Bobcatting the Western Ojito

Description: Bobcatting the Ojito: Western Area
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 7 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 4 hours
Elevations: 5800-6,000'
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. 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.

Car pooling is up to attendees.

If you have recently had, or definitely been exposed to, Covid-19, you must be in compliance with CDC policies on isolation and quarantine.
Hike Description: The western Ojito is a badlands wilderness area about 1.75 hours southwest of Santa Fe. The hike is all off trail, either cross-country, on rough cow paths, or in shallow arroyos, with a few short but steep and rocky ascents and descents to and from mesas that have partially eroded to form some very cool hoodoos and formations. The areas between the eroded mesas are mostly scrubby, cactus filled flatlands, but they often border on hills that display bright, red, ochre, brown, green, yellow and tan strata. Bright red, lichen-coated rocks are scattered about, as are beautiful chunks of white petrified wood, gleaming white alabaster, and a little translucent selenite. Overall, it is a very cool place to hike in, with a spirit of exploration being a big plus as hikers will need to cope with off-trail footing, some tricky ups and downs, and on occasion waiting for me to check the route on my GPS (it's tricky!).

The last section of road to the trailhead is a decent dirt road when dry, but it turns into a slick, muddy morass when wet. Likewise, the trail has some segments that turn into stick-to-your-boots mud when wet. I will likely change the venue if the conditions deteriorate significantly.

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/Prompt Departure: 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 will leave promptly at the meeting time. If you are running late or your plans change at the last minute, please call Ken: 248-252-0708.

Dogs: Dogs with no history of aggression or problems on group hikes are welcome but must be on a leash at all times as they could be a danger 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 trailhead 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 applicable exculpatory arrangement.
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