Saturday Morning East Sandia Mountain 10K - Survey Loop Hike

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/3/3/6/event_265781782.jpegNO DOGS ON THIS HIKE (NO EXCEPTIONS)

Hike Miles = 5.7

Elevation Gain = 775

Total Vertical = 1020

Type = CCW Loop

Trailhead Directions: We will take I-40 (east) to the Tijeras exit and then go north on NM 14 to the Crest Road. We will park at the parking lot just past the 10 mile marker, on the right. A three dollar fee or a Golden Age pass is required.

Actual Hike: We will take the 10K trail which starts at the north end of the parking lot. The trail goes northward with ups and downs, losing altitude for 2.1 miles. Then we will GO UPHILL (2.0 mi) at this point where there is a trail going down hill. This trail goes to Osha Spring, an arduous down and back up side trip. After another 0.3 miles the ELLIS-10K INT (2.3 mi) is reached. Continue uphill for 0.1 miles to the 10K-SURVEY INT (2.5 mi). This intersection is important for the return trip. Remember it. Continue uphill to the ridge where the 10K trail meets the Crest Trail. Continue to the DEL AGUA OVERLOOK (2.7 mi) ahead for a great view to the west and north. In the fall there will be a colorful large stand of aspen on the northwest facing slope to the left. This stand is easily visible from the valley below in the Fall. This is a good spot for lunch.

Return to the 10K-SURVEY INT (2.5 mi) and turn right onto the Survey Trail. This is a pleasant soft surfaced shaded trail which gains elevation for the next 2 miles at which point the paved ROAD (4.7 mi) is reached. Cross the road and take the trail downward for about 0.5 miles to where the SERVICE ROAD (5.1 mi) is reached. Go left on the service road to the Ellis Trailhead parking lot. Go to the southeast corner of the lot and find a two track leading downhill. This track will meet with the trail which is the end part of the 10K South - Crest hike. Follow this trail which will continue downward, then north to the 10K parking lot.

Sheldon (505-504-5126)