Moderate Hiking for Mellow People

This hike is a good way to see other parts of the Cerrillos Hills beyond the boundaries of the Cerrillos Hills State Park.

This moderate hike starts near the townsite of Waldo and is a six-mile trek near Grande Central Mountain which is one of the highest mountains in the Cerrillos Hills.

The majority of this hike will be on BLM land. We will see numerous mines and prospect holes dating back to the 1880s along with views of Mount Chalchihuitl (Chal Chee Wee Til). Mount Chalchihuitl is a prehistoric open pit turquoise mine dating back to 950 AD. It is one of the oldest turquoise mines in the country. We will be about a mile from the mine as it is on private land.

We will start by hiking up a narrow canyon with high cliffs then hiking on old mining trails to a saddle where we can view the old turquoise mine. Sections are steep and rocky with abundant cactus. The elevation change to the saddle is about six hundred feet. After the saddle we will circle back on a different route and head down an arroyo back to the vehicles.

Most vehicles can make it to the trailhead. The pace will be relaxed. Please pay your driver $4.00.

Hiking will be in arroyos, mining trails and off trail. Hiking poles and good boots are recommended. This hike is unsuitable for dogs due to the abundant cactus.

Beautiful Hike! Hopefully, at this time of year maples will be in full color.
Hike 6.4 mile loop and spur
Difficulty moderate
Exposure mostly shaded
Elevation gain 908 ft
7531' at trailhead
8708' feet on crest
~3 hour round trip driving time. Plan ti offer your driver ~$10, more if less people in car.
Wear good hiking boots or shoe. bring plenty of water, lunch. sunscreen, hat, poles if you need them and always a good idea to carry a whistle-in case lost. you must answer yes to the question to attend. you must be able to keep up with group and there is no going ahead of the leader. If you are a fast hiker this is not the group for you.
This hike is on All trails but but does not include spur. You may want to go there and download map and read more about area. Under Fourth of July and Cerro Blanco Loop. Actual route will be posted in photo section. There is also option to skip steeper section to spur by waiting at turn off trail to spur. Rule #1: Do NOT leave from where you are waiting; as I will give this option often and we don't want to lose you.
Please be on time. we will leave promptly 5 minutes after starting time. Also, on any of my events, if you prefer not to carpool and wish to meet us at trailhead please just let me know and that is perfectly fine.Fourth of July and Cerro Blanco Loop on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-mexico/fourth-of-july-trail?sh=fey4d3&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Ball Ranch is located southwest of Madrid and is a land of fascinating geologic formations, wild horses, and abundant petrified wood. Some of the petrified logs exceed several hundred pounds. To reach the area we must hike through a very scenic narrow canyon which opens up to the main portion of Ball Ranch.

This loop hike is rated easy/moderate and involves hiking in sandy arroyos, dirt roads and open country. There are no designated trails. The hike is 6 miles with an elevation change of about 350 feet. Elevation of the area is about 5600. We will be climbing out of some gullies, so trekking poles will come in handy.

For those carpooling from Santa Fe the riders should pay their driver $6.00.

If you are going to be late for the 9:00 meetup time please call me at 505-699-2546.