Summer Solstice Celebration Hike (signup link in description)

Summer Solstice Celebration Hike June 21, 2025 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
**Sign up here: https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar/**

Celebrate the summer solstice with a mountaintop hike. Well depart from the Sandia Crest Trailhead parking lot at 10,600 feet ASL and proceed southward for views of the city and the continental divide. This hike is rated as easy-moderate and is approximately three miles round trip with 300 feet of elevation gain. We will proceed southward to the upper tram station and enjoy views of the city, all the way to the continental divide.
This outing is appropriate for children 12 and up with parent or legal guardian. Responsible pet owners with their dogs on leash for the duration of the hike may join. No leash-aggressive dogs.
Meet at the parking area no later than 9:00 a.m. for safety brief and introductions. This hike is sponsored by the Sierra Club Military Outdoors Program and everyone is welcome.
Directions: From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40 to Exit 175 toward Cedar Crest/NM-14. Follow NM-14 aka the Turquoise Trail northward toward Santa Fe for approximately 6.5 miles, to NM-536/Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. Turn left onto NM-536 and follow it for about 14 miles up the mountain where youll come to the end of the road and a large parking area. Trailhead parking will be on your left. Park in the mid-level parking lot. Bring $5 cash for amenity fee or have Cibola Forest or other appropriate United States parks pass. Driving time from the Central Ave/Tramway Blvd on-ramp is approximately 55 minutes.
Recommended attire and gear: Anticipate temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than in the city. Walking shorts or long pants, long sleeved shirt and ball cap, boonie hat or sunhat. Well broken in footwear with good tread such as trail-runners, hiking boots or tennis shoes are required. No open toed shoes or sandals will be permitted. Gear: Bring at least 1 (one) liter of water and snacks, sunscreen, lip sunscreen, sunglasses and any additional, desired health & comfort items in a backpack, daypack or fanny pack. You'll also want to bring a hoody sweatshirt, windbreaker or fleece pullover. Trekking poles are optional.
Lat: 35.210683 X Long: -106.448994
Leader: Terry Owen, 505-301-4349, teowen@comcast.net
Level: Easy-Moderate Location: East Mountains of Albuquerque
**Sign up here: https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar/**