South Ridge of Waterfall Canyon/Jaun Tabo Canyon Loop--Challenging

Except for some short stretches along the North Crest, Fletcher, and Piedra Lisa Trails, this hike to Sandia Crest and back is entirely off-trail. I am getting very familiar with this route and is now one of my favorite hikes in the Sandias. The terrain up the South Ridge of Waterfall Canyon is very challenging and, if you like that sort of thing, very enjoyable. Challenges include lots of scrambling with some exposure, route-finding, cactus dodging, and some short sections of thick brush. Because of the difficulties you need to have some experience with off trail hiking, confidence on very steep slopes, and be able to use hand and foot holds to climb up rock. By the way, scrambling is defined as non-technical climbing (no ropes for protection) and exposure in this instance means nothing to grab onto to stop a fall. The hike up is very slow and will probably take at least 5 hours to get to the top. Juan Tabo Canyon, on the other hand, is a breeze. The only difficulties going down will be dodging the dead fall on a steep slope and some minor engagements with the brush. I did this loop by myself on Sunday and would be pleased to have someone join me. The payoffs on this hike are incredible, as the views along the Waterfall Canyon route are nothing short of spectacular (in my opinion, the best views in all of the Sandias) that have only been seen by a handful of hikers and climbers. I also think it is very rewarding to hike off the beaten path and gives you a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. Dogs are not allowed on this hike as they would not do well on the scrambles. Bring 3-4 liters of water or 2-3 liters and a way to treat the water that flows in Juan Tabo Canyon. I highly suggest poles and you'd be a fool not to wear full length pants or shorts with extensions as your flesh will get ripped and torn to shreds among the wild raspberries, New Mexico Locust, and assorted cacti. Please be in good shape and have an entire day free if you would like to join me. This would not be a good hike for anyone with vertigo or who is afraid of heights. Call me at 246-2927 or e-mail me if you'd like to save the $3.00 parking fee and I could meet you outside the national forest boundary.