Winter 2024 Outings

December 2023

Thursday, December 28: After Christmas Snow Moon Snowshoe Hike. Glistening snow, a chill in the air and the crunch of snow under your feet, this is what you have to look forward to while we celebrate the rising of the full Snow Moon. Snowshoeing under a full moon is simply magical. The leader will cover techniques to help you safely traverse in an alpine environment while exploring the beautiful Sandia Mountains. This event is rated as moderate and is approximately 3.5 miles round trip with 500 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Sandia Crest parking lot at 4:30 p.m. Participants must be in good physical condition and tolerate high altitude. An all-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended to get to the crest, depending on snowfall. Children 14 years and older with parent or legal guardian are welcome. No dogs.
Leaders:  Debbie Bryant and Terry Owen
Level: Moderate
Location: Sandia Mountains
Register for this event

January 2024

Tuesday, January 9: Easy Hike to Explore the Valle de Oro NWR. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meet at the Visitor’s Center at 11:00.  Refuge staff will tell us the history and plan for these 570 beautifully undeveloped acres in the South Valley.  We will then board the electric shuttle so we can access the Bosque for a 2-mile stroll and check on the Rio Grande.  Our easy amble hike back will include stops at the many murals and mosaic art works.  Plan on stopping at the Gift Shop to pick up a few unique items and support the Friends of the Valle de Oro!  No dogs please.
Leader: Diane Reese
Level: Easy; mix of shaded-unshaded, flat trail, root trip hazards. 3-4 miles
Location: Valle de Oro, 7851 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105
Register for this event

Thursday, January 11: Zero Waste Tour of the BARCO Recycling Facility (formerly Freidmans): 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Come see how all of our blue-bin recycling is sorted. Find out how much is actually recycled and get answers to other recycling questions. Must be able to climb stairs and not be bothered by a very noisy environment. Vests, helmets, eye protection and ear plugs will be provided. Dress warmly as buildings are not heated. Register early as space is limited to 8 adults. Contact trip leader if you need or can give a ride.
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event by January 9

Saturday, January 13: Dirty Bosque Bike Ride to Valle del Oro. Meet at the Hispanic Cultural Center parking lot in southwest Albuquerque at no later than 9:45 a.m. We’ll depart promptly at 10:00 a.m. and return at approximately 1:00 p.m. We’ll be riding on a flat and curvy trail in the bosque for approximately 20 miles on all dirt trails and ditch banks. We will see the river, cranes and geese, and maybe even porcupines. This is not difficult riding but distance on dirt feels longer than on the road. A mountain or dirt bike are needed for this ride due to sand and possible mud. Please have your bike in good order. Riders, age 12 and up with parent or legal guardian.
Leader: Rose Rowan
Level: Moderate
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event by January 11

Saturday, January 20: Coffee Tasting Tour through Downtown and Bosque. Chase the cold away with a bike tour of Downtown coffee shops! We will visit local coffee roasters, tea shops and cafes in the vicinity of the bosque. Meet at the Hispanic Cultural Center at 9:30 a.m. for this 1.5-hour ride. Find out how easy it is to get around Albuquerque neighborhoods by bicycle. The route is approximately 10 miles long and relatively flat. Participants should be able to maintain a speed of 12-15 miles per hour on their road, mountain or gravel bike. This is not recommended for cruisers or similar single-speed bikes and is appropriate for ages 14 and up.
Leader: Patrick Burton
Level: Easy-Moderate
Location: Albuquerque
Register for his event by January 18

Friday, January 26: Sunset and Full Moon Snowshoe Hike. Glistening snow, a chill in the air and the crunch of snow under your feet, this is what you have to look forward to while we celebrate the rising of the full Wolf Moon. Snowshoeing under a full moon is simply magical.  The leader will cover techniques to help you safely traverse in an alpine environment while exploring the beautiful Sandia Mountains. This event is rated as moderate and is approximately 3.5 miles round trip with 500 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Sandia Crest parking lot at 4:50 p.m. Participants must be in good physical condition and tolerate high altitude. An all-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended to get to the crest, depending on snowfall. Children 14 years and older with parent or legal guardian are welcome. No dogs.
Leaders:  Debbie Bryant and Terry Owen
Level: Moderate
Location: Sandia Mountains
Register for this event by January 22

February  2024

Friday, February 2: Sierra Club and Beer – Winter Outdoors Safety . Do you venture into the mountains in winter, for hiking, snowshoeing, skiing or snowboarding? Great! Did you know that hypothermia is one of the primary risks to those of us that spend time outdoors in New Mexico? Do you know if you’re in avalanche terrain? Do you know how to recognize and avoid avalanche hazards? If you answered “well, kinda…sort of…” then here’s your chance to tune up your awareness. Our guest speaker, Rob Suminsby is a long-time backcountry skier who has sought out untracked snow on four continents. He’ll provide you with the tools you need to stay safe this winter as well as some resources to help you learn more. You don’t have to be a member to join us to enjoy a beverage, snacks and camaraderie. The meeting starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. and ends at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Leaders: Susan Gorman and Diane Reese
Location: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Pl NE, Albuquerque
RSVP for this event

Tuesday, February 6: Bosque Walk at Durand Open Space.  10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Welcome to the beautiful South Valley! Durand Open Space provides excellent access to forest paths and river views.  We’ll do a 2 mile loop and then take a break at the covered picnic area. No dogs please.
Leader: Diane Reese
Level: Easy – no elevation gain; mix of shaded-unshaded, flat trail, root trip hazards
Location: Durand Open Space, Albuquerque
Register for this event

Friday, February 16: Winter ride along the Rio Grande! 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This ride is approximately 10 miles on paved bike trail and compressed gravel in the bosque and relatively flat. A road or gravel bike should be fine, a wider tire would be more comfortable. We may see porcupines and other wildlife. Be prepared with warm clothing and a small pack to carry clothes. Helmets are mandatory. Please have your bike in good order.  Bring water and a snack. Riders age 12 and up with parent or legal guardian.
Leader: Rose Rowan
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event

Wednesday, February 21: Night Stargazing Bike Ride. 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. It may not seem so at first, but the middle of winter is actually a good time for a nighttime bike ride. It’s quiet with minimal traffic and clear skies overhead. Join us for a ride from Montgomery Park and ride to Canteen Brewery. Five miles round trip with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. Road-capable bike with front and rear lights, helmet, and reflective clothing required. Participants must be 21 or over. No dogs are allowed.
Leader: Patrick Burton
Level: Moderate
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event by February 12, limit 5 participants

Saturday, February 24: Sunset and Full Moon Snowshoe Hike. Glistening snow, a chill in the air and the crunch of snow under your feet, this is what you have to look forward to while we celebrate the rising of the full Snow Moon. Snowshoeing under a full moon is simply magical.  The leader will cover techniques to help you safely traverse in an alpine environment while exploring the beautiful Sandia Mountains. This event is rated as moderate and is approximately 3.5 miles round trip with 500 feet of elevation gain. Participants must be in good physical condition and tolerate high altitude. An all-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended to get to the crest, depending on snowfall. Children 14 years and older with parent or legal guardian are welcome. No dogs.
Leaders:  Debbie Bryant and Terry Owen
Level: Moderate
Location: Sandia Mountains
Register for this event by February 21

Monday, February 26: Zero Waste Tour of Soilutions Compost and Soil Yard. 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Get ready for late winter and spring planting by touring this facility that makes regular and organic compost and soil in Albuquerque’s south valley. Come prepared with your compost questions and learn about the many different types of compost and soils they sell.Tour is outdoors so dress for the weather.  Comfortable shoes/boots recommended as we will be standing the whole time. Parking is very limited, so please contact Laurie if you can offer or need a ride. No dogs.
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque. Limited parking along side of facility.
Register for this event by February 23, limited to 12 participants

March 2024

Tuesday, March 19: Zero Waste E-recycling Tour. 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Albuquerque Computer and Electronics Recycling Company. Come find out what you can e-recycle beyond just computers and cell phones and what happens to them. Meet in their parking lot by 9:50 a.m. to sign in. We will be standing the whole time, so wear comfortable closed-toed shoes. Register by March 10. Limit: 12 people. Contact Laurie if you need or can give a ride.
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event by March 10, limit 12 participants