Bobcatting Golden Open Space

Description: Bobcatting Golden Open Space
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 6.5 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
Elevations: 6100'-6400'
Gain: ~300 ft.
Rating: Moderate
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. 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. Golden Open Space is located an hour southwest of Santa Fe off NM-14. The hike passes thru a pinon-juniper forest before entering a shallow canyon often lined with swirling brown, ocher, red and cream colored rock strata, reminiscent of the Colorado Plateau. There are a few cool rock outcroppings and many nice views of surrounding mountain ranges. There are several moderate ascents and descents throughout, and this is an out and back. Nothing too dramatic, just a nice hike thru interesting terrain with good views. Note, the last few miles of the road to the Open Space are pretty rough; an SUV or comparable is a good idea.

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. Albertsons at Zia Road; enter from Zia and turn right immediately. We will leave promptly at the meeting time. If you are running late or your plans change at the last minute, please call me at 248-252-0708.

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs with no history of problems on group hikes are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.

Cost: Nondrivers to contribute $10 for gas.

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 all 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.