Greetings All,
@FJCTom and I have made it a tradition to put together a trail ride on MLK day each year. We have been talking with @Dumpolina and a few other guys about heading out this year and it looks like it's a go.
Our plan is to head west and do some exploring in the Zuni Mountains SW of Grants. We will probably enter the mountains via Zuni Canyon on FR49, maybe check out Quartz Springs Hill, then branch off to the north on 480 toward Mt. Sedgwick. The initial goal will be to drive up Sedgwick, take in the views then do some exploring. I am guessing there will be snow on the ground, but how much is anyone's guess. I have not found a good source for up to the minute intel on trails out there. With the recent warming trend, I'm thinking there shouldn't be more than a foot in most places, and likely some muddy spots.
Beyond that, the plan is just to explore. There are several historic mining areas in the vicinity like Diener where I've read one can find colorful copper ore fragments, and old railroad beds crisscross the area in many places. Further east there are other geographic features like Lookout Mountain and the Notches (possibly blocked by a gate) that might be options for exploring. Worst case scenario is the snow is too deep/icy and we stick to the main roads, then head out toward the south and check out Oso Ridge fire lookout, maybe the Big Tubes area in El Malpais, Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway, or El Morro.
Really, there are a ton of options that would make for a fun day.
Travel distance to the dirt is 1hr 25min. Weather calls for mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Breezy. I'm thinking of a departure time of 9am at the latest to give us a full day. Meet up at a convenient location off 25/40 and caravan west.
Would like to keep the group fairly small, maybe 5-6 rigs max to keep the speed up. Post up if you are interested!
@FJCTom and I have made it a tradition to put together a trail ride on MLK day each year. We have been talking with @Dumpolina and a few other guys about heading out this year and it looks like it's a go.
Our plan is to head west and do some exploring in the Zuni Mountains SW of Grants. We will probably enter the mountains via Zuni Canyon on FR49, maybe check out Quartz Springs Hill, then branch off to the north on 480 toward Mt. Sedgwick. The initial goal will be to drive up Sedgwick, take in the views then do some exploring. I am guessing there will be snow on the ground, but how much is anyone's guess. I have not found a good source for up to the minute intel on trails out there. With the recent warming trend, I'm thinking there shouldn't be more than a foot in most places, and likely some muddy spots.
Beyond that, the plan is just to explore. There are several historic mining areas in the vicinity like Diener where I've read one can find colorful copper ore fragments, and old railroad beds crisscross the area in many places. Further east there are other geographic features like Lookout Mountain and the Notches (possibly blocked by a gate) that might be options for exploring. Worst case scenario is the snow is too deep/icy and we stick to the main roads, then head out toward the south and check out Oso Ridge fire lookout, maybe the Big Tubes area in El Malpais, Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway, or El Morro.
Really, there are a ton of options that would make for a fun day.
Travel distance to the dirt is 1hr 25min. Weather calls for mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Breezy. I'm thinking of a departure time of 9am at the latest to give us a full day. Meet up at a convenient location off 25/40 and caravan west.
Would like to keep the group fairly small, maybe 5-6 rigs max to keep the speed up. Post up if you are interested!
