Cerrillos Hills
Details
This 5-mile loop hike will begin at the mouth of a large canyon near the abandoned town site of Waldo in the western portion of the Cerrillos Hills State Park. We will not be hiking on State Park trails but will be following the canyon up to some old mining trails and roads. We will also be hiking off trail over rocky terrain with abundant cactus. Hiking poles are recommended.
We will climb about 600 feet to a saddle where we can view the large pre-historic open pit mine of Mount Chalchihuitl. This is the largest pre-historic mine in the US where the Pueblo people began mining turquoise around 950 AD. Along the way we will pass a number of abandoned mines from the late 1800s.
Please provide your driver $5. All vehicles other than low clearance vehicles can make it to the parking area.
AI summary
By Meetup
Off-trail loop hike for adventurous hikers to explore a canyon and historic mining ruins, ending with a saddle view of a prehistoric turquoise mine.
AI summary
By Meetup
Off-trail loop hike for adventurous hikers to explore a canyon and historic mining ruins, ending with a saddle view of a prehistoric turquoise mine.