"Back Door" Juan Tabo Canyon/Boundary Trail, Sandia Mountains, NM, 3/27/19

Wednesday NM Mountain Club one-way hike, with cars set up at both ends.  Hike started at Piedra Lisa trailhead. We headed west down into a drainage that was just delightful. Even after hiking for 25 years in the Sandia mountains, I am amazed at how many hidden sections there remain to be enjoyed. 

The drainage went mostly downhill and required climbing/sliding down some rock formations. 

After crossing an arroyo, we headed into a narrow canyon (no pictures) and hiked to the boundary line with the Sandia Reservation. From there we followed a primitive trail upwards and were rewarded with great views of Juan Tabo canyon with the city in the background. Next, we hiked the boundary trail back to Forest Road 333 to the lower parking. 

Fire pit and very primitive lean-to along the canyon wall. 

All in all this was a short (~4 miles) but beautiful walk along sandy arroyos, open meadows, and a narrow canyon.

Pino Trail Loop, Sandia Mountains, NM, 3/20/19

NM Mountain Club Wednesday hike. Started from Elena Gallegos picnic area on trail 341 heading north connecting with the Pino trail.  Hiked up until we encountered snow,  about 2/3 miles, and returned via the Pino trail to the picnic area.  About 6 miles in all, ~1000 total elevation. Above, start of Pino trail.

Banana break!

Piedra Lisa Canyon loop, Sandia Mountains, NM 3/6/19

NM Mountain Club hike Wednesday hike. From the Candelaria trailhead, we started by walking north for about 3/4 of a mile, then hiked east ~700 feet up, a pretty steep uphill, and eventually turned south until we reached the Piedra Lisa Canyon.  Gorgeous, warm, not quite spring day.

Above, view of "Hidden Valley" we were told. Another "Hidden Valley"???

The hike was planned for 4-5 miles but a member suggested going straight down from Piedra Lisa Canyon instead of taking a gentler, more souther and longer route.  While not clear from the picture above, hikers are standing right at the edge of the canyon cliff, plotting how to get down.  The shortcut shortened the hike by at least a mile.  Total distance: 3.2 miles (the shortest NMMC hike I ever did!) Elevation: 1450 ft.