Bobcatting Vista Verde and Slide Trails

Description: Bobcatting Vista Verde and Slide Trail near Pilar
Round Trip Hiking Distance: One hike of 2.5 miles, one of 2.8 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3.0 hours
Elevation: ~6,200 to 6,600'
Gain: ~500'
Rating: Easy
Pace: Mellow Plus

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 hike and participants are expected to remain with the group. No commercial solicitations or firearms.

Hike Description: Vista Verde trail and Slide trail are out and back trails located in the Orilla Verde Rec area, ~1.5 hours north of Santa Fe near Pilar. Vista Verde is a 1.2 mile (each way) out and back hike along a shelf wedged between the Rio Grande and the west rim of the Rio Grande gorge. The 1.4 mile (each way) Slide Trail ascends up an old road--closed years ago due to a rock slide--thru a gorge along the cascading Rio Pueblo de Taos just upstream of where it merges into the Rio Grande. Both trails pass through juniper and cacti fields and feature great vistas and views of their respective rivers. The area is frequented by big horn sheep and we might see some; I'd guess we see big horns up close on 1/3 of the hikes, see them at a distance 1/3 of the time and don't see them at all 1/3 of the time. If we are super lucky, we might catch a glimpse of otters playing in a river. Each trail also features some rock art, including some reputed Comanche petroglyphs and we'll catch a little end of season fall color.

For the drive up, we'll regroup at the Rec Area visitor center on Hwy 68 before driving the last few miles on a decent (not great) dirt road. The VC is currently closed due to the shut down but the vault toilets are accessible.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outerwear
Snacks, lunch, water

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. 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: Car-pooling is up to attendees. Non-drivers are to contribute $10 for gas. SUVs preferable, as there’s one crummy section of road near Vista Verde.

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.