Author Archives: wringmaster

Summit 3,784′ “Nellie’s Mountain”

Looking west to some of my favorite summits in Ventura County: Santa Paula Peak, Hines Peak and Cobblestone Mt. 8 MARCH 2026 W6/CT-169 Elevation: 3,784′ Route: Equestrian trails Hike Distance: 2 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 400′ Navigation: Easy Steepness: Moderate* Vehicle: Passenger car Road: Paved road Cell Coverage: Excellent Verizon *Short steep section easilyContinue reading “Summit 3,784′ “Nellie’s Mountain””

La Mesita

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”

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!