On Saturday, we will drive our cars on a dirt road partway up Pinyon Wash. Here we will have a short demo on how to read contour lines on a map to see how our terrain matches what we read, and we will learn how to take a bearing. We will then hike up a gentle wash at a slow to moderate pace, then do a short cross-country rock-scramble over a low saddle with an interesting view. We may even spot the rare yellow chuparosa if we are lucky. In the evening we will have a tent tour and backpack demo if time permits, make dinner with a backpack stove, tell stories around a no-impact campfire and hopefully do some stargazing.
On Sunday, we will have breakfast, break camp, and drive about 7 1/2 miles to explore "the Slot." You will do some minor wriggling in this fascinating canyon, with optional rock scrambling at the end of the slot where we will enjoy lunch with a view! We should be on or way home by 1 or 2 pm at the latest.
Special Outing Requirements: Access to our camp in on a rough, sandy dirt road. Most cars can negotiate this if not too low. Both hikes will be socially-paced, but you should avoid this trip if you have knee or ankle injuries or are severely claustrophobic. A fee is required for the Slot so we will leave some cars near the road and carpool.
Well-broken-in hiking boots recommended. Daypack with your 10 essentials and at least two liters of water for Saturday and Sunday hikes. Electrolytes, trekking poles highly recommended.
Bring one breakfast, two trail lunches, one dinner, and other snacks and drinks you might need
Water Requirements: Bring 2 gallons (carry 2-3 quarts each day in your day pack, leave the rest in camp). |