Bobcatting Kitchen Mesa

Description: Bobcatting Kitchen Mesa
Round Trip Hiking Distance: 5 miles
Round Trip Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
Elevation: 6400’ to 7100’
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: Judy will lead this hike. Kitchen Mesa is located at Ghost Ranch about 1.25 hours north of Santa Fe. The main section of the hike ascends up the side of the mesa to the top, where there are great views of Ghost Ranch and surrounding areas of Red Rock land. The hike is an out and back.

There are some tricky parts to the trail– some sections have loose pebbly footing and others require scrambling over or around large-ish boulders and rocks, and there are some areas where hikers are exposed (i.e., could fall a ways). Because of this, ALL HIKERS WILL BE WAIT-LISTED AND ONLY THOSE RECEIVING AND ACKNOWLEDGING AN INVITATION WILL GO (please don’t take it personally if you're not invited; leading hikes is stressful, especially over difficult terrain, and this process is an effort to make the hike safer and more enjoyable for all). It’s a challenging hike, so be realistic about your abilities and risk preferences before signing up.

In addition to paying for gas for drivers, attendees will need a Ghost Ranch permit, which costs $10, procurable at Ghost Ranch. The permit allows access to trails and other Ghost Ranch amenities and features including the splendid museum.

Since Meetup messaging is not reliable, you can text me (248-252-0708) your name and phone number and I'll try to send any invitation by text to increase the odds you actually see it. Remember, you must formally notify me or Judy to confirm you will attend or we may give the slot to someone else.

What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outerwear
Water for a 3.5 hour hike
Lunch and snacks.

Meeting Place: Devargas Center, behind Market Street but a little closer to the bowling alley. We leave promptly at the meet time.

Dogs: No dogs; we don’t want any getting underfoot on the slope.

Driving: Car-pooling is up to attendees. Non-drivers are 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 try to do it for you (though I’ll be out of town, and not always be monitoring my messages closely).

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.