KATHLEEN BRANCHAL GARCIA, LEFT, SPREADS ASHES ACROSS THE FOREHEADS OF DOZENS OF MASKED PARISHIONERS
Wednesday morning (Feb. 17), following Father Michael Garcia’s first public mass at the San Francisco de Asís Mission Church since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The church opened its doors to parishioners at limited capacity on a first-come, first-served basis. The ritual serves as a solemn reminder of human mortality to begin the Lenten season in the Catholic faith. See more photos on page
Each season in nature has its own delights. In winter, the trails are usually more lightly traveled and there is a chance for solitude and quiet. Wildlife tracks are visible in the snow and you may see deer or big horn sheep grazing on an open southern slope.
With a little preparation and a few pieces of gear, you can continue to hike through the winter and into the spring. With the pandemic limiting options for fitness, our public lands continue to offer opportunities to get outside for physical and mental health, which is important for adults and kids.
Near Taos, there are wide open mesas where the snow melts quickly and also snowier trails at higher elevations. Before choosing a hike, you should check weather and trail conditions using some of the resources below. Be aware that trails at higher elevations may be more prone to avalanches, so stay safe by checking reports on the Taos Avalanche Center website: taosavalanchecenter.org. The website has avalanche forecasts, as well as recent observations of high country trails and mountain weather forecasts.
“Anytime you are on higher elevation trails with greater than a 30 percent slope, you are in avalanche country,” says Andy Bond of Taos Avalanche Center. He explains that the chance of an avalanche increases after a big storm of a foot or more of snow overnight.
Plan ahead
When getting ready to step outdoors in the winter, think about the length of hike, weather and trail conditions when deciding what gear you’ll need. For a quick walk with the dog nearby, you may want to bring water and wear traction devices if there has been recent snow or if there is ice. For longer hikes, take a look at advice from local outfitters below and the list of gear you may need. It’s always best to hike with a family member or friend – social distancing and wearing a mask if the person is outside your immediate family or group you live with.
Know your own level of fitness and start out slowly at lower elevations if you haven’t been active this winter.
As always, be sure to let someone know where you are going, when you are expected back and what they should do if you aren’t back at the expected time. Generally, it is best to call 911, the Taos County Sheriff dispatch at 575758-2216 or New Mexico State Police 575-758-8878 in case of emergency.
If you are new to snowshoeing, consider going to a developed area like the Enchanted Forest or touring with a group such as Heritage Inspirations LLC.
Gear recommendations
Local outfitters are a good source of information on local conditions, places to hike and also gear you might need to stay warm and safe.
Karen Gaydosh, co-owner at Taos Mountain Outfitters says that the line of crampons currently in stock at the store are a great help for navigating a snowy trail or walking around town. She likes to use trekking poles with baskets that hold the tips on top of the snow. “With a traction device like a crampon, you can really relax and enjoy the walk, without worrying about snow and ice,” says Gaydosh. Other equipment to consider include gaiters that cover the opening between your boots and pants for deep snow and insulated Camelbak kits that prevent the drinking hoses from freezing up.
Elana Lombard, co-owner at Mudd N Flood agrees that traction devices are key for safe and comfortable winter hiking. Yaktrax and microspikes are in stock now. “I’m a huge proponent of traction devices,” says Lombard. “I was on the Yerba Trail which is located on the way to the ski valley and it was icy in spots, especially near the beginning. Traction devices are like a cheap insurance policy – much cheaper than breaking a bone.”
For deeper snow, Lombard recommends snowshoes. For a recent trek to Williams Lake, she reports the trail was mostly packed down until the last bit which was too deep to traverse without snowshoes. Mudd N Flood has snowshoe and cross country skis to rent.
For clothing, Lombard likes to wear an inner quick drying layer, with warm layer on top of that and something water resistant on the outside.
“Layers are so important so that you don’t sweat on the way up and feel cold on the way down. I tend to wear a lighter glove on the ascent and bring a warmer pair of mittens for coming down – that is especially nice if you are using poles.” She recommends poles as a way to keep balance and avoid falling into the deeper snow on either side of the trail. Finally, Lombard reminds us that the sun can be intense when bouncing off the snow, so sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
In the last year, a new concern has arisen – how to mask when hiking. Lombard suggests a neck gaiter like the ones made by Buff which help keep your neck warm and can be pulled up over your nose and mouth if passing other hikers.
Other outfitters include the Boot Doctor at Taos Ski Valley which carries winter clothing, boots and traction devices, and Cottam’s Ski Shop at Taos Ski Valley and downtown Taos for snowshoe rentals and other gear.