Spring 2024 Outings

March 2024

Tuesday, March 19: Zero Waste E-recycling Tour. 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Albuquerque Computer and Electronics Recycling Company. Come find out what you can e-recycle beyond just computers and cell phones and what happens to them. Meet in their parking lot by 9:50 a.m. to sign in. We will be standing the whole time, so wear comfortable closed-toed shoes. Register by March 10. Limit: 12 people. Contact Laurie if you need or can give a ride.
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event by March 10, limit 12 participants

Wednesday, March 20: Dog Bosque Walk at Durand Open Space. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Welcome to the beautiful South Valley! Durand Open Space provides excellent access to forest paths and river views. Let’s take a small group with our dogs and enjoy the Bosque. We’ll do a 3 mile loop, stopping at a secret beach for some playtime and then take a break at the covered picnic area: bring a lunch or snack; treats/water for the pups. Dogs must be leashed, well behaved and good with other dogs nearby. Meet at the Durand parking lot by 9:55 a.m. Any rain cancels.
Leader: Diane Reese
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
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Saturday, March 23: Birdwatching and Much More! Meet at Sevilleta National wildlife refuge visitor center parking lot at 40 Refuge Road, San Acacia, NM 87831 at 9:00 am. The visitors center may not be open but we can walk on nature trail, then stop at New Mexico tech mineral museum and campus. Then we will drive to Bosque Del Apache for birdwatching and maybe see Javelinas, then stop at Buckhorn tavern for green chile cheeseburgers and travel back to ABQ. Return to Albuquerque late afternoon. No dogs. Rain cancels.
Leaders: Arlene Buchholz and Tami Howard
Level: Easy
Location: Near Socorro
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April 2024

Thursday, April 4: Sand Canyon-Trail of the Ancients Hike. Sponsored by the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Military Outdoors Program. Open to all! Sand Canyon trailhead is located 15 miles west of Cortez, CO on Mc Elmo Creek Road (CR G). This loop hike will be over sections of the Sand Canyon and Rock Creek trails with connectors. Trailhead elevation 5400 ft. This 3-4 hour 5 mile hike will travel over a rocky, sandy, sometimes packed, sometimes slickrock trail through pinyon-juniper ecosystem with an elevation gain of 400 ft. Trail passes several Ancestral Puebloan Ruins, many of which are accessible and inter-active. Sand Canyon is surrounded by red rock and Navajo sandstone mesas and plateaus with diverse geological features. Mc Elmo Creek Road winds through picturesque Mc Elmo Canyon dotted with vineyards and farms. For in depth information about the trails, geology and archaeology, google “Sand Canyon and Rock Creek Trails” and click on the BLM website. Participants should be able to walk a mile in 25 minutes or less. Trail is shared with mountain bikers and occassional horseback riders. Apparel/gear recommendations will be discussed in the Full Description and sent to registrants 1 week prior to outing.
Leader: Hart Pierce, 505-320-1055
Level: Moderate
Location: Cortez, CO
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Friday, April 5: Sierra Club and Beer – Sustainable Albuquerque. Is Sustainability a buzz word or a necessity? Learn about the City of Albuquerque’s program to take essential steps to make the City more sustainable, a true necessity! Come learn how close the City is to its 100% renewable goal; hear about and weigh in on mobile source solutions; see how composting and food waste diversion can save the world! Our guest speaker, Ann Simon, Deputy Director of Policy and Sustainability Officer for the City of Albuquerque will be discussing how the 2021 Climate Action Plan is driving efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in three key areas, the built environment, transportation, and materials management and waste. She also will be touching on the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, Community Change Grant, and the City’s heat mitigation measures. You don’t have to be a member to join us to enjoy a beverage, snacks and camaraderie. The meeting starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Leaders: Susan Gorman and Diane Reese
Location: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Pl NE, Albuquerque
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Saturday, April 6: Intro to Land Navigation. This hands-on three-hour class on the use of map and compass for land navigation will teach you the basics you need to get you on your way or be a refresher for those whose skills have grown rusty. Participants must be prepared for varying weather conditions and bring an Aspen Basin Quad topographical map available at USFS or US Geological Survey or at some outdoor stores, and a basic magnetic compass. Meet at 11:00 a.m. at Winsor Trailhead, Santa Fe Ski Basin. No dogs please. Children 14 and over with parent or legal guardian are welcome. Class size is limited to eight, so register early.
Leader: Sandra Corso, sandracorso@yahoo.com
Level: Easy
Location: Santa Fe
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Saturday, April 13: Introduction to Land Navigation. Sponsored by the Military Outdoor Program and all are welcome. This hands-on seven-hour class on the use of map and compass for land navigation will teach you the basics you need to get you on your way, or be a refresher for those whose skills have grown rusty. We’ll use a combination of classroom and outdoor instruction to help you practice this skill that is critical for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Participants must be prepared and dressed appropriately for prevailing weather conditions and be able to hike at least two miles over rugged terrain. This class is appropriate for children 14 and up if accompanied by parent or legal guardian. Meet no later than 8:00 a.m. at the Rio Grande Chapter office at 2215 Lead Avenue SE for the first phase of training. This event is limited to six participants. More details in the registration link.
Leader: Terry Owen
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
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Friday, April 19: Easy Hike to Explore the Valle de Oro NWR. Meet at the Visitor’s Center at 10:00. Refuge staff will tell us the history and plan for these 570 beautifully undeveloped acres in the South Valley. We will then board the electric shuttle so we can access the Bosque for a 2 mile stroll and check on the Rio Grande. Our easy amble hike back will include stops at the many murals and mosaic art works. Plan on stopping at the Gift Shop to pick up a few unique items and support the Friends of the Valle de Oro! No dogs.
Leader: Diane Reese
Level: Easy –mix of shaded-unshaded, flat trail, root trip hazards. 3-4 miles.
Location: Valle de Oro, 7851 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105
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Saturday, April 20 – Sunday, April 21 Rio Puerco Archaeology Service Project. This outing is sponsored by the Military Outdoors Program and everyone is welcome to join. Celebrate Earth Day weekend by learning first-hand about the geology and archaeology of the Rio Puerco basin near San Ysidro, NM. We will backpack approximately 3 miles into the backcountry and go with BLM staff archaeologists on a guided tour of the area’s cultural resources. Saturday evening we’ll enjoy camping under the stars and learning more about the area’s history. Sunday morning, we will continue our efforts until lunch, then we will depart. Participants should be in relatively good physical condition and be able to backpack at least 6 miles over uneven terrain with 250 feet of elevation change. This outing is appropriate for children 14 years of age and up when accompanied by parent or legal guardian.
Leaders: John Buchser, Terry Owen, and John Link
Level: Moderate
Location: Near San Ysidro, NM
Register for this event by April 15

Sunday, April 21: Earth Day Energy Guide Activist Event. The Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter is partnering with many Albuquerque area groups to bring you Earth Day Festival 2024, with a focus on household electrification and how to maximize rebates and incentives. Sierra Club volunteers will serve as Energy Guides to help people connect with Energy Experts at booths focused on electrification and rebates and tax benefits. Help our community learn about rebates and incentives to electrify and weatherize homes! Sign up for an Energy Guide shift at 2024 Earth Day Festival on April 21 at the Balloon Fiesta Park. Sierra Club volunteers will serve as Energy Guides to help people connect with Energy Experts at booths focused on electrification and rebates and tax benefits. The Zero Waste team from the Central Group will be at the Sierra Club table, and we’ll need 50 or more Energy Guides in shifts throughout the day. We are going to help people save money while they increase their energy efficiency at home and on the road.
Leader/contact: Caroline Funk
Location: Albuquerque
More information about the Energy Festival
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Friday, April 26: SC Gilman – Fenton Lake – Jemez Springs Drive with Photo Stops. Meet promptly at 9:00 a.m. in Bernalillo to carpool. Join us for a pleasant dose of nature and fresh air and camaraderie. This approximately 6-hour outing includes one hour of driving each way from departure point, along lovely winding mountain roads, Highway 4 and Forest Road 604 along the Rio Guadalupe and Rio Cebolla, then Road 126, and back to Highway 4. Photo stops at the Gilman tunnels and Fenton Lake, then lunch in Jemez Springs at Highway 4 Cafe. We will have rest breaks at the Jemez Pueblo visitor center and at La Cueva Country Store. This is a lovely drive in a beautiful area, your photos are bound to be spectacular. This outing is appropriate for children over 12 accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No dogs. Register no later than Apr. 24.
Leader: June Parsons
Level: Easy
Location: Jemez Mountains
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May 2024

Saturday, May 4: Spring Birds Along the Animas River in Farmington. Spring Birds Along the Animas River in Farmington, about three miles round trip, along trails on flat terrain. We will compare the birds we find with lists of resident and migrant species discovered last spring. Eighteen year olds and up only. No dogs please. Limit of 7 people, as this is a joint trip with the Colorado Mountain Club. Register no later than Apr. 29.
Leader: Mike Foster
Level: Easy
Location: Farmington
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Thursday, May 9: Hovenweep Hopalong. This bike/hike outing is listed as moderate-strenuous.  Participants should be able to ride 5 miles on a 5% uphill grade, and walk a mile in 25 minutes.
Leader: Hart Pierce
Level: Moderate to strenuous
Location: Southern Colorado/Utah
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Saturday, May 11: Yoga In The Mountains. Come celebrate the day with us. If you’d like to explore the wonders of nature, hiking and outdoor yoga in the company of really nice people this is the hike! We’ll embark on an easy ~3 mile hike that incorporates a one hour outdoor yoga and mindfulness break midway. Includes 300 feet of elevation gain and amazing views of the mountains. Everyone is welcome! Limited to 15 participants, children over the age of 12 are welcome when accompanied by parent or legal guardian. A $10 cash donation for our amazing yoga instructor, Pamela Cook would be appreciated. Good well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Leader: Debbie Bryant
Level: Easy
Location: Ponderosa trail loop (out by Oak Flats in Tijeras)
Register for this event by May 9

Tuesday, May 14: Zero Waste Tour of Magpie Motors. Come learn about and test drive a used EV. Dave, the dealer, loves to talk about the benefits of EV ownership even if you’re not ready to buy. We will be out in the parking lot, mostly standing so dress for the weather with comfortable shoes and a hat. Bring a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance if you would like to test drive a car. If you need or can give a ride contact the trip leader. Limit 8 but we can also do it the next day if more people are interested.
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event by May 11

Friday, May 17: Las Conchas Trail Hike along the Jemez River East Fork. This outing includes one hour of driving each way along the lovely winding Highway 4. This easy pine forest hike alongside the mountain stream is approximately 3 miles round trip with 50 feet of elevation gain. Join us for a dose of nature and camaraderie. Bring your own water and lunch, hat, and wear outer layers as the mountain air may be chilly. This hike is appropriate for children over 12 accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No dogs. Register no later than May 15.
Leader: June Parsons
Level: Easy
Location: Jemez Mountains, North of Jemez Springs
Register for this event by May 15

Wednesday, May 29: Gutierrez Hubbell House and Lunch at Abuelita’s. Easy hike with a bit of South Valley culture. Visit the Gutierrez Hubbell House (GHH) Open Space, a fine example of adobe architecture dating back to the 1860s. The property includes 10 acres, much of which is farmed and also fed by an historic acequia. We will walk the perimeter trail, an easy 1 mile loop. Then we will tour the museum. And since you have come to the South Valley, let’s go over to Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen and enjoy lunch at this family-owned eatery. The onsite Sisters Gift Shop offers unique and handmade items. No dogs.
Leader: Diane Reese
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque.
Register for this event by May 21

Friday, May 31: Wild Rivers Recreation Area Service Project. Friday – Sunday. This outing is sponsored by the Military Outdoors Program and everyone is welcome to join. Here’s your chance to give back to the Land of Enchantment. We’ll meetup at a group campsite at Wild Rivers Recreation Area on Friday afternoon and enjoy campfire therapy in the evening. Bring your van, tent or small RV to spend the night. On Saturday we’ll conduct light trail maintenance and then enjoy another evening under the stars. On Sunday, we’ll go for a hike or bike ride, clean up the campsite and then depart by noon. Participants should be in relatively good physical condition, be able to hike at least 3 miles and be able to use various hand tools to conduct trail maintenance. This outing is appropriate for children 12 and up when accompanied by parent or legal guardian. Sign up no later than May 24.
Leaders: Terry Owen, Rose Rowan, and Alan Shapiro
Level: Easy/Moderate
Location: Vicinity of Taos, NM
Register for this event by May 24

June 2024

Saturday, June 1: Early Summer Birds Along the Animas River in Farmington. Join Mike Foster for birdwatching, about three miles round trip, along trails on flat terrain. Leisurely pace. We will compare the birds we find with lists of resident and migrant species discovered last spring and summer, as well as last month. Eighteen year olds and up only. No dogs please. Limit of 7 people, as this is a joint trip with the Colorado Mountain Club. Sign up no later than May 27.
Leader: Mike Foster
Level: Easy
Location: Farmington
Register for this event by May 27

Friday, June 7: Sierra Club and Beer-Wandering in the Clear Light of New Mexico. David Ryan (coauthor of the most recent edition of 60 Hikes) will be speaking at the about his new book Wandering in the Clear Light of New Mexico. Wandering in the Clear Light of New Mexico expands upon the themes of exploring and wandering found within the 60 Hikes book to include the entire state. The new book is about places that you can only find in New Mexico and that are compelling enough and important enough to warrant a drive across the country to check out. Our nation has only 25 UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites. Three of them are in New Mexico – more than any other state. And when you add in the state’s amazing landforms, distinct sense of place, archaeological sites, and locations of historical and cultural significance, you have an amazing state for wandering and exploring. Wandering in the Clear Light of New Mexico is for those already living in the state, planning to visit the state, and for those who may have forgotten what makes New Mexico so special.
Leaders: Susan Gorman and Diane Reese
Location: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Pl NE, Albuquerque
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Tuesday, June 18: Zero Waste Tour of FUSE Makerspace. Have you ever wanted to make or fix something but didn’t have the right equipment? This makerspace has a 3D printer, laser cutter, carpentry equipment, and more. Come see what they have, how to learn to operate them and their flexible membership offerings. Comfortable closed-toed shoes are recommended. They have a large parking lot but if you need or can give a ride contact trip leader. Limit 15. Register by Jun. 17.
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event by June 17

Photo by Alan Shapiro