Bobcatting Alamo Canyon

Description: Bobcatting Alamo Canyon
Round Trip Hiking Distance: ~7 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 4 hours
Elevation: 6100'-6600'
Rating: Moderate+
Pace: Mellow Plus

Please know your Atalaya ability before RSVPing 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 hike and hikers 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: Alamo Canyon is located at Bandelier National Monument, one hour west of Santa Fe. We will start from the visitors' center and hike up the side of the Frijoles Canyon, gaining ~500' of elevation over one mile of trail, while enjoying views of the Frijoles River below and the Bandelier cliff dwellings on the opposite canyon wall. Once atop the mesa, we will follow a trail thru an open Ponderosa Pine/PJ forest. This portion of the hike features nice views of St Peters Dome, the Jemez and the Sangres, and is flat except for three small to moderate size canyons we will drop into and climb out of. After 2+ miles on the mesa we will reach the rim of Alamo Canyon, where we will lunch while enjoying spectacular views of the canyon and surrounding mountains (and some petroglyphs). We will return as we came.

This will be one of our tougher hikes, due to the distance and the elevation increase (which, fortunately, is mostly at the start). It may also be warm, especially on the return hike.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outer wear.
Water for a 4 hour hike, snacks, lunch

Meeting Place:
DEVARGAS: We'll meet at DeVargas Center, behind Market Street but a little closer to the bowling alley. We leave promptly at the meet time. If you are running late or your plans change at the last minute, please call Ken at 248-252-0708.

Dogs: No dogs permitted, per park rules.

Cost: Non-drivers are to contribute $10 to the driver for gas. There is also a $25 per vehicle fee unless someone in the vehicle has an annual/lifetime park pass, so bring a pass if you have one, even if you don't plan on driving. 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 exculpatory arrangement to which the Participant is subject.