The Albuquerque Hiking and Outdoor Meetup

Old Folks Hikes aren’t easy, but we don’t run up the mountain.
This is a good workout hike, we climb 1200’ in 2.1 miles, then come back down.
Should take about 3 hours.
You will be put on the waiting list when you sign up. You must have a picture of your face without sun glasses so that I can recognize you.

Bring food and water. Poles are helpful.

Turn off Tramway at Forest Road 333.
We will meet at the trailhead.

Sorry, no dogs.

We will hike up Whitewash to Oso Pass and head south on Three Gun Springs. From Three Gun Springs we will turn off on to Embudo and we will return to the starting point via Embudo. Hiking Mileage: ~8.5 miles Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft.

The first two miles of this hike are very steep. The rest is rolling or down. I hike at a 2.5-3 mph pace so this hike will take us just over three hours.

There may be ice in some sections, so trekking poles or microspikes could be helpful.

Time: 7:30am (please be prompt because we will leave by 7:35am)

Who Should Attend: Active hikers who are physically capable of hiking about 6.5 miles at a fast, athletic pace. This is a Loop workout hike.

Hike Description: A workout hike means that breaks will be minimal and the pace will be brisk. This is a little bit of an exploratory hike because there are so many different foothill trails that we may take a wrong one, but then end up on the right one. If that makes you nervous, then this hike isn't for you. The hike will be around 6.5 miles or so.

Starting Elevation: 6,180ft Ending Elevation: 7,200ft. +++ (many ups & downs)

We will start at the Embudo trailhead head taking us to trail #365, across the foothills, to the Eye of the Sandia. Once we reach the Eye, then we will scramble a boulder and then head to the "tree in the saddle" aka Mano trail.

Here's the TWIST: From that point we will head slightly east and then north on an unmarked trail that eventually intersects the Embudo Horse By-Pass trail. Once we reach the Horse By-Pass trail we will head west and head to the dam. We will determine whether we want to do some interval sprints (this part is OPTIONAL for participants) at that point based on time, heat and energy levels. Then after that, we will head back to the trailhead. This will be a fun workout hike! Please know your physical and pace capabilities.

Pace Check Capability: If you can hike up Piedra Lisa (south trail) from the parking lot to the saddle in 50 minutes or less, you will be able to keep up with the pace of the group.

Unplugged Hike:You are more than welcome to bring your cell phone on the hike, but it just needs to be on silent.

Parking Fee: None.

Required Items:

• Water
• A light snack, if needed
• Appropriate Gear for the Weather Conditions.
• Plastic bag so we can do a little cleanup around the dam

Dogs: Not allowed this time.

Weather Notice: If inclement weather looks imminent, please check this site 45 minutes prior to start time.

Donation Request: If you enjoy the Albuquerque Hiking and Outdoor Meetup group, please consider donating $5 or more to help with the Meetup membership fees for calendar years 2024 and 2025. I will be collecting any donations and giving it to Sharon E. our lead organizer. Thanks!

By attending this hike, you understand that the COVID-19 virus has a long incubation period during which carriers of the virus may not show symptoms and it is highly contagious. If you contract the virus, The ABQ Hiking and Outdoor group is not liable. If you have a fever, shortness of breath, a dry cough, a sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell or other flu-like symptoms, please do not attend this hike and call the NM Coronavirus Hotline at 1-855-600-3453.

Description: 8:00 am, prompt.

We'll meet at the Three Gun trailhead north of the Monticello subdivision.

This is an early morning cardio workout, we're allowing 1 hour (give or take) to get to the top, then we turn around and head back. We use the post marking the intersection with the Embudo trail as our turnaround point.

Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash, well behaved and under control at all times. Also we expect the owner to clean up after their dog according to trail regulations.

Length: 4.8 miles round trip

Elevation: 6,320-7900 ft.

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. Everyone hikes at their own speed, so difficulty is what you make it - your speed determines the difficulty. You might be hiking alone, depending on your speed. If you are uncomfortable with that, tell the host and accommodations will be made in the pre-hike review.

NOTE: Please be on time, we leave the trailhead promptly at 8:00. If you are going to bail on us, PLEASE change your status (preferably) the night before, or (at least) 1/2 hour before we start. We WILL start at the time posted and leave latecomers behind!