Grindstone Lake Mesa Extended Loop / Ruidoso, NM
Details
Grindstone Mesa Extended Loop
Type: loop
Mileage: 12.01 miles ⛔️
Estimated time to complete: 6-7 hours⚠️
Elevation: 1,309 ft gain/loss)⚠️
Difficultly: moderate/ strenuous
When tackling the Grindstone Mesa Extended Loop, you should expect a moderately challenging, 12 mile trek that rewards you with steady elevation gains, smooth singletrack trails cushioned by pine needles, and occasional rocky, technical climbs. Starting from the lake, the trail winds upward through dense ponderosa pines and active logging clearings before flattening out along the high mesa ridge. You should take on this extended loop for its jaw-dropping, 360-degree panoramic views of the Sierra Blanca Peak, the surrounding Sacramento Mountains, and the shimmering lake below—all while enjoying a peaceful escape with a high chance of spotting roaming mule deer, soaring hawks, or free-roaming wild horses. Bring a sack lunch to eat.
We will meet at the Lowes on Transmountain at 6:00 a.m and leave sharply at 6:15 a.m. If you’re coming from Las Cruces please meet at the DK Gas Station located on 21 St. Francis Street in Tularosa, NM. We should all be meeting at 8 am at the DK gas station. Then we will all proceed to the trailhead. Please arrive with a full tank of gas whether you are departing from Las Cruces or El Paso.
Dogs are welcome as long as they can do the mileage. You are responsible for the safety and well being of your dog. Please be sure that your dog is friendly with other dogs.
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: https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-dWiUFgVP/about/
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.
⚠️I reserve the right to remove any one from this hike. ⚠️
Thank You
What to bring