Bobcatting Sulfur Springs

Description: Bobcatting Sulfur Springs
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 7+ miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
Elevation: 8100'-8800'
Gain: 700 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 hike 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: Sulfur Springs is a former spa resort located on the west edge of the Valles Caldera, about 1.5 hours west of Santa Fe. We'll follow an old 2 track access road to the remnants of the resort, now limited to a small bath house, a kitchen, an outhouse and some miscellaneous infrastructure. Fumeroles still bubble up, filling the air with sulfur scented steam and brightly coloring the surfaces of their surrounding basins. After passing thru the old resort we'll continue on the 2-track thru a nice canyon, before heading to three additional undeveloped, colorful sulfur-infused ponds. We'll return as we came, enjoying the gentle downhill grade on the return.

A few points:
1. The canyon where the hike starts is in full shade and is a cold sink so it may be cold there in the morning. Bring something warm to wear even if the temperature forecast is mild; you can always delayer later.
2. You will smell sulfur, especially by the old resort (though that is an open area, so air circulates readily).
3. No soaking on this outing. My understanding is some of these sulfur features are very strong and not safe for soaking.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers--see above comment about the cold sink--extra clothing, water resistant outer wear.
Water for a 3.5+ hour hike and snacks/lunch

Meeting Place:
DEVARGAS: We'll meet at Devargas, behind Market Street but a little closer to the bowling alley. If your plans change at the last minute, please call Ken at 248-252-0708.

Dogs: Dogs are not allowed, per Valles Caldera rules.

Cost/Driving: Car-pooling is up to attendees. Non-drivers are to contribute $10 to the driver for gas. The last few miles are on rutted dirt roads.

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.