I've been getting the itch to get out again, so here we go....
Saturday 2/23, Exploration trip SE of Albuquerque to check out the Gallinas Mountains and Salinas Pueblo Missions.
Meeting: 8:30 am Saturday at the Roots Farm Café on 337 just south of I40 Exit 175 and the intersection of Rte 66/337. East side of the road.
Plan: Head east on 40 to exit 196 @ Moriarty, take 41 south to Willard, dogleg Hwy 60 to Hwy 42 SE to Corona.
Goals: Explore the small, isolated Gallinas Mountain range near Corona, NM. From Corona we will head SW and enter the Cibola NF via FR 161, to FR99 and traverse the range south to north, gaining elevation all the way to the summit of Gallinas Peak (8637ft), where there is a fire lookout built in 1933. After making the summit, spend some time exploring spur roads, then make our way east back to CR55/14 and then on toward the Gran Quivira site of the Salinas Pueblo Missions. After exploring Gran Quivira, depending on time we may head back north via Mountainair, Manzano, Tajique and back up S14 to Tijeras, or take the quick and direct route back up Hwy 41. I would prefer to take the back roads through Manzano and Tajique, maybe have a look at Quarai (another Salinas Pueblo Mission site) and possibly take a shot at making it to the top of Capilla Peak. I think the road up Capilla may have too much snow on it, and it would be a dangerous road to attempt if slick and icy.
This will be a mellow day of exploring and I don't anticipate challenging conditions (except possibly Capilla Peak). The Gallinas range should not have nearly as much snow as the Sandias/Manzanos or areas to the North due to lower elevation and southern latitude. Making the summit should be doable. Weather calls for windy and cold, with a high 32-38 (elevation dependent), and sunny.
So far it'll just be @FJCTom and myself. We welcome a few of you to join if you'd like, but would like to keep the group size at no more than 5 vehicles.
If you are interested in joining us, please speak up. Otherwise, expect some pictures later this weekend.
Links/Info:
www.surgent.net
www.summitpost.org
www.nps.gov
Saturday 2/23, Exploration trip SE of Albuquerque to check out the Gallinas Mountains and Salinas Pueblo Missions.
Meeting: 8:30 am Saturday at the Roots Farm Café on 337 just south of I40 Exit 175 and the intersection of Rte 66/337. East side of the road.
Plan: Head east on 40 to exit 196 @ Moriarty, take 41 south to Willard, dogleg Hwy 60 to Hwy 42 SE to Corona.
Goals: Explore the small, isolated Gallinas Mountain range near Corona, NM. From Corona we will head SW and enter the Cibola NF via FR 161, to FR99 and traverse the range south to north, gaining elevation all the way to the summit of Gallinas Peak (8637ft), where there is a fire lookout built in 1933. After making the summit, spend some time exploring spur roads, then make our way east back to CR55/14 and then on toward the Gran Quivira site of the Salinas Pueblo Missions. After exploring Gran Quivira, depending on time we may head back north via Mountainair, Manzano, Tajique and back up S14 to Tijeras, or take the quick and direct route back up Hwy 41. I would prefer to take the back roads through Manzano and Tajique, maybe have a look at Quarai (another Salinas Pueblo Mission site) and possibly take a shot at making it to the top of Capilla Peak. I think the road up Capilla may have too much snow on it, and it would be a dangerous road to attempt if slick and icy.
This will be a mellow day of exploring and I don't anticipate challenging conditions (except possibly Capilla Peak). The Gallinas range should not have nearly as much snow as the Sandias/Manzanos or areas to the North due to lower elevation and southern latitude. Making the summit should be doable. Weather calls for windy and cold, with a high 32-38 (elevation dependent), and sunny.
So far it'll just be @FJCTom and myself. We welcome a few of you to join if you'd like, but would like to keep the group size at no more than 5 vehicles.
If you are interested in joining us, please speak up. Otherwise, expect some pictures later this weekend.
Links/Info:
Gallinas Peak New Mexico - www.surgent.net
Gallinas Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost
Gallinas Peak : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)
Tucked away in the middle of New Mexico you’ll find Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Its three distinct sites offer a glimpse into a unique time in history—a time entrenched with cultural borrowing, conflict and struggles. These sites continue to stand as reminders of the Spanish and...
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I just want to avoid doing chores, that's the real reason!
