Hello Skiers,
On Saturday, February 8, Terri Elisberg and I will lead an outing to the Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP). I will lead a Class I tour to the History Grove, and Terri will lead a Class II tour to South Mountain. A map of the VCNP
winter trails and a Google Earth Satellite Photo with trails shown are presented in the attached Word document.
1. A self-led Class I tour follows the 1.5-mile trail around Cerro La Jara at the check-in station in the west end of Valle Grande. There is also a Class I trail to a pond NE of the check-in station, and one may ski
anywhere in the meadows surrounding the parking lot. These routes have very little elevation change.
2. I will lead a Class I tour to the history grove (1.5 miles one-way) and cabin area. The RT distance is about 4 miles, and the elevation change is 200 feet. There are no groomed trails this year due to a staff shortage. We will be descending
200 feet in elevation returning; therefore, skiers on this tour must be able ski down easy to moderate slopes.
3. Terri will lead a Class II tour to South Mountain. This route goes to the west and then south to where the route starts up wide logging roads toward the top of South Mountain. Most of the grades are moderate, and the snow on the north
side of this mountain is usually good. From the check-in station, the first approximately 2.5 miles are across a valle with gentle grades. The total RT distance to the peak is 11 miles, and the elevation change is 1300 feet.
The 2-mile dirt road from NM-4 to the check-in station is plowed, and it can be snow packed or muddy, depending on the temperatures. 4WD or all-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, but front-wheel drive vehicles can also be driven, if the
road is not too muddy.
Last Saturday, several vehicles were permitted to drive to the cabin area and park in 3 lots there. We may be able to take a few 4WDs and all-wheel drive vehicles to the cabin area, but there are no guarantees. If we drive to the cabin area,
we will ski routes to the north and visit more parts of the VCNP.
Bring ski equipment, lunch, drinks, and snacks. Dress warmly, because in the mornings the temperatures in the bottom of Valle Grande can be low.
Skiers are encouraged to bring MaxiGlide or some similar wax to put on ski bottoms in warm conditions to prevent the formation of ice on the bottom of the skis. Maxiglide is usual available at REI for about $15 for a small plastic container.
It has the consistency of lard.
Meet on the west side of the Target parking lot at the intersection of Paseo del Norte and I-25N at 8 am.
If we are meeting you at the Home Depot on US-550 west of Bernalillo, we should be there about 8:30. We meet on the
WEST side of the shed display on the WEST side of the large HD parking lot.
Bring about $15 for car expenses, if you plan to ride with another driver.
Please email me, if you plan to go or have questions.
Sam Beard