San Pedro Parks - via the Palomas Trail

As an alternative to the Rio Quemado meetup (which got cancelled due to Pecos Closure) I am thinking of doing this trip instead, but would like to find out how many are interested.

This is a different route into the San Pedro Parks via the
Palomas Trail along the Rio de las Vacas. The San Pedro Parks offers unparalleled beauty and is actually one of my favorite trips! There is plenty of opportunity for fishing the Rio de Las Vacas and exploring the surrounding areas. It is a moderate-difficult hike (depending on your physical condition) in for about 5 miles; the first two miles are the most strenuous, then it is pretty easy hiking for the remainder 3 miles. After you have gone ~5.0 miles we
will come to the parks where will set up camp approximately 1/2
mile from where we enter the parks, near the Rio De Las Vacas. The trail is extremely wet in some areas (marshy) and we may run into a small snow field. Waterproof shoes are highly recommended. If attendees would prefer to hike in on Friday vs. Sat, please let me know and we will reschedule the meetup time to earlier and hike in on Friday afternoon.

We will meet on Friday at 6:00 at the approximately .15 mi from the Palomas trailhead off FR70. We can set up camp and hike in on Sat. morning or if everyone wants to meet earlier, we can hike in on Friday afternoon; I need a consensus though.

Directions to Trailhead/Friday Night Camp:

From Albuquerque you have two options - Hwy 550 to Hwy 126 via
Cuba or Hwy 550 to St. Rte 4, to Hwy 126. For those coming from
Santa Fe or Los Alamos you would follow St. Rte 4 to Hwy 126. If you are coming in via Hwy 550, once you are in Cuba turn right onto Hwy 126 and FR 70 is ~10 miles from Cuba on your left. From Hwy 126 (La Cueva) it is about 28 miles and FR 70 is on your right. Follow the signs for San Gregorio Lake Trailhead, but do not stop at that trailhead, continue on FR 70 for approximately 6.5 more miles (total distance from 126 is ~9.5 miles). The Palomas Trailhead is on the left, but the meetup will be on the right just before you get to the parking area.

Trip Rating: Moderate-difficult (with 2 steep miles)

Trail Length: 5 miles Saturday, 5 miles Sunday (10 miles total)

Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft.

Elevation Range: 9,200-10,200

Expected Temps: highs of 65-70; lows-of 34-40

Dogs Allowed

Notice: Disregard the info/map directions link as it is incorrect!