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.

July 2023

Sunday, July 2, 11am-3pm: Sierra Club Member Appreciation Picnic. Calling all Sierra Club members and friends! It’s simply been too long since we all got together. With summer approaching, let’s head to the mountains! Join the members and friends of the Rio Grande Chapter who have survived a global pandemic, come through legislative sessions, knocked doors to get out the vote, canvassed, called, organized outings, and faced a Pandora’s box of other challenges. We want to show our appreciation with a picnic and have some fun! Bring a potluck offering to share.
Location: Doc Long Picnic Site in the Cibola National Forest
RSVP no later than June 28

Saturday, July 8: Arroyo del Tajo Scramble. A Quebradas hike featuring strata exposed by millions of years of water erosion, and the eponymous tajo or gash, cut through ancient red-beds. We’ll scramble east up the arroyo to an elevated basin and then back down across the Quebradas Backcountry Byway to the lower part of the arroyo with more impressive formations from a quarter billion years ago. Hike is 6 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain and a little scrambling over rocks. To get to our meeting point, take I-25 to Escondida, first 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 and possibly ride-share. We’ll continue across the river and follow the paved road to right or south 1 mile to the Quebradas Backcountry Byway sign, then turn left and drive 9.7 miles. Ages 14 and up with parent or legal guardian, no dogs.
Leader: Jim Nelson
Level: Moderate
Location: East of Socorro
Register by July 5

Saturday, July 8: Yoga in The Mountains. Come celebrate the day with us. We’ll meet at the trailhead at 10:00 a.m. 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 260 feet of elevation gain and amazing views of the mountains. Sponsored by the Sierra Club Military Outdoors Program and everyone is welcome. Limited to 15 participants, and children over the age of 12 are welcome when accompanied by parent or legal guardian. A $7 cash donation for the instructor would be appreciated. Good dogs are permitted.
Leaders: Debbie Bryant and Terry Owen
Level: Easy
Location: East Mountains of Albuquerque
Register  July 5

Wednesday, July 12: Zero Waste E-recycling Tour. 10 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Come find out what more you can e-recycle than just computers and cell phones and how they are recycled. Where: Albuquerque Computer & Electronics Recycling Company in  Albuquerque. Meet in their parking lot by 9:50 a.m. to sign in. We will be standing the whole time so wear comfortable shoes. Limit: 12 people.|
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event by July 10

Thursday, July 13, Ride the Cool Ditches of the North Valley. This is a North Rio Grande Valley Loop. Riding mostly on dirt,  these trails are flat, can be narrow and we will do some waterway crossings on narrow bridges. There will be some sand and bumpy roots, which require moderate riding skills. Ride is 10 to 15 miles total on mostly flat terrain. Needed are mountain bikes in good condition and knowledge of flat tire repair. Helmets required. Meet at Harnett Park on Rio Grande Blvd, for departure at 8 a.m. sharp. Limited to 10 participants. Children 16 years and over when accompanied by parent or legal guardian are welcome.
Leader: Rose Rowan
Level: Moderate
Location: Albuquerque
Register by July 10

Friday, July 21 – Saturday, July 22: Intro to Backpacking and Wheeler Peak Climb. Have you always wanted to try backpacking and climb a big mountain? This is your chance. Wheeler Peak is New Mexico’s tallest peak at 13,161 feet. This is a great outing for those who’ve never backpacked before but would like to try it. We’ll backpack into the wilderness approximately 2 miles, camp for the evening and then get an alpine start the following morning with a small daypack for a 2–3-hour push to the summit. This route passes a beautiful alpine lake, winds thru towering pines and offers unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains. After enjoying a high-altitude lunch we’ll descend, break camp and head back to the trailhead. This hike is rated as strenuous and is approximately 9 miles round trip, with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Participants should be in very good physical condition and tolerate high elevation. Children 16 and up with parent or legal guardian are welcome. This outing is rated as strenuous. A recommended gear list and meetup location will be provided about five days in advance.
Leader: Debbie Bryant and Terry Owen
Level: Strenuous
Location: Taos Ski Valley
Register by July 17

Saturday, July 22: Arroyo del Alamillo Scramble. This scramble or off-trail hike, covers 6 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain and loss. The terrain is of ancient uplifts of mostly Permian-age sedimentary strata, being washed down into what’s now the Rio Grande valley over many millions of years. You don’t have to know any geology to marvel at this colorful and sometimes precipitous terrain, but you do need to be ready to pant up a rocky slope as the price of a view from the highest point we’ll reach. Ages 14 and up, no dogs.
Leader: Jim Nelson
Level: Moderate
Location: East of Socorro
Register no later than July 19

August 2023

Tuesday, August 8: Zero Waste Tour of the Southside Wastewater Reclamation Plant. 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. We will meet at the Education building at 8:50 a.m. to sign in and then hear an orientation. This will hopefully include a slideshow of activated sludge and the live critters that consume it, followed by a tour of the extensive facility showing the stages of wastewater reclamation. This will be mostly outside and includes walking and standing so comfortable shoes are recommended. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required. Hard hats will be provided. Limit 12; children aged 8 and up accompanied by parent or legal guardian may participate.
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
Register by August 5

Thursday, August 10: Ride the Cool Ditches of the North Valley. This is a North Rio Grande Valley Loop. Riding mostly on dirt, these trails are flat, can be narrow and we will do some waterway crossings on narrow bridges. There will be some sand and bumpy roots, which require moderate riding skills. Ride is 10 to 15 miles total on mostly flat terrain. Needed are mountain bikes in good condition and knowledge of flat tire repair. Helmets required. Meet at Harnett Park on Rio Grande Blvd, for departure at 8 a.m. sharp. Limited to 10 participants. Children 16 years and over when accompanied by parent or legal guardian are welcome.
Leader: Rose Rowan
Level: Moderate
Location: Albuquerque
Register by August 6

Saturday, August 12: Yoga in The Mountains. Come celebrate the day with us. We’ll meet at the trailhead at 10:00 a.m. 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 260 feet of elevation gain and amazing views of the mountains. Sponsored by the Sierra Club Military Outdoors Program and everyone is welcome. Limited to 15 participants, and children over the age of 12 are welcome when accompanied by parent or legal guardian. A $7 cash donation for the instructor would be appreciated. Good dogs are permitted.
Leaders: Debbie Bryant and Terry Owen
Level: Easy
Location: East Mountains of Albuquerque, Ponderosa Trail Loop
Register by August 9

Saturday, August 19: Making Connections from West Albuquerque Bike Ride. Transportation from the west side doesn’t have to be car-dependent! Learn about the extensive off-street paved bike trails throughout the west side and connections across the river! We will travel from Mariposa Basin Park to Bike-In Coffee, renowned for catering to bicyclists and asking patrons to avoid parking that disrupts the neighborhood. This 16-mile round trip route will go through 300 feet of elevation change, most of it from the riverbed up to the west mesa via a bike and pedestrian bridge adjacent to the interstate. Children 15 years and over when accompanied by parent or legal guardian are welcome.
Leader: Patrick Burton
Level: Moderate
Location: Albuquerque, Mariposa Basin Park
Register by August 16

Sunday, August 20: Mindful Birding Walk to Fillmore Falls, Dripping Springs Natural Area. We will meet at the Trailhead at the La Cueva Recreation Site turnout (NOT the Visitor’s Center). After a few minutes for introductions your leader will share some of the health benefits of mindful time in nature. Our pace will be about two miles per hour, with frequent pauses to listen for birdsong, notice any wildlife, so bring binoculars if you wish, take some deep breaths, and enjoy the beauty of the Organ Mountains and Fillmore Canyon. It is unlikely there will be any water in the falls at this time of year, but the cool canyon walls still provide a lovely point to rest, snack and contemplate. The trail has a few stretches with larger rocks but is otherwise well maintained.  Wear shoes that feel comfortable and provide good support and use trekking poles if those work well for you. This time of year, we may encounter snakes. Bring along a brief snack at the “falls” if you like, and please carry water, sunscreen, insect repellant or any other personal items you might need. This is a relatively easy 2.1 mile out and back hike with 450 feet of elevation gain. No dogs. $5 per vehicle or National Park Pass required. Restrooms near trailhead or at Visitor Center.
Leader: Holly Thomas
Level: Easy
Location: Las Cruces
Register by August 17

September 2023

Saturday, September 9: Cerrillos del Coyote Scramble. See absorbing rock formations on the Cerrillos del Coyote hike, and walk up and down some of them. It’s enough to make you interested in geology and deep time. These rocks were laid down long before the dinosaurs came along, so the most we might see would be small marine fossils. Six miles round trip, 900 feet elevation gain. Ages 14 and up with parent or legal guardian, no dogs.
Leader: Jim Nelson
Level: Moderate
Location: East of Socorro
Register by September 6

Wednesday, September 13: Zero Waste Tour of Soilutions Compost and Soil Yard. 10 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Come tour this facility that makes regular and organic compost and soil in Albuquerque’s south valley. Walter will be our extremely knowledgeable and engaging tour guide so be ready with your questions. Tour is outdoors so dress appropriately. Closed toed comfortable shoes recommended as we will be standing the whole time. Parking is very limited along the side of the facility so please contact trip leader if you can offer or need a ride. Children 12 and up with parent or legal guardian. No dogs. Limit 12.
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: easy
Location: 9008 Bates Rd. SE, Albuquerque. Limited parking along side of facility.
Register by September 11

Friday, September 15: Las Conchas Trail Hike Along the Jemez River East Fork. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join us for a dose of nature and camaraderie. This outing includes one hour of driving each way from departure point, along the lovely winding mountain Highway 4 with a photo stop at the Gilman tunnels and waterfall. This easy pine forest hike alongside the mountain stream is approximately 3 miles round trip with 50 feet of elevation gain. Bring your brown bag lunch as we will enjoying lunch by the Jemez River, halfway through the hike. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Home Depot in Bernalillo, 7700 Highway 550 at the Northwest corner of the parking lot. Carpooling encouraged as there is limited parking at the trail head on Highway 4. Recommended carpool driver donation is $15. Bring your own water, 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.
Leader: June Parsons
Level: Easy
Location: Jemez Mountains, North of Jemez Springs
Register by September 11

Friday, September 22 to Saturday, September 30: Escalante Petrified Forest State Park Utah Service Project. The Rio Grande Chapter is co-sponsoring a service trip to Escalante Petrified Forest State Park Utah for a Service Project in conjunction with the Austin (TX) Group of the Sierra Club. Join us for a week long service trip at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, a half mile north of the town of Escalante. This park is only seven miles from the famed Hole-in-the-Rock Road, which takes you deep into Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. There are numerous gorgeous hikes in the National Monument, including Coyote Gulch. So that we have a chance to do some serious hiking, the State Park Manager, Chad Jones, has given us three full days off. Saturday, September 23, Tuesday the 26th, and Friday the 29th. This means we will work all day on Sunday the 24th, Monday the 25th, Wednesday the 27th and Thursday the 28th. At the State Park, we will have access to showers, water and power.
Leader: Stan Peyton
Level: Moderate
Location: Escalante, UT
Additional information and registrations are being handled by the Austin Group

Saturday, September 23: Yoga in The Mountains. Come celebrate the first days of autumn with us. We’ll meet at the trailhead at 10:00 a.m. 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 260 feet of elevation gain and amazing views of the mountains. Sponsored by the Sierra Club Military Outdoors Program and everyone is welcome. Limited to 15 participants, and children over the age of 12 are welcome when accompanied by parent or legal guardian. A $7 cash donation for the instructor would be appreciated. Good dogs are permitted.
Leaders: Debbie Bryant and Terry Owen
Level: Easy
Location: East Mountains of Albuquerque, Ponderosa Trail Loop
Register by September 20

Saturday, September 23: Arroyo de las Cañas scramble. Water wearing through Paleozoic rock strata has left multicolored formations in the Quebradas, across the Rio Grande from Socorro. We’ll walk 3.5 mi up the arroyo with only 240’ elevation gain but a few million years of geological time, at which point (teaser coming) we’ll decide whether to continue to a remarkable feature just 1.4 mi farther. Bring: Water, snacks, any other health and comfort items desired. Ages 14 and up, no dogs. Rain cancels.
Leader: James Nelson
Level: Moderate
Location: East of Socorro | stop 7 on Quebradas Geology Tour
Register for this hike

Saturday, September 30: Wilderness First Aid Course 2-day event. 8:00 a.m. Saturday, Sep 30 and Sunday, Oct 1 at 5:00 p.m. Sierra club Rio Grande Chapter is sponsoring a Wilderness First Aid course especially geared toward our members. This course is in high demand and typically fills-up months in advance. The SOLO Wilderness First Aid Course is a 2-day first aid course that provides training for anyone that spends time hiking, skiing, engaged in other outdoor pursuits, or just wants to know what to do when things go south. The course is a blend of lecture, demonstrations, and scenarios. Attendees must participate in all portions and hours of the course to obtain certification. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one-and maybe even save a life. The price for the course is $200 per person. Participants must commit to attend both days. Class times: Saturday, September 16, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, September 17, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Payment instructions will be sent in late July requesting a $65 deposit to hold your seat to the first 24 who have signed-up. Applicants will be taken in the order that they register and make payment by the deadline. Maximum class size is 24.
Leader: Terry Owen
Location: Tijeras
Register for this event

Saturday, September 30 to Saturday, October 7: Island in the Sky District – Canyonlands National Park Service Project. The Rio Grande Chapter is co-sponsoring a service trip to Island in the Sky-Canyonlands National Park for a Service Project in conjunction with the Austin (TX) Group of the Sierra Club. Join us for a week-long service trip at Canyonlands National Park. This park is divided into three parts, and we will be in the Island in the Sky District. There are numerous gorgeous hikes at Island in the Sky. So that we have a chance to do some serious hiking, the Volunteer Coordinator, Sofia Nicholson, has given us two full days off including Sunday, October 1. We will have access to showers and toilets because the Park Service will be setting up their Ablutions Trailer like they did last year at Arches. We will not have electricity at our campsite. And, just like Arches, we will be camping alone in a Service Area, so we might find heavy equipment parked nearby.
Leader: Stan Peyton
Level: Moderate
Location: Canyonlands, UT
More information and registration on Austin Meetup site

October 2023

Saturday, October 7: Cerros de Amado Ramble. The landscapes will be quite 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 with an elevation gain 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

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

Featured image by Alan Shapiro