Bobcatting Lion Cave and Pretty Canyon

Description: Bobcatting Lion Cave and Pretty Canyon
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 6.8 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 2.5-3.0 hours
Elevation: 6200'-6500'
Rating: Moderate
Pace: Mellow Plus

Please 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 hikers are expected to stay with the group. No firearms or commercial solicitations.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:
Lion Cave and Pretty Canyon are located at Trailhead 4a near White Rock, about 45 minutes from Santa Fe. They are located within a mesh of trails, and we'll hike segments of perhaps 6-7 different trails. Our route will feature (mostly) gradual ascents and descents thru open pinon-juniper forest and we'll go in and out of canyons and washes and on and off ridges. The trails are mostly dirt with some slick rock, though there are a few brief sections of loose or exposed jagged rock. The highlights are the long views of the Jemez, Boundary Peak and the Sangres, and several great overlooks on the edge of canyons that feed into the Rio Grande. There are also formations of deeply eroded 'Swiss Cheese' tuff and eroded sandstone.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outer wear. Microspikes may be advisable depending on whether we get snow before the hike.
Water for a 4 hour hike, snacks, lunch

Meeting Place:
DEVARGAS: We'll meet at DeVargas Center, behind Market Street (fka Albertsons) on the St Francis side. We'll leave promptly at the meeting time. If you are running late or your plans change at the last minute, please call Ken at 248-252-0708.

Dogs:
Dogs with no history of problems on group hikes are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.

Cost:
Non-drivers are to contribute $10 to the driver for gas. Roads to trail head are paved.

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 applicable exculpatory arrangement.