Getting ready for summer hiking
The pandemic has brought economic and social difficulties over the last year. It has also been a time to re-evaluate our lives and decide what is truly important. On the list of priorities might be family, friends, meaningful work, and spending time in nature.
While our ability to be with family and friends has been limited by the pandemic, happily the opportunity to spend time outdoors has not. Being in nature can soothe the soul and re-energize the spirit.
Whether you are new to Taos or just getting back into hiking, planning ahead can help make your first hikes here pleasant, satisfying and safe. With good preparation, you’ll be ready to head out to see wildflowers, petroglyphs, rushing rivers, and if you are lucky, wildlife such as big horn sheep, deer and an amazing array of birds.
Here are some steps you can take to get started exploring nature near Taos.
Self-assessment
Before you head out to the trails, evaluate your physical condition. If you’ve been active throughout the pandemic, you may be ready to start on some more challenging hikes. If not, consider short walks close to home with family, friends or the dog to get a feel for walking outside. If you haven’t been active for a while, consult your health care professional and get some ideas on what is safe for you.
Start low
If you are coming to Taos from a lower elevation location, give yourself time to get acclimated to the altitude by exploring the trails on the mesas and near the Río Grande. The town of Taos is located at almost 7,000 feet in elevation, while the trails by the rivers are closer to 6,000 feet.
These hikes are especially appropriate early in the season or early in the day as the weather warms. The sun can be particularly intense as these high desert areas often have little shade or shelter, so wearing a long-sleeved shirt and a hat, along with sunscreen is particularly important.
Much of the public land to the west of Taos is managed by the
Bureau of Land Management.
Randy Roch, lower gorge manager for the BLM says “Check with our field office or visitor centers for updated trail information and maps, as well as local outfitters and outdoor gear shops. Staying safe means understanding altitude and self-monitoring your condition. Stay hydrated, bring multiple non-cotton layers for changing weather conditions, along with sturdy footwear and sun protection. Fortunately, most of our trails are lower elevation, so can offer wonderful opportunities for those not acclimated to the elevation.”
On these lower elevation trails, you may see big horn sheep or spot ancient rock symbols known as petroglyphs. One way to become familiar with these trails is through guided hikes, which may be offered later this summer.
Move higher and add distance slowly
As you gain fitness, you can move to the forested land at the higher elevations of the Carson National Forest. Trails that begin in and around the Taos Ski Valley follow rivers to lakes, ridges and peaks with unsurpassed views. Access to New Mexico’s tallest mountain Wheeler Peak (elevation 13,161 feet) is found above the ski valley.
Because many of the trails in the Carson climb above tree-line, it is especially important to be aware of altitude and weather on these hikes.
Craig Saum, trails coordinator at the Carson, recommends check
ing the weather forecast.
“Even if you check the forecast, the actual weather can deviate,” he cautions. “In July and August we experience mountain thunderstorms almost daily in the afternoon.” Saum acknowledges that even the most experienced hiker can get caught in a sudden storm or a steady downpour and it can move from a minor inconvenience to a frightening situation quickly.
“Dress in synthetic wicking layers and bring dry clothes, Saum suggests. “If you are camping, set up your tent and get your sleeping bag and a pad ready right away. Along with setting up a tarp, these steps help you create a safe place to retreat and get warm.”
Getting an early start will help ensure you hike in the best weather of the day. Aim to be off peaks above tree-line by noon.
During the summer months, look for blue columbine and other wildflowers near rivers and by rock outcroppings. Big horn sheep and deer can be seen in clearings on the mountain trails. Later in the season, you may encounter a black bear. Generally, all wildlife here is eager to avoid confrontation with humans, so be sure to allow plenty of room for the animals to escape the area safely.
Set goals
As you begin to hike, you might want to research options and consult with family and friends for recommendations on hiking goals to set for yourself. The challenging high altitude peak trails are usually clear of snow by July. Go with a friend who knows the trails or sign up with a local guide such as Wild Earth Llama Adventures or Heritage Inspirations.
My goals for this summer include getting to the top of Gold Hill and Wheeler Peak near the ski valley. I’ve done these hikes many times and they are always challenging and rewarding. I’m also planning to hike to Serpent Lake and Trampas Lakes southeast of town. To get ready, I’m starting to do short hikes at lower elevations.
Pandemic considerations
In mid-May, the state of New Mexico announced it would follow the recommendations of the federal Center For Disease Control and Prevention, saying that fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask in most circumstances. Those who are not vaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated are still required to wear masks.
Hikers who must mask, can wear a bandana or neck gaiter and pull it into place when passing others on the trail. Because it may not be clear who is vaccinated and who isn’t, you may wish to allow at least 6 feet between passing hikers.
Cindy Brown has been writing about hiking for the Taos News since 2011. She is the author of the “Taos Hiking Guide” available at local retailers and