Black Canyon/Watershed Border to Peak 9488
Details
Please read the entire event description.
DESCRIPTION: Hike up the Black Canyon Trail to the border with Santa Fe Municipal Watershed then hike up the East Branch Fire Road to the saddle and onto a social trail to Peak 9488. Enjoy the views of the watershed and Thompson Peak. Return the way we came.
Gallery II
Gallery I
DISTANCE/ASCENT/TERRAIN/COMMITMENT/TYPE: Approximately 5.76 miles and 1475 feet ascent. About 2 miles will be established trail. The fire road section is 2.5 miles with 821 feet ascent. The social trail with interspersed cross country is 1.24 miles and mostly flat. High commitment, out and back.
RED TAPE/HAZARDS: Keep valuables out of sight in the parking lot. The fire road is steep without switchbacks. The tred is rough with erosion in the fire road section and is the most strenuous part of the hike. Maximum slope angle is 27% The downhill portion is rough and I usually make my own switchbacks to the side of it. The social/cross country portion was easy the last time I was there but it's been 7 years so I don't know how much it has changed.
HIKE LOCATION: Hyde Memorial State Park
PETS: 1 well behaved dog that responds to commands. You may need to provide your own transportation. Let the host know.
EFFORT/HIKE TIME: Strenous. 4 to 5 hours hike time. Hikers should be able to hike round trip on Picacho Peak in 2 hours 40 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 area multiple times and the exact route in 2019.
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: 17 miles and 30 minutes round trip. Bring a couple of bucks for your driver. Any vehicle
CONDITIONS: 48 hours dry weather and dry on hike day. The terrain tends to be slippery when wet. Air Quality Index of 45 or less. Temperatures above freezing with wind chill. High winds will cancel due to tree falling hazard.
Forecast
CANCELLATION or CHANGES: The trip could be modified or cancelled at short notice. Check this description 12 and 2 hours before meet time.