Gutierrez-Milne Open Space Loop, Tijeras NM, 4/23/18

The All Trails app describes this hike as "4.7-mile lightly trafficked loop that features beautiful wildflowers."  We saw none with the exception of this blooming cactus. Instead of being in its spring-like exuberance, nature looked subdued to say the least. 

We crossed many completely dry stream beds. Winter was dry and I suppose there was not enough snow pack to provide enough moisture for normal spring growth. Sad.

Hawk Watch Trail, Sandia Mountains, NM, Revisted, 4/8/18

This was not the best of weekends for us.  It started out great:  Drove to Espanola on Friday to meet friends for a guided tour of the Sikh Ashram and then strolled around a couple of slot canyons in Plaza Blanca. As we returned to our cars to drive to Ghost Ranch for a hiking weekend, my car would not start. It was almost 6 pm. No luck! The car could not be jump started and had to be towed all the way back the Albuquerque, close to an 120-mile trip.

So today, Sunday, we are on the trail. Instead of hiking one of the beautiful Ghost Ranch trails and spending time with friends, we revisited an old favorite. Hawk Watch International used to count hawks on their spring migratory trek from this location.  Now, only the occasional hiker makes the trek to the saddle.

Distance: ~ 4 miles, elevation: ~1600 ft.

Otero Canyon, Cibola National Forest, NM, 2/28/18

Instead of hiking with the Mountain Club, we decided to take off on our own. The trail head is reached by driving about 8 miles south of Tijeras on NM 337. Jim had hiked there with the Mountain Club and liked the area, with its large area of well-marked trails. 

In preparation for doing a loop, I had downloaded the map of the trail and surrounding trails from the All Trails app.  Although it took some searching we eventually were able to do a loop,

finishing in Otero Canyon and its unusual rock outcroppings.  Total distance: ~5.5 miles, elevation: 1,227 ft.

Domingo Baca Trail, Sandia Mountains, NM, 2/21/18

A NM Mountain Club Wednesday hike. No pics for this hike.  Forgot my phone :)
Hiked ~5.4 miles; 1,13ft elevation. Some snow and ice on trail.  Yak tracks came in handy. The very tricky turnoff from the stream bed to the trail heading to the TWA crash site is now very well marked and easy to follow.  We followed the stream bed up for about another 1/2 mile to a waterfall with no water.

Tramway Trail 82, Sandia Mountains, 1/3/18

Another NMMC (New Mexico Mountain Club) Wednesday hike. Hike lead by Steve Heath as we learned that the person who organized and lead the Wednesday hikes for many years will be unavailable for a period of time. Seventeen of us followed the Tramway trail connecting with the La Luz trail head and back, a distance of ~5 miles.

A short side trail lead to Jaral Cabin.  To my surprise there was an active spring right next to the (now nonexistent) front door of the cabin.

 

White Sands National Monument, NM, 12/31/17

A 5-mile trek of shimmering white gypsum dunes waited us at the very end of the park all the way to Alkali flats (where the park borders with the missile range.)  In summer, this is an inferno of heat but today we hiked under ideal conditions: cool mid-50s temps, no wind, and a cloud cover to protect us from direct and reflected sun.

The ranger at the visitor center told us it is alright to hike bare foot.  He added that if the sand was too cold it is best to put shoes back on as the sand just gets colder and colder.  Decided to try it for the last 3/4 mile or so.  The sand was tolerably cool and did get colder as I got closer to the end of the hike.  

This place is a paradise for families.  On this holiday, it felt as if all of Alamogordo's children were out sledding on the dunes. 

Dripping Springs and Fillmore Slot Canyon, Organ Mountains, NM, 12/30/17

 Panoramic photo of approach to Dripping Springs Natural Area with Organ Mountains in background.

A thriving resort in the early 1900's, then a sanatorium, and most recently a ranch before being acquired by the Nature Conservancy and transferred to the BLM, Dripping Springs delights visitors with its natural and man made attractions alike. Above, stables and outbuildings of the former resort.  

 Partially restored sanatorium. 

 Lovely lunch spot :)

Hiked from the visitor center to the sanatorium, resort ruins and springs,  over to Fillmore slot canyon with its trickle of water, and back to the visitor center via La Cueva Cave, the hermit case.  Covered almost 6 miles with minimal elevation.