Outings are normally free and open to non-members, although we do like it if you join the Club to increase our local and national clout.
Events can be also found on our event calendar, and many on the Chapter Meetup site. The Santa Fe Group outings are listed on their Meetup site. Remember that outings may be added or changed as the season progresses.
Important! We rely on participant self-screening to ensure an outing that is safe and appropriate for all. We will do our best to detail the outings so you can decide if your fitness level and experience are fitting. Some things to consider are the elevation:
- Are you acclimatized to the stated elevations expected?
- Are you recovering from sickness or medical procedure or taking any medication or have a recent change of medication that may reduce or impact your fitness and ability?
- Do you have any issues or concerns that might impact you and possibly the whole group’s safety?
Please contact the outing leader with any questions or concerns.
Sign-up using the link below each listing. This link will take you to the calendar event listing with more information and registration.
We look forward to seeing you outside. We have quite varied offerings this season. More outings will be added, so please check these links periodically. We rely on participant self-screening to make sure outings are safe and appropriate for all. We do our best to detail the descriptions so you can decide if your fitness level and experience are appropriate.
– Debbie Bryant, Chapter Outings Chair
April 2026
Saturday, April 18 – Sun. April 19 — Joint event: Introduction to Backpacking Overnighter
This is the perfect outing for those who have never backpacked before and would like to give it a try in a low-risk environment. We will be accompanied by several experienced mentors. After meeting at the trailhead at 10 a.m., we’ll backpack approximately three miles into the backcountry, set up a base camp and then explore the surrounding area, where there are petroglyphs, slot canyons and a number of puebloan ruins. Saturday evening we’ll enjoy camping under the stars and learn more about the area’s history as well as backcountry safety. On Sunday we’ll continue our adventure until mid-morning, after which we’ll break camp and depart. Participants should be in good physical condition, be able to hike at least six miles while carrying up to 20 percent of their body weight, and climb 500 vertical feet over uneven terrain. This outing is appropriate for children 14 years of age and up when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The event is limited to 6 participants. Register for the outing no later than April 10 at the link below. A recommended gear list and driving directions will be provided to registered participants by April 11. This outing is offered in association with the Sierra Club Military Outdoors Program and the Latino Outdoors Organization.
Leader: Terry Owen, teowen@comcast.net
Level: Moderate-Strenuous
Location: San Ysidro area
Register for this event by April 10
Saturday, April 18 — Migrating birds along Animas River in Farmington, 9-11 a.m.
Come and see the beautiful river walk and experience the changing variety of birds during spring migration along the Animas River. We will meet at the Riverside Nature Center in Farmington at 9 a.m, 18 year-olds and up. No dogs, please. Leisurely pace. Trip will be 2.5 miles on level dirt trails. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars, snacks and water. Sunscreen and bug juice are always good to bring as well. Sign up by April 16.
Leader: Mike Foster mike4ffoster@gmail.com
Level: Easy
Location: Riverside Nature Center, Farmington
Register for this event by April 16
Saturday, April 25 — A decade of forest fires and flooding in Ruidoso, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Let’s hike and discuss the past number of fires that have occurred in Lincoln County. Topics will include the effects of fire, drought and monsoon flash floods that have impacted recreational trails within the forest and how fire shaped the ecology within the area of our hike. We’ll be hiking one of the Cedar Creek trails and walk through some heavily burn-scarred areas. This hike is a 3.5-4 mile round trip with a moderate and gradual 425 feet of elevation gain that will include several stops. Good footwear, water and sunscreen and dress for the weather is essential. If we’re lucky, we’ll catch some glimpses of elk and wild horses. No dogs please, and appropriate for children over 14 with a parent or legal guardian. Registration is limited to 10 participants. RSVP no later than April 23.
Leader: John Pijawka, jastro@windstream.net
Level: Moderate
Location: Smokey Bear Ranger Station parking lot, 901 Mechem Drive (Hwy, 48 and Mechem Drive are the same) in Ruidoso
Register for this event by April 23
Saturday, April 25 — Hike at Doe Run-Gutierrez Open Space, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Let’s do a new trail (relatively new to me, anyway). I’m excited about a trail I hiked recently: Sandia Vista, Doe Run, Canyon and Sierra Vista Loop. This hike is about 6 miles long and a 1,000 feet elevation change, but the ups and downs are relatively smooth and this hike is very pleasant. This is at Gutierrez Canyon Open Space in Cedar Crest, and the parking lot is next to Rumors Brewing & Pizza. Bring at least a liter of water per person, good boots, hat, snacks and lunch. No dogs. Children 13 and over are welcome.
Leader: Debbie Bryant bryade@gmail.com
Level: Moderate
Location: Gutierrez Open Space, Cedar Crest
Register for this event
Sunday, April 26 — Cabezon Loop bike ride, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Enjoy this beautiful loop ride and bring the bike of your choice: mountain, gravel or E-bike. Fat tires are very helpful on this ride. We will meet at the intersection of San Luis and Pipeline Road at 9 a.m. We will ride a 22-mile loop route on backcountry roads around the iconic Cabezon Peak. Expect a large variation of steepness and surfaces (sand, rock, mud, etc). Total elevation gain is approximately 1,000 feet. We will cancel in the event of rain. This is a ride for folks who are fit and have experience riding on complex surfaces. Sign up on the Santa Fe Sierra Club Meetup page (link at top of this list of outings).
Leader: Sandra Corso sandracorso@yahoo.com
Level: Moderate-Strenuous
Location: Santa Fe
Register for this event
May 2026
Friday, May 1 — Gutierrez Hubbell House tour, walk and lunch, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Easy hike with a bit of South Valley culture. Visit the Gutierrez Hubbell House Open Space in the South Valley. A fine example of adobe architecture dating back to the 1860s. The property includes 10 acres. Fed by an historic acequia, much of the property is farmed. We will walk the perimeter trail, an easy one-mile loop. Then we will be greeted by the staff and tour the museum. And since you have come to the South Valley, let’s then go over to Cocina Familia, formerly Abuelita’s, New Mexican kitchen and enjoy lunch at this family-owned eatery. Lunch is pay your own way. We will meet at the Hubbell House parking lot at 9:45 a.m. No dogs, please.
Leader: Diane Reese dianeabqnm@gmail.com
Level: Easy
Location: South Valley, Albuquerque, 6029 Isleta Blvd SW
Register for this event
Saturday, May 9 — Spring birds along the Animas River in Farmington, 9-11:30 a.m.
Come and see the beautiful river walk and experience the changing variety of birds along the Animas River. We will meet at the Riverside Nature Center in Farmington at 9 a.m. 18-year-olds and up. No dogs, please. Leisurely pace. The trip will be 2.5 miles on level dirt trails. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars, snacks and water. Sunscreen and bug juice are always good. Sign up by May 7.
Leader: Mike Foster mike4ffoster@gmail.com
Level: Easy
Location: Riverside Nature Center, Farmington
Register for this event by May 7
Sunday, May 10 — Lake Peak bike and hike, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Enjoy this amazing adventure biking and hiking on the summit of Lake Peak (12,836 feet). This is a ride for folks that are fit and have experience riding on challenging, uneven rocky surfaces. More information about this event and what to bring is on the Meetup page. We will meet at Aspen Vista Picnic Area at 8 a.m. sharp. Expect a large variation of steepness and surfaces (sand, rock, mud). Total mileage is 13 miles one-way (last three-fourths of a mile on foot). Total elevation gain approximately 2,450 feet. We will cancel if there is any rain 1-2 days before, due to muddy or impassable conditions. Mountain/ E-bike/gravel bike recommended. Fat tires recommended. Sign up on the Santa Fe Sierra Club Meetup page (link at top of this list of outings).
Leader: Sandra Corso sandracorso@yahoo.com
Level: Strenuous
Location: Santa Fe
Register for this event (Meetup)
Tuesday, May 12 — Zero waste tour of the Southwest Wastewater Reclamation Plant, 9:30 a.m.- Noon.
We will meet at the water Ed building at 9:20 a.m. to sign in. We will hear an orientation followed by a tour of the extensive facility, showing the stages of wastewater reclamation. This will be mostly outside and includes walking, standing and climbing stairs. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required. Hard hats will be provided.Register by Saturday, May 9. Limit 16; children ages 10 and up accompanied by parent or legal guardian may participate.
Leader: Laurie Zunner lmzunne@gmail.com
Level: easy
Location: 4201 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque
Register for this event by May 9
June 2026
Saturday, June 6 — Early summer birds along the Animas River in Farmington, 9-11:30 a.m.
You’ll be surprised to see how many varieties of birds you can spot along the Animas River. Plus, it’s a beautiful place to be in the summer. Let’s meet at the Riverside Nature Center. 18-year-olds and up. No dogs, please. Leisurely pace. The trip will be 2.5 miles on level dirt trails. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars, snacks and water. Sunscreen and bug juice are always good. Sign up by June 4.
Leader: Mike Foster mike4ffoster@gmail.com
Level: Easy
Location: Farmington Riverside Nature Center
Register for this event by June 4
Wednesday, June 10 — Zero waste tour of the Rio Grande Soil Amendment Facility, 9-10:30a.m.
Come see how bio-solids from the Southwest Wastewater Reclamation Plant are mixed with brown and green plant waste, wood and horse manure to make compost available for sale to the public. We may see the large SCARAB machine turn a windrow of developing compost inside out. The limit is 16 people. Register by Monday, June 8.
Leader: Laurie Zunner lmzunne@gmail.com
Level: Easy
Location: 7400 Jim McDowell Rd., Albuquerque
Register for this event by June 8
Saturday, June 20 — Summer solstice celebration yoga-hike
Celebrate the coming summer solstice with a short hike and outdoor yoga in the shadow of the Sandia Mountains. We’ll meet at the trailhead at 9 a.m. and then embark on an easy one-mile hike followed by a one-hour outdoor yoga and mindfulness break. Includes 100 feet of elevation gain with amazing views of the mountains. Sponsored by the Sierra Club Military Outdoors Program, and everyone is welcome. Bring your yoga mat, water and snacks. Wear hiking boots, tennis shoes or other shoes that cover the entire foot. No sandals, please. Limited to 15 participants, children over the age of 12 are welcome when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. A $10 per person love offering for the yoga instructor is humbly requested and can be made via cash or Venmo. To preserve the solitude of the occasion, only certified service dogs meeting ADA guidance will be permitted. Register no later than June 17. Directions to the location will be provided after close of registration.
Leader: Terry Owen teowen@comcast.net
Level: Easy
Location: East Mountains of Albuquerque
Register for this event by June 17
Looking ahead
Saturday July 25 – Annual Member Appreciation Picnic
Sierra Club members and friends are invited to join us for a potluck of yummy offerings, plus panoramic views, bird watching, fresh air and sunshine!
When: July 25, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Capulin Springs Picnic Area in the Cibola National Forest. For details, visit http:www.rec.gov
Some highlights – This picnic site is surrounded by heavily wooded land that affords shade to escape the heat of the day. The spring at Capulin Spring runs year-round and is a much visited spot by birders, especially in the dry season because thirsty birds flock to this area for a nice, cool drink of water. Bring a potluck offering to share.
Organizer: Susan Gorman
Location: Sandia Mountains
Register for this event
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 24- 25. — Wilderness First Aid Course (all day)
The Rio Grande Chapter of Sierra Club is sponsoring a Wilderness First Aid course, specially geared toward our members.This course is in high demand and typically fills up months in advance. Our instructor has had many years experience teaching this class. Why attend? People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? If you’re ever more than an hour away from a hospital or one mile from any road, you need this class. Many backcountry emergencies are preventable, and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one — and maybe even save a life. The SOLO Wilderness First Aid Course is a two-day first aid course that provides training for anyone who spends time hiking, skiing, engaged in other outdoor pursuits or just wants to know what to do when things go south. The course is a blend of lectures, demonstrations and scenarios. Students will have ample opportunity to practice skills in life-like situations, both as patients and caregivers. At the successful completion of the two-day course, you will be certified or re-certified in Wilderness First Aid. Attendees must participate in all portions and hours of the course and demonstrate understanding to obtain certification.
Organizer: Debbie Bryant bryade@gmail.com
Price: $200 per person.
Location: TBD, Albuquerque area
Class times: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day
Register for this event
Featured image – 2022 Introduction to backpacking by Terry Owen