Bobcatting Placitas Strip Mine Area

Description: Bobcatting Placitas Strip Mine Area
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 5 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
Elevation: 5600' to 6400'
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. This is a group outing and participants are expected to stay with the group. COVID vaccination and compliance with CDC rules on quarantine and isolation are required (i.e., don't attend if you have Covid!). No firearms or commercial solicitations.

Hike Description: The Strip Mine area is located in the foothills of the Sandias near Placitas, about 45 minutes south of Santa Fe. The trail starts out gradually uphill (with a few sharp ascents and descents) thru an open area leading to a very pretty red rock wash bordered by a yellow sandstone outcropping. The trail continues uphill thru mixed juniper, pinon, yucca, prickly pear and Mormon tea until it peaks at 6400', then slowly descends. This last section of the hike features good views pretty much the whole way, and in addition to the Sandias, we'll see the Sangres, the Jemez, Cabezon, Mt Taylor.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, water resistant outer wear.
Yak traks or other traction devices may be helpful if there is snow
Lunch and snacks.
Bring water for a 3+ hour hike and snacks/lunch

Meeting Place:
ZIA: We'll meet near Albertson's along Zia Road. We leave promptly at the meet time, so if you're running late please call Ken at 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: Non-drivers are to contribute $5 to the driver for gas. The last 100 yards or so is on a rocky dirt road, so high clearance vehicles are a good idea.

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.