Ojito White Mesa Dragons Back Loop Geology Extravaganza

We found a geology tour guide for the White Mesa Bike Trails area and were intrigued by the geology, which was even more impressive in person (and only a few bikes). This will be about 8 miles in a loop with about 950 feet of elevation gain. This is a different loop than the one I led last year on White Mesa trails. This one is a bit longer and it avoids the part we did last year that was steep with drop offs, so this one should work for someone with a fear of heights. There are great views, an eroded anticline, water seeps, dinosaur fossils and lots of gypsum. We will meet at the west end of the Home Depot in Bernalillo and carpool out about 23 miles.

There is no shade so bring a hat, plenty of water and a snack/lunch. Poles can be useful in places, but not needed. There are no bathrooms and while ethere are limited trees and bushes, there are optionf for on the trail pit stops. Dogs are welcome on leash if they can handle the distance. Geologists and/or paleontologists would be a great addition.

Here is the AllTrails:
White Mesa and Dragon's Back Trail Loop on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-mexico/white-mesa-and-dragon-s-back-trail-loop?sh=qcnrni&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality