Making Strides

For this one we will do about a 3 mile out and back hike with about 700 feet of elevation. We will stop at a spot with some nice views and turn around there to make this only 3 miles total. Since it is an out and back, if someone wants to stop early, we can pick them up on our way back.

Parking is limited, so we will meet at the NW corner of the Walmart on Eubank and carpool over. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The AllTrails link is:
Hondo Canyon and Travertine Falls on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-mexico/hondo-canyon-and-travertine-falls?p=-1&sh=qcnrni

I have reserved a group camping site at the Santa Barbara Campground in the Carson National Forest.
There are a maximum of five vehicles allowed (including mine) at this campsite so please carpool if possible.

If this particular group site fills up and there are still more people who would like to attend, you can go to recreation.gov and choose your own site near the group site.

📅 Date: Friday, August 23
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM
📍 Location: Santa Fe National Forest, Jemez East River Slot Canyon
🚶‍♂️ Distance: 4.8 miles out & back
⛰ Elevation Gain: 393 ft
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate
🐾 Dog-Friendly: Yes (bring water shoes)

This hike is a little extra special to me. It’s our final Jemez hike of the year and my birthday hike! I’ll be turning 37 or something close to that. This trail, also known as East Fork River Box, follows the creek to an amazing slot canyon with waterfalls and beautiful scenery. It’s a dog-friendly route but water shoes are recommended since you’ll be crossing streams.

Since it’s our last Jemez hike this year, I’m opening it up to 30 people. If you’ve already joined a Jemez hike this season, please consider letting someone new take your spot.

What to Bring:
• Plenty of water
• Sun protection
• Water shoes
• Good birthday vibes

Let’s make the best of it together and end the season on a high note. Can’t wait to celebrate with you all!

Water Canyon Camping Trip + Pie Town Festival Option
📅 Dates: Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14
📍 Location: Water Canyon Campground, Magdalena, NM
💲 Cost: $10 per person
🚗 Driving Time: Approx. 2 hours from Albuquerque
🛻 RV-Friendly: Small RVs welcome
🚻 Amenities: Bathrooms, picnic tables, fire pit

Join us for a weekend camping trip in the beautiful Water Canyon area near Magdalena. We’ve reserved a group site at Water Canyon Campground. It’s a fantastic spot for camping, hiking, relaxing, and stargazing.

This trip is also timed to align with the Pie Town Festival on Saturday, which is about an hour away. The festival is optional — if you’d like to attend, we’ll plan to drive over on Saturday morning. But if you’d rather stay at camp, there’s plenty to explore nearby, including great hiking, an observatory, and the beautiful surroundings of the Magdalena Mountains.

Important Notes:
• You can bring a small RV or camp in a tent.
• There will be bathrooms, picnic tables, and a fire pit at the group site.
• Once we arrive, activities are flexible. You can participate in group outings or do your own thing — it’s all about enjoying the weekend your way.
• The $10 fee per person covers the cost of the group site.

What to Bring:
• Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.)
• Food and snacks
• Water and beverages
• Clothing for cool nights and warm days
• Camp chair
• Bug spray
• Any personal items for comfort
• Optional: Pie Town Festival gear, hiking gear, and a sense of adventure

This is going to be a great weekend getaway with lots of flexibility and beautiful surroundings. Whether you camp and relax, hike the nearby trails, or head out to Pie Town for the festival fun, you’ll have plenty of options. And i will give directions to whoever wants to go in their own

Looking forward to seeing you all out there!