Holy Ghost Trail Maintenance (Pecos Wilderness)

Contact Leader(s): Larry Benson, L.Benson@nmvfo.org with any questions.

RESULTS: A group of ten NMVFO volunteers partnered with the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest to participate in National Trails Day by improving SFNF Trail 283. In preparation, Larry Benson (project organizer) and Phyllis Martinez (project work leader) hiked the trail on May 18 to see what needed to be done. On June 5 the group divided into three teams. One team widened and leveled about 250 feet of tread and trimmed overgrowth on the first mile of the trail. Another team installed a log bridge and placed stepping rocks to provide five stream crossings and fill in a muddy depression. And the last team bucked and cleared six fallen trees all the way up to the top of the trail.

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Description: Come help NMVFO and the Santa Fe National Forest observe National Trails Day by working on the popular Holy Ghost Trail near Tererro, NM. We’ll be cutting back brush that has encroached onto the trail, clearing trees and branches that have fallen across the trail, and improving the trail tread. Co-leader Phyllis Martinez will help supervise our work. The Forest Service requires that trail workers wear work gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy boots, and a hard hat. NMVFO will provide the tools and hard hats. Please bring your own face mask and work gloves, eye protection (sunglasses), and a day pack with sunblock, lunch, snacks, plenty of water, and raingear if precipitation is in the latest forecast. Please note that pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects. We will be following the Covid-19 protocols current at the time, with details to be provided prior to the start of the project. Please sign up by June 3.

Directions: We’ll meet at 8:30 AM at the Holy Ghost Trailhead near the Holy Ghost Campground on Forest Road 122. This is approximately 95 miles (or 1.5 hours) from the intersection of I-40 and I-25 (Albuquerque’s “Big I”). Take I-25 to the Glorietta exit (# 299) and follow NM 50 to Pecos. Go north on NM 63 about 15 miles to Holy Ghost Canyon Road (FR 122), which is just before reaching the village of Tererro. Drive up FR 122 about 2 miles to the campground (which has vaulted toilets available) and trailhead. Campsites cost $8.00 per vehicle and are first come/first served if you are interested in camping before or after the project.

Difficulty: 2 Pulaskis

Group Size: Up to 15

For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.

Please read our volunteer guidelines before signing up for this project.