Ancha + Rancho Viejo + Puente Slot Canyons Exploration Loop

Comment
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Due to a calendar conflict this is move to be Monday April 28th.

Introduction
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The primary goal here is to see Ancha and Rancho Viejo Slot Canyons that have not yet been visited by this group. However it is likely that we will also see the hard to resist previously visited fantastic Puente Slot Canyon. There will be some small semi-technical sections that require hand lines or even tiny (4' - 9') rappels.

Alternative
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If weather is too warm on Monday April 28, 2025, we may choose to switch to a re-exploration of Lichen Falls, Vivian Falls, Echo Falls, Box Falls, and Resumidero Falls area at or above 9000' where it will be much cooler.

Details
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The idea with this exploration is to drive a 4x4 for 1.5 miles up Tapia Canyon to a point next to the abandoned Tapia trail head as done on previous trips. From there hike at a moderate pace to the turn off to Rancho Viejo Slot Canyon and explore that one. Afterwards hike towards Ancha slot by going up above Canoa and Puente Slots then south into Ancha slot.

(However a semi technical shortcut at 35.46711, -107.21094 could be used to climb out of the mesa south of Tapia if the group is comfortable with that.)

After Ancha exploration, a 1/3 mile mesa crossing will lead to the upper end of Puente Slot (with the 9' boulder) for the hike back to the 4x4's.
The leader has hiked about 75% of this proposed loop route.

This is not a book hike and not for beginners. All of the route will off trail with pour overs as high as 8 feet and rubble piles as high as 8 feet.

Meet at 08:00 AM Monday April 28, 2025 at Home Depot in near Bernalillo (address: 7700 US Hwy 550 NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124) just west of the storage sheds to carpool. One way drive mileage is estimated to be 60 miles. Contributions of about $15 for your driver's gasoline would be appreciated.

Vehicle requirements: High Clearance 4x4 to the hike start, but Subaru type cars could get within 1 mile (or less) to the hike start on a mesa southeast of Tapia. Note: since this area is remote, having any secondary vehicle near is a good idea.

TERRAIN RATING: Moderate to Difficult (Class 3 NMMC) with challenges that include ascending and descending rubble piles and pour overs of up to 8 feet , bushwhacking and cactus dodging in the canyon bottom among other things. In other words, some segments will be similar to the recent Cercado Canyon events. Anyone wishing to join should be competent and confident when faced with the above challenges. Know your limits!

PHYSICAL RATING: Strenuous (Class 3 NMMC) for fit hikers. Route should not exceed 15 miles with more than 1300 feet of gain. However, since it is totally off-trail, it will feel much harder than the stats might indicate. I hike at a moderate pace, enjoying some breaks when needed and stopping for photos. Know your limits!

GEAR: A headlamp with spare batteries is mandatory, but most likely won't be needed. Poles for loose slopes, desert gaiters to keep vegetative stuff out of your footwear, and tweezers for cactus spines, are highly recommended.

DOGS, CARPOOLING, ILLNESS POLICY, AND CANCELLATION: No dogs since rubble and pour overs are way too tall. Feeling ill? If so, cancel your RSVP and DO NOT join this event. Weather will play a factor in any decision to cancel this event. Please check your email or the site for any updates the day before the hike.

Walking distance round trip estimate: 15 miles
Total ascent estimate : 1300 feet
Minimum altitude : 5937'
Maximum altitude : 6744'

Leader:
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Rock Cogar 719-648-7281 rock_cogar@yahoo.com

Weather Forecast:
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Sunny, with a high near 74F

Map
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/EmJE3ZLqAiS71Aqf9

Reference
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https://www.dougscottart.com/hobbies/SlotCanyons/Puente.htm
https://www.dougscottart.com/hobbies/SlotCanyons/Canoa.htm
https://www.dougscottart.com/hobbies/SlotCanyons/Ancha.htm