Valles Caldera: VC02 to El Cajete Meadow
Details
This route is called "El Cajete" in AllTrails, and is rated as a moderate 7.5 miles. Located in the backcountry of Valles Caldera Natural Preserve (VCNP), this hike will begin at the Ranger Station in the Cabin District.
We will head up a narrow valley and pass over two ridges before arriving at El Cajete Meadow, one of the prettiest in the preserve. Several washouts along the trail may be challenging, and we will not attempt them if water is flowing.
To the edge of the meadow is a 7.5 mile round trip. We may want to hike a little ways around the northern rim of the meadow to find a spot to eat lunch, which would add not more than 0.5 mile to our route.
HIKE Details
- Distance: 7.5 - 8.0 miles
- Elevation: 1,200 feet elevation gain
- Hiking time: around 3.5 - 4.0 hours
- Trail conditions: Jeep roads, sparse forest, some washouts.
- Rating: Moderate
- Pace: Conversational, with pauses to enjoy the scenery.
DRIVING Logistics:
- Meet: We will be meeting at the parkling lot of Bathtub Row Brewery and carpooling to the Preserve. We have car passes for two vehicles.
- Drive time: 40 mins to Ranger Station and Trailhead.
What to bring:
- Daypack
- Layers, extra clothing
- Rain gear
- Sun hat & sun screen
- hiking poles (if you use them)
- Plenty of water = at least 2 liters
- Lunch (at El Cajete meadow) and snacks.
- $3 for gas (if you are not driving)