Bobcat hikes are intended to be moderately easy, up to 6 miles and typically less than 1,000' elevation gain, with a mellow plus pace affording a more intimate experience with the trail.
Description: Bobcatting Nambe Badlands
Round Trip Hiking Distance: ~3-5 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 2.0-3.0 hours
Elevation: 6000' to 6300
Gain: 300 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. This is a group outing and participants are expected to stay with the group. No firearms or commercial solicitations.
READ THIS--PANDEMIC ISSUES:
- You MUST be 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.
- Car pooling is up to attendees.
- 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: Nambe Badlands is located 30 minutes northwest of Santa Fe. Given the massive snowfall we're experiencing, the exact route we take may vary due to mud or ice and this may end up being a pretty short hike. We'll see. But if conditions permit, we'll first hike across a flattish open plain before heading up to a rolling ridge line looking out on great views of the Jemez, the Sangres and Truchas, with some striking eroded sandstone formations below. There is a steep, sometimes narrow descent off the ridge into a shallow arroyo surrounded by more sandstone formations. It is in partial shade and may not be passable, but if it's reasonably clear, we'll head down; otherwise we'll return as we came and explore some of the trails on the entry plain. If we do take that steep descent, we'll hike the arroyo before heading up to another ridgeline for more great views before the return leg across the flattish open plain. There are, as noted, some steep descents, which are fairly difficult under ideal circumstances and could be slick if there is ice, snow or mud. Be prepared--traction devices are highly recommended-- and be realistic about your comfort level.
We checked the route out before the snowfall, so obviously things have changed and with travel limits we haven't been able to recheck it. We'll try to get out there this weekend. If conditions are bad, I expect we'll end up doing a shortish hike that avoids the steep sections.
What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outer wear
Traction devices like Yaktrax or microspikes
Water for a 3 hour hike
Snacks
Meeting Place:
DEVARGAS
We'll meet at DeVargas Center, behind Market Street (fka Albertsons). If you are running late or your plans change at the last minute, please call. Ken: 248-252-0708.
Dogs:
Well-behaved dogs with no history of problems on group hikes are welcome, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Cost: Non-drivers are to contribute $5 to the driver for gas.
Cancellations.
Please be courteous to those on the wait list and if your plans change and you won't attend, put yourself in the 'not going' group. If you don't know how to do that contact me and I'll do it for you.
Release and Waiver. By attending, the Participant releases the Event Leaders from 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 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). The preceding sentence supplements any other exculpatory arrangement to which the Participant is subject.
