Name: Bobcatting the Ojito: White Mesa, Seeps & Gerald's Arch
Start: 2025-11-18T08:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-11-18T16:30:00-07:00
Location: Albertsons at St Fancis and Zia

Description: Bobcatting the Ojito: White Mesa, Seeps & Gerald's Arch
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 6+ miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 4 hours
Elevations: 5600-6,000'
Rating: Moderate+
Pace: Mellow Plus

Please 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!). This is a group outing and participants are expected to stay with the group. No firearms or commercial solicitations.

Hike Description: The Ojito is a badlands wilderness area 1.25 hours southwest of Santa Fe. The area we will hike in resembles a large basin, with White Mesa on one end, colorful cliffs on the right and left, and smallish limestone karsts or hills at the open end. We will hike along a colorful canyon before ascending White Mesa. From there we will follow the opposite edge of the basin to the end of the big karst which features a colorful mineral seep, a sinkhole and views of San Ysidro Trials area. After lunch we will continue around and up the main karst, seeing slot canyons, more mineral seeps and another big sinkhole (and a cave for those interested). After exploring the karsts, we will cut across the basin floor to a notch canyon with brightly colored walls and lots of eroded rock formations, including Gerald's Arch. This section of the hike has some fairly sharp ascents and descents and a few spots where we may need to scramble just a bit to cross small gaps or negotiate around rock formations. Be sure you are comfortable with that before RSVPing. Before heading back to the trailhead, we'll explore a series of viewpoints overlooking the Ojito's chromatic anticline and the Ojito in general. Note, sections of the trail are covered with loose rock, so footing can be an issue.

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

Meeting Place: ZIA. We will meet in the parking lot of the Albertsons on Zia Rd--enter the lot from Zia and turn right at the first opportunity. We'll leave the meeting place promptly at 8 am. If you are running late or your plans change at the last minute, please call Ken: 248-252-0708.

Dogs: No dogs due to some steep sections where they could be dangerous if they get underfoot.

Cost/Driving: Non-drivers are to contribute $10 to the driver for gas. As long as it's not muddy, the road to the trail head is passable for non 4WD, but is easier in SUVs.

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 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.

Ken Krasity

The Santa Fe Hiking Meetup Group

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Bobcatting the Ojito: White Mesa, Seeps & Gerald's Arch

Albertsons at St Fancis and Zia

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The Santa Fe Hiking Meetup Group

Bobcatting the Ojito: White Mesa, Seeps & Gerald's Arch

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