Announcing a new Meetup for The Albuquerque Hiking and Outdoor Meetup!

What: Rio Puerco Valley triple play

When: August 24,[masked]:00 AM

Where: Click the link below to find out!

Meetup Description: Rating: Strenuous (in red)

Cumulative uphill hiking: 2500 ft (for all 3 summits)

Distance: Approximately 8 miles (for all 3 summits)

Mikee brings us a Rio Puerco Valley triple play:

The Rio Puerco valley is a hot, dry place this time of year, mostly occupied by ranchers and rattlesnakes. This hike takes us to three of the most prominent landmarks in the northern valley: Cabezon Peak, Cerro De Guadalupe and Cerro Cuate.

We'll start with the biggest one, Cabezon. After that, we'll proceed south to Cerro De Guadalupe and if the group has enough energy left, we'll hit Cerro Cuate. Cabezon and Cerro De Guadalupe are class 3 scrambles with some high exposure and the distinct possibility of a serious fall and/or injury. Anyone joining this hike should equip themselves for rock scrambling (good gloves, sticky shoes) and plan to exercise appropriate scrambling discipline.

The Cerro De Guadalupe and Cerro Cuate summits involve cross-country hikes. You can navigate by sight, but there are no trails.

Bring plenty of water (3 liters or more), snacks and lunch. We can stop by the Flying Star in Bernalillo if anyone wants to eat afterward. I recommend the breakfast plate, especially at dinner time. ;-)

Special Precautions/Criteria:

- If you experience vertigo or are acrophobic, don't sign up for this hike.
- Be real with yourself about your conditioning. This hike is rated strenuous because it's difficult, even if you are in good shape.
- High-clearance vehicles are best for the second summit. About .5 mile of the drive is across open, unroaded scrub.

Background information:

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152582/cabezon-peak.html
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154641/cerro-de-guadalupe.html
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154545/cerro-cuate.html

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Learn more here:
http://hiking.meetup.com/204/calendar/8236369/