Bobcatting Las Vegas NWR

LAS VEGAS NWR

Description: Bobcatting Las Vegas Nat'l Wildlife Refuge
Round Trip Hiking Distance: (see description) 2.5 miles, plus short access walks
Round Trip Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Elevations: 6300'-6400'
Rating: Easy as they come
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 participants are expected to stay with the group. You must be vaccinated against Covid-19 to attend this hike and if you have recently contracted or definitely been exposed to Covid-19, you must be in compliance with CDC rules on quarantining and isolation. No firearms or commercial solicitations.
Event Description: Something different--a mixed bird watching and hiking event. Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge is located 1.25 hours northeast of Santa Fe near Las Vegas, NM. It is primarily a bird sanctuary for migrating waterfowl, but it also provides a home to lots of raptors, meadowlarks and assorted song birds. Plus, it has a charming, albeit short, hike that features two sets of old ranch ruins, a scenic canyon, great high plains views of the Sangres and, as of today, quite a few wildflowers.
We'll drive the birding loop, stopping at three ponds with viewpoints and short walks to view birds, which will likely consist mainly of waterfowl and raptors.
We'll also stop and hike the above-described trail, taking time to enjoy the views and examine the ruins.
NOTE: There is construction on I-25 so plan for delays getting to the meeting spot at Albertsons-Zia.
What to bring:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Layers, extra clothing, and water resistant outer wear.
Water for a several hour event
Binoculars
Lunch and snacks
Meeting Place:
We'll meet in the north parking lot of Albertsons at St Francis and Zia, along Zia Road. Enter from Zia and immediately turn right in the lot. 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 on this one.
Cost: Non-drivers are to contribute $10 for gas.
Drivers/SUVs. Car pooling is up to attendees. The road is okay for most vehicles, though there is one potentially muddy spot on the birding loop drive.
Release. Participant acknowledges they have read and understood the Event description and conditions. 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.