Off to the Pecos next week

New Mexico is one of my favorite places to backpack. From the desert along the southern border to the 13,000 foot alpine peaks in the north, there is a lot to appreciate in this diverse state. I have hiked the entire state from Mexico to Colorado along the Continental Divide Trail, been to the Gala Wilderness innumerable times, hiked and camped in the Sandia Wilderness east of Albuquerque, and spent days exploring in Bandelier and the Santa Fe Nat’l Forest near Los Alamos. I’ve even climbed the highest peak in the state, Wheeler. And, finally, the Pecos Wilderness just east of Santa Fe is another favorite of mine.

The headwaters of the Pecos River starts high in the 223,667 acre Pecos Wilderness. Graced with 12,000 and 13,000 foot peaks, alpine lakes, and vast conifer forests, it is a hidden gem.

I will be joining my old friends Cappuccino, Jolly Rancher, and Scatman for a four day three night trip. The average age of this group is 71, so we won’t be setting any speed records. But, as the saying goes, “It’s not how well the elephant dances; it’s that the elephant is able to dance at all.” I’m looking forward to the camaraderie as much as the scenery.

We have mapped out a 24 mile loop that ascends from 9,000 feet to over 12,000 feet, but even if we don’t accomplish this feat, we will still have a great time. After all, the journey is the reward.

I will be flying out to Albuquerque on the 8th, we will start our hike on the 9th and I will be flying home on the 13th. As usual, I will blog about our trek everyday starting on the 8th, but cell service in the mountains will likely be sketchy at best. So, the blogs may be delayed in posting until I get out of the wilderness.

Until next Thursday- Happy Trails…