Bobcatting Cerro Grande

Description: Bobcatting Cerro Grande
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 4.8 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3.0 hours
Elevations: 9,000'-10,200'
Gain: ~1200 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: Cerro Grande is a peak on the edge of the Valles Caldera about 1 hour northwest of Santa Fe. The trail starts with a gentle upward grade and proceeds thru grassy meadows and open Ponderosa pine woods which should have blooming golden banner and other wildflowers. The trail then gradually increases in steepness as the forest and ground cover thicken until it reaches an open meadow with nice views of the Caldera and nearby mountains. After the meadow, the trail switch-backs its way to the peak, which offers spectacular nearly-360 views of the Caldera, the surrounding Jemez mountains, the Sangre de Cristos and the Sandias. We will return as we came.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, water resistant outer wear.
Water for a 3+ hour hike.
Snacks/lunch.

Meeting Place:
We'll meet at DeVargas behind Market Street (I.e., towards St. Francis) but a little closer to the bowling alley. We leave promptly at the meet time. If your plans change at the last minute, please call Ken at 248-252-0708.

Dogs: Dogs are not allowed per National Monument rules.

Cost: Car pooling is encouraged but is up to attendees. Non-drivers are to contribute $10 to the driver for gas.

Drive. Roads are paved the whole way. If you do the shortcut thru Los Alamos, you will pass through a checkpoint, ID required of driver, advisable for passengers (just in case).

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.

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.