Venerable SOTA Goat Fred KT5X showing the new guy the ropes. La Mesita behind us. 16 FEBRUARY 2026 W5N/SS-039 Elevation: 7,024′ Route: Cross country Hike Distance: 1.6 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 400′ Navigation: Tricky Steepness: Steep gaining the mesa Vehicle: Passenger car Road: Good dirt road* Cell Coverage: Excellent Verizon * When dry! EverContinue reading “La Mesita”
Author Archives: wringmaster
Colorado Peak
Looking south to the Sandia Crest. 7 FEBRUARY 2026 W5N/SE-050 Elevation: 7,306′ Route: Cross country Hike Distance: 1 mile round trip Elevation Gain: 325′ Navigation: Easy Steepness: Mild Vehicle: High clearance, all terrain tires recommended Road: Dirt road Cell Coverage: Excellent Verizon Hike basics After doing Tetilla in the morning, I felt like exploring theContinue reading “Colorado Peak”
Tetilla Peak
Tetilla Mountain at dawn looking very much like its namesake 7 FEBRUARY 2026 W5N/SE-044 Elevation: 7,201′ Route: Cross country Hike Distance: 1.75 miles round trip* Elevation Gain: 525′ Navigation: Easy Steepness: Moderate Vehicle: High clearance, all terrain tires recommended Road: Dirt road Cell Coverage: Excellent Verizon Your mileage will vary depending on where you park.Continue reading “Tetilla Peak”
Caja del Rio Plateau
An exciting drive, Whitedog waits in front of a northwest view of Parajito, Chicoma, Clara and Roman above Los Alamos. 1 FEBRUARY 2026 W5N/SE-037 Elevation: 7,470” Route: Cross country Hike Distance: .5 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 100′ Navigation: Easy* Steepness: Gentle Vehicle: High clearance 4WD with all terrain tires** Road: Rocky Cell Coverage: GoodContinue reading “Caja del Rio Plateau”
Rosamond Hills HP
☆☆☆☆ It’s a shame that this lovely hike is so precarious due to wild ranging target shooters. This summit might garner 2 stars otherwise.
Otowi Benchmark
★★★★ Classic North Central New Mexico Summit!
Cerro Roman
★★☆☆ This summit earns two stars based on a pleasant hike and easy access in mud and snow seasons along with a nice view and huge activation zone
Polvadera Peak
☆☆☆☆ The best “no star” summit you will ever do. Horrible hike, not much of a view and a long dirt road drive, but SO much fun!
Clara Peak
★★☆☆ This former fire lookout commands a fine view of the Española, Nambe & Pojoaque Valleys.
Cerro Grande x2
★★★★ I return to this spectacular summit with freshly minted SOTA Goats Carol KE7SRN and Tom KE6SRO.
KG6MZS 