Moderate Hiking for Mellow People

Please read the entire event description.

DESCRIPTION: Adventure packed into a small space. We climb up and around a granite wall then follow Piedra Lisa Canyon to an exit point then climb up to a ridge line social trail which we use to get back to the trailhead.

Photo Album

DISTANCE/ASCENT/TERRAIN/COMMITMENT/TYPE: 3 to 3.5 miles, 1103 feet ascent. Established and social trail, slick rock scrambling, steep cross country, sandy wash, lots of cactus and a bit of bushwhacking, descent on slope angle of up to 27%. Moderate commitment due to difficulty of backtracking. Loop.

RED TAPE/HAZARDS: Parking can get full. Falls are a real possibility and the primary hazard. Terrain is rough in parts. Part of the descent to the trailhead is steep.

HIKE LOCATION: Starts from the Menaul Trailhead in ABQ.

EFFORT/HIKE TIME: Very strenuous. Compares to Picacho Peak and Sun Mountain combined. 3 to 4 hours.

Event and hike times are estimates. It is wise to not schedule anything important or set a time limit due to other commitments.

HISTORY: The host has hiked in and around this canyon 4 times since 2016.

HIKER REQUIREMENT: Hikers should be able to hike round trip on Sun Mountain in 90 minutes or Picacho Peak in 140 min. These times take into account slower descent.
Sun Mountain
Picacho Peak

SPECIAL GEAR NOTE: Lots of spines here. Pack light. Soft soled and ventilated sneakers or boots will tend to get stabbed.

GEAR:
-2 liters of water is considered a minimum. More food than you expect to need.
-Light, quick drying, warmth layers, extra pair of socks.
-Good and tested rain gear.
-Headlamp and spare batteries, whistle or noise making device.
-Phone with optional mapping software or a paper map and compass.
-Optional personal locater beacon or InReach device.
-Long pants and hiking poles are recommended.

HIKER RESPONSIBILITY: Hikers are responsible for reading and understanding the entire trip description and getting clarification if needed. Hikers have total responsibility for their safety and well being and assign no liability to the host or any other participant. Passengers assume risk of transport to and from the trailhead. Drivers assume responsibility for safe practice behind the wheel. Do not sign onto this hike if you are not capable of meeting minimum requirements. If any hiker at any time feels that they cannot continue for any reason, they should say so. In that case the hike will be modified but distance and climb may increase based on commitment. Treat hiking companions with respect and keep belongings close at all times.

The hosts advises hikers to keep phone numbers of emergency contacts available.

HOW WE HIKE: Stay together. Be within sight or earshot at all times. If hikers need to stop for anything please say so and the group stops also. Stop at all junctions or any place that looks like one. The hike host provides the route. If travel is cross country, please take your own line where needed. In loose or rough terrain we keep a distance between each other to avoid debris from falling on us. All follow the host and and can provide collaborative input but the route will not be changed unless there is need as determined by conditions or discomfort of participants. Note that any route change may result in longer distances and/or climbs for everyone.

TRANSPORTATION: The drive is 110 minutes and 111 miles round trip. Bring $11.00 for gas. We will meet by the Tesla Chargers at Sendero Marketplace (formerly Fashion Outlets).
Driving Map

CONDITIONS: Half of the hike is in a deep canyon, the rest in the Sun. We will need dry weather on hike day and 48 hours before. Air quality index of 45 or less, The area is overgrown with bush since my last time there.
Forecast
Current Conditions

CANCELLATION or CHANGES: The trip could be modified or cancelled at short notice. Check this description 12 and 2 hours before meet time.