Bobcatting Sandia Crest

Description: Bobcatting Sandia Crest
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 7.2 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 4 hours
Elevation: 9600’ to 10,500’
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:
The Sandia Crest trail is located above Albuquerque about 1.5 hours southwest of Santa Fe. After a cluttered start near communication towers and fencing, the trail continues thru mixed aspen and conifer forest, with the occasional small clearing. There are several overlooks which provide great views of the Albuquerque area and beyond, including (on a clear day) Mt Taylor, Cabezon Peak, White Mesa, the Jemez and more. Good stuff. There will likely be a few wildflowers and fungi hanging on, but if we’re lucky we should get some early fall color from the aspen groves and scrub oak tangles that coat the flanks of the Sandias. This is basically and out and back hike, though we may take a parallel trail for a portion of the return, just for some variety. The trail itself is a mix of rock and packed dirt and has a lot of shade. It has a couple short steepish slopes, but its grade is usually pretty gentle. Be aware, however, that it is predominantly downhill on the way out, meaning it is mostly uphill on the way back.

NOTE: I do not know if the telecommunication infrastructure near the start of the trail can affect medical devices such as pacemakers. You may want to check if this might be a problem for you.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outerwear
Water for a 4+ hour hike.
Lunch and snacks.

Meeting Place: ZIA. Albertsons at Zia and St. Francis. Enter from Zia and turn right immediately. 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. Non-drivers are to contribute $10 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.