Bobcatting Nambe Badlands with Tea Kettle (second attempt)

Bobcatting Nambe Badlands with Tea Kettle (second attempt)

Round Trip Hiking Distance: 4.5 -5.0 miles

Round Trip Hiking Time: 3 hours

Elevation: 6000’-6300’

Rating: Moderate

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. 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 event and participants are expected to stay with the group. No firearms or commercial solicitations.

Hike Description: Nambe Badlands is located 30 minutes northwest of Santa Fe. Ideally, Nambe will be reasonably dry by Tuesday and the small Nambe Badlands trailhead will have parking available. Assuming those conditions are met, we'll first hike along a cool sandstone wall before heading up to a rolling ridge line looking out on great views of the Jemez, the Sangres and Truchas, with some striking eroded sandstone formations below. There is a steep, sometimes narrow descent off the ridge into a shallow arroyo surrounded by more sandstone formations. We'll hike in that arroyo before cutting cross-country to the adorable–well, it is–Tea Kettle formation. After that, we’ll retrace our steps and then head up to another ridgeline and then back to the trailhead. There are, as noted, some steep descents, which are fairly difficult under ideal circumstances and could be slick if there is ice, snow or mud. Be prepared and be realistic about your comfort level. If it’s muddy or parking is not available we’ll attempt other hikes in the immediate area.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outerwear
Water for a 3 hour hike
Lunch and snacks.

Meeting Place: At Devargas Center behind Market Street, but a little closer to the bowling alley. We leave promptly at the meet time, so contact me at 248-252-0708 if you are running late.

Dogs: Friendly dogs with no history of aggression at group events are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times.

Cost/Driving: Car-pooling is up to attendees. Non-drivers are to contribute $5 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 making risky or inapt decisions including 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 or inept execution). The preceding sentence supplements any other applicable exculpatory arrangement.