Bobcatting Frijoles Overlook and Wall Near Abiquiu: SUNDAY

Description: Bobcatting Frijoles Overlook and Wall near Abiquiu: SUNDAY
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 4 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3 hours
Elevation: 6,000' to 6,300'
Gain: ~300'
Rating: Moderate+
Pace: Mellow Plus

Be considerate of others; 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!). is a group hike and participants are expected to stay with the group. No firearms or commercial solicitations.

Hike Description: Frijoles Arroyo is located near Abiquiu about 1.25 hours north of Santa Fe. The trek will proceed cross-country thru open areas that are cut by shallow arroyos and punctuated by a couple of ridges, including a substantial volcanic dike. Most of the ascents and descents are short, but several are steep and on uneven footing. We'll spend much of the outward bound portion of the hike following a ridge line opposite the volcanic dike (wall) or on a ridge line that overlooks some nice eroded formations and the Frijoles bosque, where the cottonwoods should be close to full fall color. We'll break for lunch/snack on a crag that affords great views of the Frijoles bosque, as well as distant views of the White Place, the Chama bosque and Red Wash canyon. We'll return on a lower route, thru a dry arroyo, seeing some more hoodoos and rock formations on the way.

I've rated this moderate+ because of we will ascend and descend several short but *steep* slopes with dubious footing, and much of the trek is off trail. That said, it is a fairly short hike without much elevation gain, so it's not too physically taxing. (As an aside, I'll point out it's pretty easy to lose the route since there's often no trail. But it's an open area and we'll muddle our way thru; expect to see me consult my GPS for the route through out the trek).

Thanks to Ted Harsha for showing me this route.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes, preferably waterproof
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outer wear
Water for a warm, 3 hour hike
Snacks and lunch

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 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 leashed the entire hike.

Cost/Driving: Non-drivers are to contribute $10 for gas. The road leading to the trail head does not require 4WD or high clearance. We will regroup at Bode's on US 84 and then caravan the final few miles off the main road.

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.

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.