Hi folks, just to clarify after looking at the map in Sam’s book. We started on Ladera trail; the lower portion is in good shape and other skiers had made a nice trail. Then we took the steeper old road to the east because it was untracked. A few large logs to go around but manageable. If I’m interpreting the map correctly this goes up to Elk ridge. We arrived at Griegos junction and the burned “lunch log”. From there the upper part of Ladera had 3 logs across it and no easy way around so we tried skiing east on the “lower road” but that also was soon blocked. 
There were no other skiers’ tracks at Griegos junction. We tried to go down Ladera but lost it in the downed trees so ended up on lower road which has new steep berms across it and numerous logs that were hard to get around. Lots of locust brush and downed trees. We rejoined Ladera trail near the powerline area. 
After seeing Vicky back to her car I did another lap and was able to follow Ladera (with some detours) back up to intersect our path on the road a little below Griegos jct. 
So I think it’s possible to follow Ladera all the way up to Griegos jct. if you’re willing to step over a few logs and do some bushwhacky detours. 
Attached is a picture of us at the lunch log and one from my second lap on the middle section of Ladera. There was lots of elk sign (tracks, poop, bed down spots) where the trail goes up a little valley.
Dana Price

On 12/19/20 at 5:07 PM, Vicky Kauffman via NMCCSCeGroup wrote:

From: "Vicky Kauffman via NMCCSCeGroup" <nmccscegroup@mailman.swcp.com>
Date: December 19, 2020
To: "Cross County Ski Club" <nmccscegroup@mailman.swcp.com>
Cc:
Subject: [NMCCSC] Jemez, los griegos
Just want to let folks know. Dana Price and I tried Los Griegos today and initially were pleased with the snow BUT after heading left at the first y we thought we'd go uphill thinking it would be easier. we ran into numerous downed trees. We managed to find our way to the lunch log but it is quite different from years ago when there was a lush forest to admire. 

We proceeded to go back what we remember as the switch back trail and again there are so many downed trees in the area that it takes the fun out of it. The schrubery that is growing back is some serious thicket, catching your legs, poles and/or skis.  Dana went back up the old road we came back on to see if she could see the switchback trail from that end. We had obviously gotten off it.

Overall, I'd say it was a lovely day but sadly this area that used to be one of my favorites has much work to revive it. Nature is trying as well as serious work crews led by Sam Beard. I'll try to go with them when I can.

Needs lots more snow up there but it's always a stunning drive.
Hope all had a good day somewhere!
Vicky Kauffman

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