2024-01-09 Closing up!

This site may close down soon. I’ve been spending more time on multi-day hikes and long-trail hikes, so content for this site has plummeted. The site will remain up as long as WordPress is willing to host it. You might need to use the original address, however. It was: NewMexicoMeanders.WordPress.com

Everyone is free to use, copy and share any part of the route descriptions.

Some of my posts are now more than a decade old. Please be cautious with aging observations on how to get to, get through, and return from hikes. Roads wash out, trails become obscure, water sources come and go! The back country in New Mexico is nothing if not dynamic.

See you on the trails (especially those tagged “CDT”)!

Marty

2023-09-16 S. Sandia Crest Trail to CCC Trail Loop (Sandia Mts)

South Sandia (true) Summit with view to distant North Sandia Peak

Overview:

A “lasso style” loop, this trail takes you up through shaded canyonlands to a junction where you can go clockwise up the South Crest Trail or counterclockwise up the CCC Trail. Either route rises to South Sandia Peak and a vast panorama west across central New Mexico Need to get in shape? Punch your ticket for the CCC. Out for a stroll? The South Crest Trail exists for you. Lace up those boots and go!

2023-09-02 North Sandia Pk via Agua Sarca Trail (Sandia Mts)

View To Manzano Mountains from North Sandia Peak

Overview

This climb to the high point of the Sandia Mountains enjoys a well maintained trail, a succession of grand overlooks and straightforward navigation challenges. At various points you will get great views of the Ortiz Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Range (east), the Jemez Mountains (north), Mt Taylor and Cabezon Peak (west), Ladron Peak and the Manzano Mountains (south). This is a pretty strenuous hike! Take a good map and make sure your party is ready for 10K+ altitudes.

2023-05-28 Gallo Peak (Manzano Mountains)

The thin green line of the Rio Grande, seen from Gallo Peak

Overview:

The Manzano Mountains are sometimes scorned for having poor access roads, huge and unavoidable burn scars and poorly maintained trails. This loop hike puts the lie to this rap. Access to the trailhead is easy, the forest thrives and the tread is an elegant ode to the trail maker’s art. Pull on those boots and go!

2023-01-08 Pierce Canyon to El Capitan Crest

View to Sierra Blanca from the west rim of Pierce Canyon

Overview:

Huge burn scars, visible across the southerly visage of the El Capitan Mountains, invoke much dismay. Fortunately, the moist environment of Pierce Canyon buffered the canyon bottom against the fire. This ascent offers a pleasant stroll; accompanied by running water and marred only slightly by fire damage. Towering Sierra Blanca dominates south and west and sere flatland contrasts vividly north and east. A good portion of this hike crosses a near-flat bajada where firewood collectors have produced a confusion of ATV trails. Be on your navigation game. 

2022-11-30 Joaquin Canyon (CDT north of Chama River)

View of Chama Canyon Rim and upriver on the Chama River

Overview:

This high-desert trail eases you off of the soggy banks of the Chama River, ascends past much of recent geological history and then casually saunters a gorgeous rim. Easily accessed, moderately demanding and wonderfully rewarding: check, check, check! Cliffside perils do present themselves – parents of young daydreamers need to be advised. Find a sunny winter’s day and put your boots to work!