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Escape into the wilderness for a 3 day/2 night backpack in the Pecos Wilderness. We’ll traverse the high-altitude wilderness of the Pecos Wilderness. Fellow hiker led this backpack last June. I enjoyed it so much took a friend back in September. Here we go again.

This is a strenuous hike due to altitude. This is NOT a beginners backpack. Due to fire restrictions campfires are not allowed.

Weather: https://share.google/u5rGxUxP0PAbffp2a

Mon May 19th we’ll car camp at Cowles Campground ($7 night). Primitive campsites with vault restroom, no water available. Cowles is 22 miles north of Pecos NM via NM 63 and Forest Roads 555 & 121.

Day 1 - May 20th 11am - Backpack 3.5 miles from Windsor Creek campground on trail #261 to Stewart Lake. We’ll set up camp for one night. Backpack starts at elevation of 8,440 ft while gaining 1,870 ft as we hike to Stewart Lake.

Day 2 Pack up and backpack 2.5 miles from Stewart Lake to Katherine Lake. We’ll set up camp for two nights. Stewart Lake elevation starts at 10,250 ft we’ll gain 1,500 ft to Katherine Lake.

Day 3 Pack up and hike back to the vehicles, 6 miles. Yay! All downhill.

Day hike to Santa Fe Baldy, 4 miles round trip. Katherine Lake starts 10,250 ft we’ll gain 2,380 to Santa Fe Baldy.

Option 1: depending on weather and energy level the hike will be on Day 2 after setting up camp, eating and short rest.

Option 2: hike first thing on Day 3. Return to camp, pack and hike out to vehicles.

Please text me should you have questions (505) 385-0553

Backpacking Checklist: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html

Participants should be in good physical condition to attend this outing. Folks with an underlying medical condition should avoid moderate and strenuous outings. Participants who RSVP yes also agree to the Release of Liability statement located under the "What we're about" heading.

For safety reasons we hike together and support each-other as a group/team, with the leader in control. We stop, rest, eat, etc. together. No one will be allowed to hike ahead at any time. If you are unwilling to comply with this please do not sign up. Thank you!

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