New Canyon and Manzano Crest Trails Add-On 2 2019

Five NMVFO members (Don, Ed, Kitry, Bill M, and myself) returned to New Canyon Campground and hiked up to the crest for a day of crosscut sawing in the Manzano Wilderness.

A few new obstacles had fallen across the trail, and we tackled a few Problem and Hazard trees bypassed on previous outings. Bill, a sawyer with deep experience, talked us through analyzing a complicated situation, anticipating how the tree would move after a cut, and how to plan our escape paths.

The oak had turned a dark red on this brisk fall day, contrasting with the yellow aspen and dark conifers.

Granny Mountain Trail 2019

Heart of the Gila led a trail project from the Gila River to near the summit of Granny Mountain, clearing corridor, building cairns, and repairing some tread. We met October 5 at the trailhead on Sheep Corral Canyon Road (high clearance vehicles recommended, 7k elevation) and hiked 8 miles down to the river and camped at the base of Granny Mountain Trail, after 9 or so water crossings, at elevation 5.2k. The Gila Chapter of Back Country Horsemen NM helped ferry down gear and food, and provided meals.

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