Expeditions:   Ravens Ridge -- Rio Santa Barbara -- Pecos Wilderness (Hamilton Mesa) -- Rio Chama -- Cave Creek.

DayHike in the Pecos Wilderness:

The trail to Hamilton Mesa, October 14, 1995

Expedition photographer David Giltrow


From Iron Gate campground the trail heads up through the forest.




Looking across the valley of Rio Mora towards the Bordo del Medio.


After about an hour of climbing, the trail pops out of the woods. The librarians take a breather (Peggy Medina Giltrow, Reference Librarian, New Mexico State Library; and Miriam Bobkoff, reference department, Santa Fe Public Library.)

In iris season, say mid-June, this is the most beautiful place in the world. Not too shabby right now at the end of aspen season in an amazingly warm October, either. Barely visible on left skyline, Pecos Baldy and East Pecos Baldy. Center right skyline, the Truchas Peaks, with crumbs of snow left from a September storm. Aspens still golden. Elevation approximately 10,000'. Librarians at far right.

As far as we got: the intersection with the trail to Beattys Flats. From here it's 4.25 miles back south to Iron Gate where we began. Four miles further north to Pecos Falls, or keep on 16 or so miles over Santa Barbara Divide to come out on the north side of the Wilderness, at Santa Barbara campground, up behind Penasco.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
mbobkoff@cybermesa.com
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