Mesa Vibora-Cerro Azul View Points
Details
Please read the entire event description.
DESCRIPTION: Hike a fairly easy and unused dirt road with wide open views of our favorite mountains.
DISTANCE/ASCENT/TERRAIN/COMMITMENT/TYPE: 8.2 miles and 231 feet ascent. All the climbing is at the beginning. Dirt road, faint in places. Excellent track. Low commitment, out and back.
RED TAPE/HAZARDS: We may have to park along the highway if conditions warrant it. This hike is remarkably free of hazards.
HIKE LOCATION: Off of Highway 285 near Ojo Caliente.
PETS: One or two well behaved dog that responds to commands. You may need to provide your own transportation. Let the host know you are bringing your dog.
EFFORT/HIKE TIME: Low end of moderate. Estimated hike time is 4 hours. Hikers should be able to hike round trip to Sun Mountain in 90 minutes.
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 this location twice the last being in March 2024.
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 2 hours and 110 miles round trip. Bring $11.00 for gas. Any vehicle.
Driving Map
CONDITIONS: No shade. 96 hours dry weather and dry on hike day. This area has notoriously severe mud when wet. Air Quality Index of 45 or less and temperatures above freezing with wind chill are required.
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.