Sagebrush Trails

Tomorrow I start the SF2T, the 122 mile Santa Fe to Taos route, recently created by Pam Neely. Then I return to Santa Fe and start the NNML, Northern New Mexico Loop, 500 miles, created by Brett Tucker, best known for the Grand Enchantment Trail.

I originally hiked the NNML in 2019, but the route has since been changed to go through Taos (well, close enough), and I want to experience the new version.

So my plan is to hike between Santa Fe and Taos three times this summer.

Maybe I’ll see you on the trail.

NMVFO volunteers gathered at a BLM riparian narrow canyon a few miles west of Grants.

Our task is to lop the entire length of the trail, about 2.2 miles, thick with willow, wild rose, gooseberry, and oak. One team started from below, and the other from above, and we met in the middle.

The canyon is a hidden gem. If you did not know it was there, you would never guess. Check it out.

NMVFO volunteers worked on the Mesa Trail in the Magdalenas, a double-loop trail, with a trailhead on Water Canyon Road. Our mission was sawing, lopping, and signage.

I was with the Lopping Crew, and we stayed on the lower loop, about 6 miles total, with most work on a thick growth of oak on the first ridge.

Horse riders passed us on our lunch break. I do not recall meeting any horses on Magdalena trails before.

After the project, several of us retreated to Box Canyon Brewery, which happened to be during their Grand Reopening.

We hope to return in the Fall, where we may be allowed to work on tread, after an archaeology survey is complete.