NMVFO plans 20+ volunteer work projects each year. Click here for a printable overview of the 2024 project season, and check back often for additional information posted as it becomes available. To receive updates and detailed information about upcoming projects and events, be sure to sign up for the NMVFO newsletter on the Home page. Public land agencies that are interested in proposing a project should contact our Projects Team (projects@nmvfo.org) for more information and our easy-to-complete project proposal form.
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St. Peter’s Dome Trail
May 14, 2016
Contact Leader(s): Larry Benson, L.Benson@nmvfo.org with any questions.
For a printable project description, click here.
After working in from the north or south trailheads for the past several years, we will begin restoring the middle portion of the St. Peters Dome Trail (Santa Fe National Forest Trail #118). To reach the work area, we’ll need to hike approximately 3 miles from the south trailhead into the remote Dome Wilderness, down cliff-lined Sanchez Canyon, and up toward Picacho Peak. Because of wildfires in 1992 and 2011, rugged and scenic vistas are unobstructed, but shade will be scarce and the hiking somewhat strenuous. Under the guidance of Phyllis Martinez of the Jemez Ranger District, we will clear brush and any deadfall blocking the trail, build cairns, and improve the trail tread with outsloping, rolling dips, water bars, and other drainage features as needed. USFS regulations require long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy (and comfortable) boots, and work gloves. Also bring a day pack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and—if precipitation is in the forecast—a rain jacket or poncho. For additional guidance, please consult https://nmvfo.org/volunteer/volunteer-faq. (Because of blowing dust, contact lenses may be uncomfortable if strong winds are predicted.) In addition to carrying a tool, you will need to pack in your own lunch and plenty of water. Extra bottled water and other drinks will be available from a cooler at the trailhead.
As shown by the accompanying map, our meeting place is a relatively short commute from either Albuquerque or Santa Fe. Take I-25 to Exit 264, then west on NM 16 and NM 22 past the dam to the Cochiti Convenience Store on the right. Park in the gravel lot to the left of the store, which has coffee, pastries and other snacks, as well as restrooms. Plan to arrive no later than 8:30 AM, when we will carpool in high-clearance vehicles to the trailhead, which is a few miles up Forest Road 289. (The gate for FR 289 is on the right side of NM 22 about 3/4 mile past the Cochiti Golf Course.) For anyone who would like to stay nearby overnight, the Corps of Engineers operates two campgrounds at Cochiti Lake (minimum fee: $5.00. Please sign up with the project leader by May 12.
