Ojito White Mesa Dragons Back Loop Geology Extravaganza

I realized I had a conflict on the original date so I am moving this out to the next day that works for me. Sorry for the change and please change your RSVP if you are not able to make the new date.

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 repeat of the one I led last November, but it avoids the steeper section that was an issue for some the first time I led a hike in this area. 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 there are limited trees and bushes, there are options 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