Linda Black Regnier - Best Easy Day Hikes Santa Fe

Best Easy Day Hikes Series

Best Easy Day Hikes Santa Fe

Second Edition

Linda Black Regnier and Katie Regnier

Copyright 1999, 2006 by Morris Book Publishing, LLC

Previously published by Falcon Publishing, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted by the 1976 Copyright Act or in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to The Globe Pequot Press, P.O. Box 480, Guilford, Connecticut 06437.

Falcon and FalconGuide are registered trademarks of Morris Book Publishing, LLC.

Maps by XNR Productions, Inc. 2006 Morris Book Publishing, LLC

ISBN: 978-1-4930-0289-4

Second Edition

The authors and The Globe Pequot Press assume no liability for accidents happening to, or injuries sustained by, readers who engage in the activities described in this book.

Contents

The Hikes

Acknowledgments

From its inception, we have shared this venture with our family. This second edition became more of a family affair, as Katie has moved on in her career and couldnt accompany me on all the hikes, and Jim Regnier, my husband, took over where she left off. Not only was Jim my hiking companion but GPS technician and chief mechanic for our new pickup camper, our home away from home. We continued to depend on the support of our entire family: Krisi; Annie; Hope; Thalin; our new little kid, Drew; and our new big kid, Mitch, Katies husband.

We also have friends to thank. Judy Fay and Phil Campbell accompanied us through rain, sleet, hail, and snow as we caravanned our way from Montana to New Mexico. I promised them beautiful March weather, but it was not to be! They persevered, and thanks to their suggestions, we have incorporated several new and easier hikes. Jean Templeton also traveled to Santa Fe from Maine and was wonderful company along old and new trails.

Once again, the rangers at Hyde State Park were friendly and helpful. Ranger Joe was surprised to see us again, after a seven-year absence, and ranger naturalist Mike was our resource for the Circle Trail. Richard Atkinson of the New Mexico Public Lands Information Center was knowledgeable and helpful, as he was for our first edition. We found a great new source of expertise in Greg Ohlsen of Travel Bug, Santa Fe.

Our thanks to all.

Ranking the Hikes

Easiest to More Difficult

Introduction

Climb the mountains and get their glad tidings. Natures peace will flow into you as the sunshine flows into the trees. The winds blow their freshness into you and the storms their energy while cares drop away like the leaves of autumn.

John Muir

In this second edition we hope, once again, to share some of the wilderness of northern New Mexico with you. It is our sincere wish that this exposure will encourage you to help with efforts to conserve this precious resource for all of us and for those who follow.

The most comforting thing about returning home to northern New Mexico year after year is that some things never change. Most notable for me is the view across the Rio Grande Valley, from the Jemez to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is etched in my psyche from childhood, and it fills my heart with memories. However, since the writing of the first edition of this book, much has changed. There is development in what I had considered the most remote places, and even more distressing is the widespread toll that the drought and the infestation of pine beetle has had on the landscape. This lethal combination has left vast areas of pion, ponderosa pine, and Douglas fir gray and lifeless.

After considering the feedback we received, we have revised our definition of easy and have incorporated several new hikes, while eliminating others. There are intriguing new destinations and also geological wonders such as the Valles Caldera National Preserve. We have also updated trail descriptions, necessitated by the effects of fire and erosion and routine changes in trail markers. We have also eliminated trailheads that were difficult to access without high-clearance vehicles and were problematic in foul weather.

We have attempted to give accurate mileage for all hikes; however, in spite of recent GPS developments, often the coverage is inaccurate in heavily forested areas. Therefore, we have consulted other resources and have calculated as closely as possible the length of each hike. Also note that elevation change is a different value than cumulative elevation gain. Elevation change indicates the lowest elevation and highest elevation encountered during the hike. Read the description of each hike carefully, as there may be much more elevation gain (numerous ascents and descents) than the elevation change indicates. Set a reasonable pace (2 miles per hour is average), and be sure to take breaks each hour.

We have arranged our hikes according to five areas, all within approximately an hours drive of Santa Fe. We have included some of the new urban trails close to Santa Fe. Although not covered in this book, this option is also available in Los Alamos. Other options range from high mountain peaks to flat mesa tops and low-lying canyons. These are unique places, offering glimpses into the geological history and human history of northern New Mexico.

Day hiking into wild places requires careful planning. Once you get it together in your backpack, youll be ready to go at a moments notice. Consider high-energy snacks along with your lunch and be sure to carry enough water. You may also want to carry a water filtration system or a water bottle with a built-in top filter. Never drink water from mountain streams or lakes without purification. Other items include: a topographical map; a good compass (that you have mastered before you set out); first-aid supplies; SPF lip balm and sunscreen; toilet paper and plastic bags; rain gear; sun hat; extra socks; sandals for stream crossings; and a pocketknife. Optional items include a couple of bandanas, which have numerous uses; hiking poles (reported to relieve as much as 30 percent of the stress on your knees); and a GPS.

For this second edition we hiked through March and April snows, spring rain, and through a considerable amount of timber downfall in the Pecos Wilderness. In May we ran into more rain and the beginning of the summer heat. Even in June there may be snowdrifts at high elevations. Therefore, it is wise to wear and carry layers of clothing. It is also wise to contact the appropriate ranger district to check on the weather. Late afternoon thunderstorms, especially in July and August, can be dangerous on mountain peaks and plateaus, and flash flooding can occur in canyons and arroyos.

Learn about wildlife you may encounter while hiking and always keep your distance. Many varieties of rattlesnakes are found in New Mexico, from desert areas to conifer forests; therefore, always be aware of where you are placing your hands and feet. Should you get bitten, its best to get to a hospital as quickly as you can. You may also consider carrying a Sawyer venom extractor to aspirate the venom (do not use oral suction). In addition, to slow the dispersion of the venom, use an Ace bandage tied (not too tightly) on the joint nearest the bite. Stay calm and get medical attention.