Bobcatting Soda Spring

Description: Bobcatting Soda Spring
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 6.5 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
Elevations: 5400' to 5600'
Gain: ~200 ft. trough to peak but lots of ups and downs
Rating: Moderate
Pace: Mellow Plus

Please be considerate of others and do not RSVP for this hike if you cannot go up and down Atalaya in under 3 hours. This better helps us to stay together as a group enhancing the hiking experience for everyone. It is not about competition, but cooperation. COVID vaccination and compliance with CDC rules on quarantine and isolation are required (i.e., don't attend if you have Covid!). firearms or commercial solicitations.

Hike Description: Soda Spring trail is located 40 minutes northwest of Santa Fe, near Diablo Canyon. This hike starts near energy and water infrastructure (and unfortunately, some litter), but quickly leaves that behind, as the little used dirt road that comprises the trail meanders near the Rio Grande, twisting and turning, ascending and descending. There are a few interesting hill formations early on, and nice views of the Rio Grande, White Rock canyon and nearby mountains interspersed throughout. We should get some end of season color from the cottonwoods and other trees that line the Rio Grande. Soda Spring itself is not much; the hike is mainly about the nice views which continually change due to the turns and climbs on the road/trail. Overall, a nice hike not too far from town.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, water resistant outer wear.
Bring water for a 4 hour hike and snacks/lunch

Meeting Place: DEVARGAS
We'll meet at DeVargas behind Market Street, but a little closer to the bowling alley. We leave promptly at the meet time. If your plans change at the last minute, please call Ken at 248-252-0708.

Dogs: Friendly dogs with no history of aggression are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.

Cost: Non-drivers are to contribute $5 to the driver for gas. The last several miles are on a sometime washboarded but otherwise decent dirt road.

Cancelling. Please be courteous and if your plans change promptly remove yourself from the 'go' (or wait) list so others can adjust their calendars. If you don't know how to remove yourself from the go (or wait) list, contact me and I'll do it for you.

Waiver and Release. By attending, the Participant releases the Event Leaders from all liability arising from the Event and assumes all risks of the Event, including: 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 applicable exculpatory arrangement.