Moderate Hiking for Mellow People

Hamilton Mesa

Less than 6 miles on a good trail
Around 800 feet of elevation change
Maximum Elevation - 10,200
Relaxed pace
Dogs ok

Hamilton Mesa is known for its spectacular views of the high peaks in the Pecos Wilderness and beautiful aspen grove meadows. This is one of the best fall hikes to do in the Santa Fe area for aspen viewing. We will end our hike in a meadow that continues for miles allowing views of a huge portion of the wilderness, including the majestic Truchas Peaks, and countless aspen groves.

We will wander off trail some so hiking poles are recommended.

Since the last few miles of the road are rough, 4wd high clearance vehicles are required.

Please provide your drivers $15 for gas. Everyone will be on a waitlist and those with the required vehicles will have priority.

**** Please read ENTIRE event posting ****
Thank you to all of the volunteers who enthusiastically participated in our first two volunteer afternoons in August and September. Special thanks to Bill and Arnold who were both there for our first two sessions and Trish who so efficiently jumped in for September. Bravo !
Let's have fun volunteering again each and every second Tuesday afternoon of the month.
Next on Tuesday October 13. Food Depot on Siler Road!
(Behind Kitchen Angels).

WHEN: Tuesday 10-13-26. 1:20 pm mini orientation Start @1:30 pm and end approximately 3:45 pm.
(Break of approximately 15 minutes at some point during afternoon).
NAME Of OUR GROUP: "Ricardo's Renaissance Team"

ACTIVITY: We will be working in back room as a team repacking dry food goods (cans, boxes etc.) into bags or boxes for individual food donations. Sometimes taking fruit or veggies from boxes or bins and putting them into smaller sacks. That sort of thing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to stand on hard floor for 2+
hours. Some walking, bending and twisting movements as needed. Very light lifting.

WHAT TO WEAR: A baseball cap or some kind of hat to hold your hair in place. (Otherwise a hair cover cap is mandatory for all volunteers handling food items). Comfortable CLOSED TOE sneakers or shoes you can stand on for a couple hours. No open toe sandals please.

If you're allergic to latex gloves, some kind of gloves for food handing sanitary protocol. A bottle of water or beverage container for hydration. There is free water in bottles on site also.
Note: Depending on season, it can be warm or chilly so lighter clothes in summer and layers if you're prone to be cold.
Face cover masks are entirely optional and available if you choose to wear one.

WHERE TO PARK: Parking lot spaces in front of building entrance (south side), spaces to left of entrance (west side), spaces to east closer to Kitchen Angels (east side).
ONGOING: This volunteer event is "ongoing"and will continue each month on the 2nd Tuesday afternoon going forward. No need to commit to attending each month. We will have a "pool" of volunteers. I will be seeking cohosts to help out as time goes on.
OPTIONAL: A light beverage or meal to follow at a casual venue such as Tribes Cafe on the Southside. TBD

MY CONTACT INFO: I will share via a private message for internet privacy reasons.

Thank you !
Let's feed northern New Mexico !
Richard D. aka "Ricardo"

Kwastiyukwa Pueblo Ruin (Giant Footprint Ruin)

Let’s try this again and hopefully the roads are good.

Hiking distance - 2.5 miles
200 feet elevation change
Loop hike
Off trail and dirt road
Elevation - 7600
Ponderosa and mixed forest
Driving distance to trailhead - 80 miles

The Giant Footprint Ruin is located on Holiday Mesa west of Jemez Springs and is one of the largest Jemez Pueblo sites with 1,250 rooms, five kiva depressions, one large communal kiva, and a reservoir. Some parts of this impressive ruin were two stories high, however, another archaeologist estimates that it was much larger. It is reported that this was the first site in the Jemez Mountains to be occupied by the Jemez people.

The site has an enormous collection of pot sherds and other artifacts which all must be left at the site for others to appreciate and future research (collecting is unlawful). Pottery has been dated back to 1325 AD and there is evidence that there may have been occupation after the Pueblo Revolt in 1692.

On our way we can see a logging operation and pass a small 250 room ruin. Our parking area is nestled under Ponderosas and is located on a rise above a bad section of the road. We will follow the road for about a mile to a breathtaking view of Virgin Canyon and then we will bushwhack up a low plateau to find the site. Our return route is an old logging road and bushwhack (this is where I stepped over a large rattler without knowing it). This may not be a good one for dogs.

Getting to the parking area takes some time as the last six miles of the road are very rough and slow going. A 4wd high clearance vehicle is mandatory.

Everyone will be placed on a waitlist and those with the proper vehicles and that I have hiked with before will be given priority.

Please pay your driver $15.