Description: Join NMVFO on a weekend unsupported backpack project (“unsupported” means: bring and cook your own food, help carry in all tools) on the Sierra Trail #156 in the Pecos Wilderness. We will hike from Borrego Trailhead 4.0 miles along Borrego #150 to a campsite near the intersection of trails #150 and #156, near the Rito Gallina. Work will involve sawing to clear blowdowns and some lopping, on a section of Sierra Mosca Trail.
The Sierra Mosca work will combine with two other recent NMVFO projects, Rito Quemado and Rio Molina, to provide loop hiking opportunities from Borrego Mesa.
Difficulty: 3 Pulaskis
Group Size: up to 12
Location: We will meet at the turn-off to Borrego Trailhead at the junction with Forest Road 306. Google Maps does not give the correct route to Borrego Trailhead, so follow the route to Borrego Mesa Campground (Google Maps link) but turn right and park when you see the sign “Borrego Trail, Rio Medio, Rio Nambe” 2 miles before the campground. The last 20 minutes of the drive is on a series of graded dirt county and forest service roads, passable in a low clearance vehicles with sufficient care (and no recent torrential rains), but a high clearance vehicle will be a happier drive. We will meet on Friday, 6:30PM (with later arrivals by prior arrangement).
Please bring:
• Your own face mask and work gloves (required)
• Eye protection (sunglasses)
• Gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy boots as required by Forest Service rules
• A packing list will be provided in an update to this listing. Bring a backpack, tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad, water bottles, sufficient meals. We will supply group water filters, but you can also bring your own. Hot water will be available if you do not have your own backpacking stove.
NMVFO/Forest Service will provide the tools and hard hats. If you need any backpacking equipment, please email the project leader, who will be glad to help.
We expect to begin hiking back to our cars on Sunday, August 15, late afternoon.
Current Covid-19 protocols will be enforced. Details will be provided prior to the start of the project.
Please note that pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at our Volunteer FAQ’s, or email the project leader.
Please read our volunteer guidelines before signing up for this project.