The Santa Fe Hiking Meetup Group

PLEASE NOTE 8:30 START TIME!

UNFORTUNATELY NO DOGGIES ON THIS HIKE, NOT ALLOWED WITHIN BANDELIER :(

We hiked this trail in May, but I'd love to include it in our summer hikes so that Neil & maybe Scott or Jim (who are our "summer boys" can enjoy it with us:

Cerro Grande Trail is an hour's drive each way, approximately, not a long or especially hard hike; however, it is a very steady uphill climb, so it is definitely a workout. It is a 4 mile RT up & down climb, moderately steep (maybe 1200 ft elevation gain over 2 miles - my guestimate), & steady, with stunning views of the Caldera from its summit.

If you've not hiked this before, or been to the Caldera, I highly recommend you join us, it really is a Grand view, not an especially hard hike, but a definite work-out with the steadiness of the climb up.

Burro hikes are for experienced hikers, acclimated to altitude here. They are considered moderate by our standards, usually 4-6 miles on designated trails, unless otherwise specified. Newcomers are welcome. I ask that prior to signing up for your first hike with my Group that you please test your fitness by timing yourself hiking up and down Atalaya, which you should be able to comfortably do in 3 1/2 hours or less, starting from Wilderness Gate or Staircase, using Steep Route Option. This will help insure you are a good fit for the Burro Group pace and typical terrain of the routes we hike. If you have any questions about Atalaya, or about my hikes in general, please feel free to text me.

Ronnie Chafel 617-331-1838

Non-aggressive, well mannered dogs are welcome on all my hikes, except where otherwise specified, like this one!

We meet at the DeVargas Mall parking lot, behind stores, back of lot; please park in a lane near the bowling alley, but not right up against the mall wall. We carpool to all THs together. Please offer your driver $7 to cover gas expense for this hike. We leave promptly so if you're running just a bit late, text me, & we'll wait up to 5 minutes for you.

PLEASE be considerate of those on Wait List and sign off hike as soon as you know you cannot attend, preferably 24 hours in advance, if at all possible. PLEASE DO NOT NO SHOW! Repeated No Shows have consequences.

Description: Bobcatting the Sandias--Ellis, 10k, Survey
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 6.8 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 4.0 hours
Elevations: 9600'-10,400'
Rating: Moderate+
Pace: Mellow Plus

Be considerate of others and do not RSVP for this hike if you cannot go up and down Atalaya in under 3 hours. This helps us to stay together as a group, enhancing the hiking experience for everyone. This is a group hike and participants are expected to stay with the group. It is not about competition, but cooperation. No firearms or commercial solicitations. COVID vaccination and compliance with CDC rules on quarantine and isolation are required (i.e., don't attend if you have Covid!)

Hike Description: The Ellis trail head is about 1.5 hours from Santa Fe, on the east side of the Sandias. The two main trails we'll be on run parallel to one another and pass through meadows and forests, with plenty of wildflowers including Jacob's ladder, wallflower, hare bells, asters and many more. We'll go gradually downhill at first, so the return is gradually uphill. Lunch will be at overlook of the Rio Grande Rift, with big views to the west.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outer wear.
Water for a 4 hour, potentially warm, hike. Be sure to bring plenty of water.
Snacks and lunch

Meeting Place:
We will meet in the parking lot of Albertsons at Zia-South St Francis. Enter from Zia, turn right immediately. We leave promptly at the meet time. If you are running late or your plans change at the last minute, please call Ken: 248-252-0708.

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs with no history of problems on group hikes are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times.

Cost/Driving: Non-drivers are to contribute $10 for gas. Paved road all the way.

Waiver and Release. By attending, the Participant releases the Event Leaders from liability arising from the Event and assumes all risks of the Event, including (without limitation): 1) injuries from falls, living things, pre-existing health conditions, vehicles, and weather, and 2) injuries resulting from the Event Leaders not undertaking the least risky option available (e.g., hiking a steep slope instead of a gentle slope) or not treating an injury in the optimal way (e.g., due to insufficient training). The preceding sentence supplements any other exculpatory arrangement to which the Participant is subject.