Our amazing, prolific leader David Smith was supposed to lead this outing. Due to reasons beyond his control, he was going to have to cancel this. A judgement call was made and upcoming leader David D’Antonio stepped in to fill his shoes. This was his first led hike, and he did wonderfully! Below is his short trip report on this visit to one of the more remote wilderness areas.
Hike Leader: David D’Antonio
Hike Date: 8-21
Spot the train?
Photo: David D’Antonio
We began our backpack at a corral in a small turnout off FR 87, about ½ mile from the high clearance FR572. Our beginning altitude was approx. 10060’. We followed Encondido Creek down to Diablo and follow it down to the junction of Beaver Creek, our low point at 9380’. From there we ascended Cruces Creek to our camp in the upper basin at about 10,000’. Total mileage 7.5 miles.
Photo: David D’Antonio
The next day we dayhiked up to Toltec Mesa, topping out at about 10,525’ before a rolling cross country jaunt to a small rock outcrop (approx. 10,120) which we thought would overlook Toltec Gorge. But alas, we could not see over the edge. We downclimbed and found the true overlook, a small outcropping, where we ate lunch. After lunch, the Cumbres Toltec train came through the gorge – too cool. After which we hiked back to camp, a total of 8 miles.
Toltec Gorge
Photo: David D’Antonio
On Sunday, we backpacked out on the same path to our cars. Everyone had a great time. Weather was great, smoke from fires in CA, CO and the Medio fire by Santa Fe was the only issue.
Photo: David D’Antonio
Photo: David D’Antonio
Photo: David D’Antonio