Bobcat hikes are intended to be somewhat Easy: up to 6 miles and less than 1,000' elevation gain, with a Mellow Plus pace, thus affording a more intimate experience with the trail.
Description: Bobcatting Red Wash, North Rim and Canyon
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 5.0-5.5 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
Elevation: 6000'-7000'
Gain: ~1000 ft.
Rating: Moderate++
Pace: Mellow Plus
Please do not RSVP for this hike if you cannot go up and down Atalaya in under 3 hours. This helps us to stay together as a group, enhancing the hiking experience for everyone. It is not about competition, but cooperation. No firearms or commercial solicitations.
READ THIS--PANDEMIC ISSUES:
1. You MUST be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (including at least one booster) to attend this hike--this is non-negotiable and there will be no exceptions. I may ask for proof of vaccination from people I do not know.
2. Car pooling is up to attendees.
3. If you have recently contracted or definitely been exposed to Covid-19, you must have tested negative for Covid-19 since that occurrence and you must be in compliance with CDC rules on quarantining and isolation.
Hike Description: Red Wash Canyon is located near Abiquiu one hour north of Santa Fe. This is one of our harder hikes, starting with an off-trail ascent up a steep slightly rocky slope up to a ridge overlooking Red Wash Canyon. We'll follow the ridge for ~.25 miles before ascending another steep slope through large boulders. Once up top, we'll have great views of Lake Abiquiu and Pedernal to the north and Red Wash Canyon to the south, and we will proceed along the mostly level ridgeline until we find a good place for our lunch break. We'll return along that same ridge line and slowly descend down the boulder-filled slope, but will then drop into Red Wash Canyon on a less rocky, moderately steep slope. From there we'll follow the arroyo back, enjoying walls of brilliant Abiquiu red and sulfur yellow sandstone, highlighted with streaks of copper green and calcite white. We will have to ascend and descend to get around a couple pour-offs on the return. Again, this is one of our harder hikes due mainly to the off trail ascents on rocky slopes. Be comfortable with that before signing up.
Note: If it looks like the route will be muddy, I may change this to a shorter, easier hike in Red Wash Canyon itself, which is sandy and can handle melt water better than the second slope down from the ridgeline. Same meeting place, back earlier.
What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Bring layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outer wear.
water for a 3+ hour hike
Snacks
Please RSVP "Yes" only. No's are assumed.
See our What Gear do I need article for additional information.
Meeting Place:
DEVRGAS. We'll meet at DeVargas Center behind Market Street (fka Albertsons) (i.e., toward St Francis).
Dogs:
This is not a great hike for dogs, but well-behaved dogs with no history of problems on group hikes can come, provided they must be on a leash at all times.
Cost: Non-drivers are to contribute $10 to the driver for gas.
Vehicles: The last 1/4 mile before the trailhead is on a rough dirt road. If you have an SUV with decent ground clearance, please consider driving.
No Show Policy
Our No-show policy is included here for your reference.
https://www.meetup.com/hiking-399/pages/No_Show_Policy/?name=No_Show_Policy
