Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter

On October 2, we’ll hear the story of the Crash of TWA Flight 260, 70 years ago.
RSVP at https://www.riograndesierreaclub.org/calendar
Terry Owen, an outdoor adventurer and outings leader, will share the story of the crash. On February 19, 1955 at 7:03 a.m., Captain Ivan Spong, in command of TWA flight 260, received permission from the control tower to take-off from the Albuquerque airport and vector toward Santa Fe for their next stop. At 7:12, the terrain warning system bells sounded in the cockpit, alerting the crew to impending danger. Through the clouds, a sheer granite cliff face appeared over the nose of the aircraft and the pilot attempted to take evasive action. At 7:13 TWA Flight 260 crashed into the mountain killing all 13 passengers and three crew members.
Terry will take us back to those early days of commercial aviation. And he shares what has been learned in the years since then.
Enjoy a beverage and snacks as well as a great evening with like-minded friends
DATE: October 2, 2026
TIME: 7:15-8:30 p.m.
PLACE: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 431 Richmond Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
RSVP at https://www.riograndesierreaclub.org/calendar

Saturday, October 10 Salinas Pueblo National Monument Tour, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
RSVP @ https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar/
Tucked away in the middle of New Mexico you’ll find Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. We will visit two of the three distinct sites, Quarai and Abo, offering a glimpse into a unique time in history. These sites offer a quiet place to reflect on this history, local archeology and the Land of Enchantment. This outing affords abundant photo opportunities, with time to walk about, maybe finding inspiration for a quick poem or a quick sketch. We’ll MEET up at the Lowe’s parking lot 12th Street, Albuquerque, then proceed by our vehicles’ caravan on I-40 East to Tijeras, then head south on NM-337. WEAR comfortable attire and sturdy shoes. BRING clothing layers, hats, sunscreen, water and a picnic lunch. Total combined walking distance about 1 mile, at about 6000 feet elevation, with about 50 feet of elevation change. Please consider the health of others if you are experiencing any symptoms of being ill. No dogs, except service animals on leash. YOUTH 10 and older welcome with accompanying responsible adult. Those who wish to carpool are responsible for making their own such arrangements and any reimbursement to the driver with whom they travel. REGISTER no later than October 3.
Level: Easy & Accessible
Location: Mountainair. We’ll MEET up at the Lowe’s parking lot 2001 12th Street, Albuquerque, then proceed by our vehicles’ caravan on I-40 East to Tijeras, then head south on NM-337.
Leader: June Parsons, comicsilver@gmail.com

RSVP @ https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar/

Saturday, Oct 30 Acoma Sky City Pueblo Tour, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

RSVP @ https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar/
Tucked away in the middle of New Mexico you'll find Acoma Sky City Pueblo . It is a fantastic place to visit, very unusual and you can't possibly experience more years of history than here!

There is a contribution to the Pueblo required at the visitor center & museum which is $25/person or $20/person for seniors. That is the only cost.
Upon arrival we will begin with a walk through the visitor center, gift shop & museum. Then we will travel by Acoma Pueblo bus to the top of the inhabited Mesa for a guided tour of the "city", offering a glimpse into a millennia of unique human migration, from Mesa Verde to Chaco to Acoma. Occasionally along the walking tour, local artisans and residents explain and offer for sale their own unique handmade goods and traditional baked items. This Acoma site dates back over 1000 years, the oldest continuously human-inhabited site in New Mexico. History will be shared by our guide throughout the walk.
Acoma offers a quiet place in the sky, with views any miles in the distance in every direction, and opportunity to reflect on its history and local archeology. This outing provides abundant photo opportunities outside of the mission church and graveyard.
The walk takes about 2 hours. We will then visit and enjoy our packed lunches that we brought (although you can chance the visitor center cafe being open - or not).
We will meet up at Lowes parking lot EAST side of the lot, at 2001 12th st, ABQ, then caravan on I40W to road 22.
Wear comfortable attire and sturdy shoes. Walking stick is suggested & bring layers, hats, sunscreen, water and lunch.
Ground will be uneven but less than 1 mile walk. We will return via I-25.
Please consider the health of others if you are experiencing any symptoms of being ill. No dogs, except service animals on leash. YOUTH 10 and older welcome with accompanying responsible adult. Those who wish to carpool are responsible for making their own such arrangements and any reimbursement to the driver with whom they travel.
Level: Easy & Accessible
Location: Acoma Visitor Center, NM
Leader: June Parsons, comicsilver@gmail.com

Register no later than Oct 26 at the link below.
RSVP @ https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar/