Lake Benchmark

Please read the entire event description.

DESCRIPTION: Lake Benchmark is a hill above Santa Cruz Lake with nice views all around. There is no real trail. Just a cairn path and a route of your own (mine) making.

Photo Gallery

DISTANCE/ASCENT/TERRAIN/COMMITMENT/TYPE: 2 miles or less. 712 feet feet cumulative ascent. A short section near the beginning is on a slope angle of 39%. That's steep! Can't be avoided. Social trail, cairns, and cross country. Typical terrain for the area (similar to Nambe Badlands) with some large boulders to walk around. Commitment is low. Out and back.

RED TAPE/HAZARDS: $6.00 to park. Falls, always falls.

HIKE LOCATION: Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area.

EFFORT/HIKE TIME: Moderate. 2 hours hike time plus time spent on the summit. Hikers should be able to hike round trip on Sun Mountain in 90 minutes. This hike is close to that one in difficulty.

Sun Mountain

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 location in 2025.

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 60 miles and 90 miles round trip. Bring $6.00 for gas. We will meet at De Vargas Mall next to Dr. Melton's office.
Driving Map

CONDITIONS: Little to no shade. Can be done in most weather but significant snow on the ground or forecast storms will cancel Air quality index of 45 or less.
Current Conditions
Forecast

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