Sandia Mountians Hiking Adventures

2010 – Updated Jul 24

 

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. – Psa 90:2 

 

Day-hikes for youth or adults capable of hiking about six hours in moderate mountain terrain.  Group size limited to 20 people.  Please RSVP.

 

Bring water, hat, snacks, and lunch.  Bring poncho in case of rain on the trail.  Most of the trail is sheltered by trees and pace will be easy.  Hikes typically conclude about 2pm.  Hikes will be cancelled for inclement weather (five day forecast) or forest closures (Sandia Ranger District).  Look for cancellations posted on this website or call pager 971-2053 if in doubt.

hike

Education Through Observation

 

Trail Guide: Mark Burton, pager 971-2053, mark@nmsciencefoundation.org

Level certification offered as follows:

·        Level I – Hike the trail with a group

·        Level II – Find the way yourself

·        Level III – Lead a group to the site

  

·        Sat, Jun 19 – Group Photo 2010, Group Photo 2009Group Photo 2008

Theme: Can’t lead someone to Christ unless you’ve been there yourself.

Departure: Elena Gallegos, Pino Trail Parking Area ($2 fee per car)

Destination: 1955 TWA aircraft wreck in TWA Canyon

Area: Variety of vegitation as hikers ascend from desert to lush forest.  Add a rock to the rock house.  Watch out for heavy poison ivy along creek bed in Dominga Baca Canyon.  Share some praise & worship at Worship Rock waterfall.  Visit Aspen Grove waterfall.  Conquer the rock wall.

Special Occasion: Father's Day – share memories of fathers, grandfathers, Founding Fathers, God the Father

Departure Time: 7am

 

·        Sat, Jul 17 – Group Photo 2010, Group Photo 2009, Group Photo 2008

Theme: Landmarks in life.

            Departure: Spain Trailhead Parking Area (east end of Spain) (free parking)

            Destination: 1941 A-17 aircraft wreck in Bear Canyon

            Special equipment: bring gloves to protect hands from brush and rocks

Area: Spectacular view of entire Bear Canyon and pristine hiking along creek bed.  View massive four-story rock monument.  Few if any hikers due to Academy property at the mouth of the canyon.

Departure Time: 7am

 

·        Sat, Aug 14 – Group  Photo 2009, Group Photo 2008

Theme: The Bible, our navigation through life.

            Departure: Canyon Estates Trailhead Parking Area (north of Tijeras) (free parking)

            Destination: 1964 Piper Commanche PA24 aircraft near Hondo Canyon - bring a GPS and practice finding coordinates

Area: Continuous tree cover from the beginning of the hike and visit to the Travertine Waterfall and cave. Hike a portion of the CCC trail named for the Civilian Conservation Corps who constructed the trail in the 1930s. Look for the history marker on the CCC trail.

Departure Time: 7am

 

·        Sat, Sep 18

Theme: Pro 25:4  Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

            http://www.higherpraise.com/lyrics1/RefinersFire2.htm

            Departure: Doc Long Picnic Area (Hwy 536) (free parking)

            Destination: Smelter Ruins

Area: Barro Canyon, North Mystery Trail, Tecolote Canyon

Departure Time: 8am

 

·        Sat, Oct 16

Theme: Psa 104:10  He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.

            Departure: Montecello Parking Area (free parking)

Carnuel exit off I-40, 1.5 mi east on old 66

look for brown hiking sign into Montecello subdivision, north to trailhead

            Destination: Three Gun Springs (Tres Pistoles) & aircraft wreck

Area: Trail to the springs, legend that three Spanish Conquistador pistols were found in the area

Departure Time: 8am