The Santa Fe Hiking Meetup Group

PLEASE NOTE 8:30 START TIME.

Let's return to one of our very favorite higher altitude, summer destinations. The Meadow/La Vega, at the base of Santa Fe Baldy. We'll begin at the top of the Ski Basin, at the picnic table, up the Winsor Trail for a steady 3/4 mile climb to the Wilderness Gate (this is probably the hardest part of the route!) Through the gate, and straight ahead, a mild descent for a while, past the cut-off trail on the right up to Nambe Lake, until we get to our trail on the left, going down towards La Vega (The Meadow). A few water crossings are involved along our route, none difficult, altho this does depend on just how much water is flowing in the creek. La Vega is a beautiful meadow, in the shadow of Santa Fe Baldy, where we will have our snack/lunch break. Back the same way we came, for a total of an about 7.5 mile hike. Not difficult in terrain, but a bit longer than our usual hikes, with a few not steep but steady climbs. Hikers need to be acclimated to altitude and in sturdy condition for this route.

Burro Hikes are for experienced hikers, acclimated to altitude; they are considered moderate in difficulty by our standards, typically 4-7 miles, on designated trails, unless otherwise specified. Well behaved, non-aggressive dogs are always welcome on my hikes.

Newcomers are welcome on my hikes; I do ask that newcomers please test their fitness prior to hiking with my Group by timing themselves hiking up and down Atalaya: to be a good fit for the Burro Group, you should be able to go up and down Atalaya (from Wilderness Gate or staircase, using Steep route option) in 3 1/2 hours or less. For more information about this, or about my hikes in general, please feel free to contact me.

My cell phone number is 617-331-1838.

We carpool together to all THs. Please arrive at our meeting place (DeVargas Mall parking lot, in the back lot, behind the stores); park in a lane near the bowling alley, but not right up against the mall wall. Be considerate of those on waiting list and sign off hike as soon as you know you are unable to attend, preferably 12-24 hours in advance, when possible. PLEASE DO NOT NO SHOW. Repeated No Shows have consequences! We tend to leave promptly, so if you're running just a bit late, text me, & we'll wait up to 5 minutes for you.

With rising gas prices, please remember to offer your driver $2 to cover gas expense for this hike. Drivers may refuse gas money offers, but don't put anyone driving in the awkward position of having to ask!

Description: Bobcatting Raven’s Ridge and Aspen Peak
Round Trip Hiking Distance: ~5 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
Elevation: 10,100’to 11,200’
Rating: Moderate+

Please be considerate of others and 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. COVID vaccination and compliance with CDC rules on quarantine and isolation are required (I.e., don't attend if you have Covid!). This is a group event and participants are expected to stay with the group. No firearms or commercial solicitations.

Hike Description: We'll head up to Aspen Peak and then Raven's Ridge to see views of Santa Fe Baldy and other mountains and to check out the fungi and waning wildflowers. This is one of our harder hikes, featuring two steady ascents, first via the Winsor trail switchbacks up to the 'wilderness gate', and then, after hiking the moderate faded trail to the Aspen Peak viewpoint, a steep ascent straight up to Raven's Ridge. The trail passes mainly thru mixed fir and aspen stands with a couple of small meadows on the way, but the highlights of the hike are the views from Aspen Peak and Raven's Ridge which overlook a deep valley with large aspen groves and great views of Santa Fe Baldy. Depending on timing, we’ll probably lunch at the crag on Raven’s Ridge and then descend to the trailhead via an informal trail that is steeper than the switchbacks of the Winsor, but also prettier with lush ground covers throughout.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outerwear
Water for a 3+ hour hike.
Lunch and snacks

Meeting Place: DEVARGAS. We will meet at Devargas Center, behind Market Street, but a little closer to the bowling alley. We leave promptly at the meet time, so contact me at 248-252-0708 if you are running late.
Dogs: Friendly dogs with no history of aggression at group events are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times.

Cost/Driving: Car-pooling is up to attendees. Road paved the whole way.
Non-drivers are to contribute $3 for gas.

Cancelling. Please be courteous and if your plans change, promptly remove yourself from the 'go' (or wait) list so others can adjust their calendars. If you don't know how to remove yourself from the go (or wait) list, contact me and I'll do it for you.

Waiver and Release. By attending, the Participant releases the Event Leaders from all liability arising from the Event and assumes all risks of the Event, including: 1) injuries from falls, living things, pre-existing health conditions, vehicles, and weather, and 2) injuries resulting from the Event Leaders making risky or inapt decisions including not undertaking the least risky option available (e.g., hiking a steep slope instead of a gentle slope) or not treating an injury in the optimal way (e.g., due to insufficient training or inept execution). The preceding sentence supplements any other applicable exculpatory arrangement.

REGISTER HERE AS INTERESTED TO RECEIVE EVENT TICKET POINTER

**Northern Jaguar Project is coming to Santa Fe! **

Pioneering conservationist Diana Hadley and her husband Peter Marshall started this project in 2003, creating a unique partnership with Mexican ranchers to conserve large mammals in the Sierra Madre, and especially this northernmost Jaguar population.
After an hour presentation of the Borderlands Jaguar film, Asst. NJP Director Cholla Duir, and possibly Diana Hadley, will lead a discussion of current issues and progress at the preserve. There are also limited chances to visit the reserve on multi-day tours. Plenty of time will be kept for audience questions, and light refreshments will be served.

Forty of 120 seats will be reserved for members of local outdoor organizations and hiking groups, and a $15 donation per RSVP helps save room for those with the most interest. This notice appears on multiple sites, but we now have a unified site hosted by NJP to donate and receive a ticket. The link will be shared with those showing interested here, and will go public on August 1, so be sure to register there before it fills up.

We will monitor this site regularly to see who needs the link, and would like you to comment here when you have donated and received a ticket.