Santa Cruz Lake Overlook from Juan Medina Road

Please read the entire event description.

DESCRIPTION: Hike across badlands on narrow ridges and mesas to overlooks of Santa Cruz Lake and the dam.

DISTANCE/ASCENT/TERRAIN/COMMITMENT/TYPE: 5 miles or less with approximately 500 feet of total ascent. Narrow ridge crossings, short sections of ATV 2 track, A short rocky section with poor footing, cross country mesa top strewn with prickly pear. The balance of hike is cross country. Little shade. Low commitment. Out and back.

RED TAPE/HAZARDS: Parking is along a highway. Narrow ridges with perceived exposure. Hikers with fear of heights should avoid the hike or ask the host questions if concerned. Falling is always the primary hazard.

HIKE LOCATION: Off of Juan Medina Road near Chimayo.

RSVP: Guests not accepted. Have your guests join the group and respond "yes" to the questions when signing on.

PETS: No pets due to sections of exposure.

EFFORT/HIKE TIME: Moderate. Hikers should be able to hike round trip to Sun Mountain in 90 minutes.

Sun Mountain

Event and hike times are estimates. It is wise to not schedule anything important or set a time limit due to other commitments.

HISTORY: The host hiked this route with variations on 12/26/25.

GEAR NOTE: Prickly Pear cactus on mesa top with send spines into the sides or bottoms of thin soled or vented shoes and boots.

GEAR:
-2 liters of water is considered a minimum. More food than you expect to need.
-Light, quick drying, warmth layers, extra pair of socks.
-Good and tested rain gear.
-Headlamp and spare batteries, whistle or noise making device.
-Phone with optional mapping software or a paper map and compass.
-Optional personal locater beacon or InReach device.
-Long pants and hiking poles are recommended.

HIKER RESPONSIBILITY: Hikers are responsible for reading and understanding the entire trip description and getting clarification if needed. Hikers have total responsibility for their safety and well being and assign no liability to the host or any other participant. Passengers assume risk of transport to and from the trailhead. Drivers assume responsibility for safe practice behind the wheel. Do not sign onto this hike if you are not capable of meeting minimum requirements. If any hiker at any time feels that they cannot continue for any reason, they should say so. In that case the hike will be modified but distance and climb may increase based on commitment. Treat hiking companions with respect and keep belongings close at all times.

The hosts advises hikers to keep phone numbers of emergency contacts available.

HOW WE HIKE: Stay together. Be within sight or earshot at all times. If hikers need to stop for anything please say so and the group stops also. Stop at all junctions or any place that looks like one. The hike host provides the route. If travel is cross country, please take your own line where needed. In loose or rough terrain we keep a distance between each other to avoid debris from falling on us. All follow the host and and can provide collaborative input but the route will not be changed unless there is need as determined by conditions or discomfort of participants. Note that any route change may result in longer distances and/or climbs for everyone.

TRANSPORTATION: Round trip statistics are 58 miles and 60 minutes round trip. Any vehicle is acceptable.
Driving Map

CONDITIONS: Little shade. 48 hours dry weather required. Light preciptation on hike is okay. Temperatures below freezing with wind chill in the forecast will cancel. Air quality index of 45 or less. Wind speeds of 15 mph or less. Forecasts of windy conditions or conditions encountered on the hike will cancel or modify.
Current Conditons
Forecast

CANCELLATION or CHANGES: The trip could be modified or cancelled at short notice. Check this description 12 and 2 hours before meet time.