RESULTS: Over the weekend of September 22-23, fourteen volunteers led by Mike Timmer of the NMVFO built 865 feet of new trail. It replaced a badly eroded segment of an old logging road that has long served as part of Santa Fe National Forest Trail 233 leading up to Hermit’s Peak in the Pecos Wilderness. As shown in the photos, they also built 13 check dams to help control further erosion on the old trail sections that were closed both this year and during last year’s project. The El Porvenir Christian Center provided comfortable camping facilities for Friday and Saturday nights.
Come join us as we build new section of the trail to Hermit’s Peak in the Las Vegas District of the Santa Fe National Forest! Hermit’s Peak is named for a 19th century religious recluse who lived in a cave on the peak. We’ll be camping near (but not on) Beaver Creek on the outskirts of the El Porvenir Christian Center at a pleasant 7600’ elevation. We’ll be rerouting sections of the trail that have been eroded by heavy use and stormwater runoff and blocking off the old trail section plus installing check dams, if time allows. This trail ultimately ascends to Hermit’s Peak which is located within the Pecos Wilderness and stands over 10,000’ elevation, forming a prominent landmark which can be seen for many miles from the grasslands of eastern New Mexico. The campground is accessible by automobile. Volunteers will need to bring their own camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, etc.) as well as a plate, bowl, cup and eating utensils.
Volunteers should wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy boots (no sandals or tennis/athletic shoes) and work gloves. Also bring sunscreen, a hat, rain protection, plenty of drinking water and snacks to get you from meal-to-meal. Tools will be provided.
The sign-up deadline is Tuesday, September 18.