Bobcatting Las Conchas, with East Fork Extender

Description: Bobcatting Las Conchas, with East Fork Extender
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 6 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
Elevations: 8200'-8500'
Gain: 300+ ft.
Rating: Easy, except for the one short slope, which is moderate+
Pace: Mellow Plus

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. This is a group hike and participants are expected to stay with the group. It is not about competition, but cooperation. No firearms or commercial solicitations. COVID vaccination and compliance with CDC rules on quarantine and isolation are required (i.e., don't attend if you have Covid!)

Hike Description: Las Conchas is located in the Jemez Mountains 1.25 hours west of Santa Fe. For the first 1.7 miles of the hike, the trail follows a gentle mountain stream thru a wide, shallow canyon. The canyon floor is largely meadow, interspersed with conifers and willows. The canyon walls range from steep rocky slopes to elegantly eroded cliffs which are popular with climbers. The flats along the stream are brimming with a wide assortment of wildflowers, including primrose, daisies, Jacob's ladder, wild roses, bee balm, black-eyed Susans, hare bells and even a few Mariposa lilies, After 1.7 miles we will climb out of the canyon and hike thru mixed conifer and aspen forest, with glimpses of the mountains in the nearby Valles Caldera. We'll return as we came, except on the return, after we drop back into the canyon we'll promptly hike up a short but steep slope to a nice lookout.

Note: The trailhead itself has limited parking, but there is a nearby lot we can use.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outer wear.
Water for a 3 hour, potentially warm, hike. The canyon floor is mostly in the sun, and the elevation is not really high, meaning this can get warm, so be sure to bring plenty of water.
Snacks and lunch

Meeting Place:
We will meet behind Market Street at Devargas Center, but a little closer to the bowling alley. We leave promptly at the meet time. 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 on a leash at all times.

Cost/Driving: Non-drivers are to contribute $10 for gas. Paved road all the way.

Waiver and Release. By attending, the Participant releases the Event Leaders from liability arising from the Event and assumes all risks of the Event, including (without limitation): 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.