- NNML 2026 Day 19, July 6 Monday
- Start S6A mile 10.7, Wheeler Lake
- End S6 mile 22, San Cristobal Canyon
- Miles walked: 21.3
I trail-washed my clothes last night. I am hardly smelly at all today.
A short hike takes me to Taos Ski Village.
Since I decided to take the optional Wheeler Loop, I should add another dinner to my food bag. But many shops do not open until 9 or 10, and I do not want to wait that long, missing prime morning hiking time. Finally, I get a couple of breakfast burritos from a coffee shop that opened at 8, and move on.
I complete the Wheeler Loop using Long Canyon Trail, with no views to photograph. Then the route switches to Lobo Peak Trail for 9 miles, which tends to stay along a ridge, with views on both sides.
The ridge makes turns, and often the best view is of the section of ridge I am about to hike on.
Sometimes the route drops down 100 feet from the top of the ridge, to save the hiker climbing up and down so much.
More views:
Sometimes a peak is on the ridge, and the route insists on climbing right over the top of the peak, instead of going around. You cannot imagine the effort it took for me to get to this cairn on an unnamed peak in forest with no views.
Rain and smoke from the forest fire are limiting views at times.
Finally I get to Lobo Peak, and the climb here is not too bad.
After another mile or two my route switches to San Cristobal Canyon, with good tread, and blowdowns cleared.
Where my databook suggests I can find water, San Cristobal Creek is bone dry, and I start to worry. But further down the trail, I hear running water, and the canyon transforms into a lush garden of flowers and foliage.
Finished audiobook The Last Space Ship , by Murray Leinster.