
These hikes are recommended for those 8 years of age and older; all minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please be prepared for the weather, bring water, a flashlight and a snack if you like. Closed toe walking shoes or boots are recommended. Rangers will emphasize safety and have extra flashlights on hand. To better experience the canyon at night, cell phones are best left turned off.
According to Superintendent Jason Lott, “Experiencing an evening or a night in Frijoles Canyon can be quite memorable; come join us!”
Bat Stroll dates: snip September 1st and 29th
Night Walk dates: snip September 8th and 22nd
(Currently, Bat Strolls are filled, with room on wait lists in September)
For more details about these and other educational programs and to make reservations, contact the Bandelier Visitor Center at 505-672-3861 x 517 or visit www.nps.gov/band, on Facebook, BandelierNPS.
REI-LISTED Santa Fe EVENTS (SELECTED, NON-SIERRA)
Hands-On Bike Maintenance – Wheel Truing The wheel is a crucial part of the bike that requires specific care and maintenance. Over time, the rim, spokes, and component parts can become worn and/or damaged and the wheel can become fatigued; requiring repair or replacement. 9/5/2018 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Member: $45 Nonmember: $65 3 spots available
Backcountry Weather Systems Be your own detective outdoors by assessing clues from the surrounding environment. Gain insight on weather systems and their inner workings. Learn to effectively plan for any outdoor activity and how to manage associated risks. 9/6/2018 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM FREE 11 spots available
CONSERVATION CORNER
This email is outings-focused, but let’s keep the destinations nice. Please join the Club (only $15, don’t be cheap), and why not become more activist? There are many local Sierra opportunities for involvement here.
CLOSURES, RESTRICTIONS, TRAIL CONDITIONS, EVENTS Please reply to me with your observations! Old info should be verified.
Ancho Rapids: The trail is just fine. It hardly matters that there’s no trail once you get to the flood plain because you’re following a watercourse (Ancho spring). There’s altogether too much evidence of the feral cattle. K. Davis 11/2016
Bandelier: mid-May 14– mid-Oct, a shuttle bus is required to access Frijoles Canyon, though if people come before 9 AM or after 3 PM they can drive in to Frijoles canyon. If visiting during that time click here. Events: www.nps.gov/band. Trail updates: 10/2017 (KB):
· Frijoles Rim and Canyon Trails: Rehab/reroute project completed. Trails open and clear.
· Apache Springs trail is restored from the TH to the bottom of the switchbacks in upper Frijoles canyon; the trail in the canyon bottom downstream to Upper Crossing has not been repaired and is non-existent at this time.
· The Stone Lions Trail has been rehabilitated from the Frijoles Rim trail down to the bottom of Alamo canyon. The log issues in Alamo Canyon bottom have been cleared.
· The Boundary Peak trail has been repaired/rehabilitated from the TH at Dome to the intersection of the Turkey Springs trail.
· The entire Turkey Springs trail has been repaired and cleared from end to end.
May 17 First Day of Shuttles from White Rock
snip
Aug 25 Founders Day
Sep 5 Bandelier designated an Important Bird Area
Sep 22 Public Lands Day – Fee free(no entry fee)
Opera on the Rocks – Amphitheater (tickets required)
Oct 6 Fall Fiesta
Oct 17 Last Day of Shuttles from White Rock
Oct 20 Bandelier Wilderness Day (10/20/1976)
Oct 20 International Observe the Moon Night
Oct 25 Migratory Bird Treaty Act Day
Nov 11 Veterans Day – Fee free (no entry fee)
Dec 21 Winter Solstice – sunrise & sunset walks
Fee Free Days (no entrance fee charged)
Sep 22 Public Lands Day
Nov 11 Veterans Day
Brazos Cabin: Trail 155 is now in excellent shape for 10-11 miles, to near Trailriders. Ken 7/2016
Caballo trail (above Los Alamos): Severe wash-out, best avoided Craig M.
Cowles to Stewart: Makeshift creek crossings on the old Winsor Trail have been washed away. Water shoes recommended. (4/2016, Dag)
Dockwiller: Several dozen downed trees (Marcia 4/2017), SFNF volunteers to tackle Memorial Day
Elevator Shaft: Trl 403 has a moderate amount of fresh deadfall and erosion and is a little hard to follow if you are not familiar with the route. The Rio Nambé Trail, FT 160, between 403 and La Vega, has some impenetrable deadfall areas that must be circumvented. (Lauren, also Aku, 7/2017)
Gascon 239 – had time to remove the first 10 blowdowns, starting at the 249/239 junction and heading down towards Pecos Falls; estimate there are an additional 40 blowdowns remaining on this stretch, which remains impassable to stock and very difficult for hikers and backpackers to negotiate. Ehrman 9/2017
Glorieta Conf Ctr: Best to call 2 days ahead of time and make a reservation since the process is always changing. Office: (505) 757-6161, press 0. Normally not answered on weekends. With pre-arrangement, on arrival, buzz 123 at the gate and they should answer and meet you to sign the waiver (once annually). Generally, hikers are welcome mid-August through mid-May, 7 days a week using above process (maybe Sat-Sun mostly during the Summer).
Hamilton Mesa Trail 249 – removed 103 blowdowns, starting at the Larkspur Trail 260 junction and ending at its terminus on the Gascon Trail 239; documented chainsaw use, with cuts made just wide enough to get stock through. Ehrman 9/2017
Jemez: Passage through LANL requires driver to show license, vouch for passengers’ veracity. Jemez Ranger District: Forest Road 266 is drivable but the road is not passable at Hondo Canyon. FR 289 requires high clearance.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks closed Xmas Eve/Day, NY Day, and sometimes when Cochiti chooses. ALWAYS best to call first: 505.761.8700
Sierra Trail Mix: Hike updates
You must be logged in to post a comment.