Trailside Guide Gallup Area and Beyond Trails
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September 26 & 27 High Desert Trails in Gallup
Saturday, June 18 Route 400, McGaffey
Free Kids’ Bike Race & Games VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! www.24HITEF.com Directora@ZiaRides.com
5K Run & 1Mile Family Kent Hodges Fun Run/Walk Memorial 1/2 Marathon & Beyond
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www.SquashBlossomClassic.com 505.863.4228
Mountain Bike Screamer
A race to
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McGaffey Trails Guide T
he McGaffey area of the Zuni Mountains contains some beautiful mountain bike trails, about 60 miles of it in all, including some twenty-five miles of developed trail and many more of unmarked singletrack. These trails traverse a wide variety of terrain, from open Ponderosa forest to rocky canyons and drainages. Throw in a few mountain meadows and some scenic overlooks and you have the ingredients for some quality recreational pursuit. Trail ratings refer to relative difficulty compared to the other trails in this area. The Zuni Mountains would rank in the intermediate category compared to other popular Four Corners region destinations. Green is not necessarily easy, these are real mountain trails, but it’s easier than blue, which is easier than black. Trail mileages are approximate. One of the great things about the McGaffey area trails is the way you can link different segments together for a variety of experiences. To help you do that, here is a short description of each trail segment: Hillso Trailhead Located 7.5 miles south of I-40 Exit 33 on NM400. Also known as Quaking Aspen Trailhead or Mile Marker Three Trailhead. This is the main access point for the McGaffey trails. Quaking Aspen Trail Starts at the Hillso (formerly Quaking Aspen, Mile Marker Three) Trailhead and includes an intimate aspen-lined drainage, some slick rock sections, and a few short technical challenges on its way up to Sheet Rock Tank. There is currently a grazing fence crossing at 2 miles. Blue Y2K Trail A loop off Quaking Aspen Trail that parallels NM400 for a couple miles, then turns west and works its way up to Andrews Tank. Mostly rolling with a few short climbs. Green Turkey Nest Trail Starts out with a rolling climb and finishes at Sheet Rock Tank in the open Ponderosas. Green Broken Nose Trail A short connector between Turkey Nest Trail and Quaking Aspen Trail, which offers an alternative route to Sheet Rock Tank. Runs between Signposts 4 and 6. Green Lost Lake Rim Trail Starts at Sheet Rock Tank and continues to gradually climb to the west rim of the
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Zunis. Winds through mostly open Ponderosa forest, features a splendid scenic overlook, which has been developed by the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) at 3 miles. Green Smokin Handlebar Trail One of four trails that intersect at Sheet Rock Tank, Smokin Handlebar runs north across several rocky drainages to the upper end of Forest Road 381. The trail parallels the Ft. Wingate Depot boundary fence for much of its length. Blue Berma Trail A fun downhill singletrack with a lot of berm launch opportunities. Formerly an old two-track corridor, it was reclaimed by YCC as a singletrack in the summer of 2009. Terminates at the gravel road just above the Hillso Trailhead. Green to Blue, depending on your speed and type of bike. The above trails (red on the map) are marked with map/signs at all intersections and are part of the official Zuni Mountains MTB Trail System, which was created in 2006. The System is being expanded to include other unmarked trails in the vicinity and will eventually include some 60+ miles of high quality mountain bike singletrack. Strawberry Canyon Trail An old 1930’s CCCbuilt, multi-use trail that starts near the McGaffey Campground and climbs to a historic fire lookout tower on Oso Ridge. It is is a 4’-wide smooth trail, which ascends for 2.25 miles at a steady rate. If you hear a friendly voice greeting you at the top that would be Andrew, our mountain biking Forest Service fire lookout guy. This is the easiest trail in the system, a good beginner out-and-back route. Parking area is the first right after the end of the NM400 pavement, just before the McGaffey cabins. Green Tampico Trail From the east side of the McGaffey fire lookout tower parking loop, descends to Tampico Spring, then climbs back up to the Strawberry Canyon Trail. Starts with rocky rollers and gradually flows to open forest. Blue Mike’s Rippin Trail A fast flowing singletrack from the fire tower down to McGaffey Lake. Blue Torreon Trail Connects lower Plush Trail to the Strawberry Canyon Trail. A rocky drainage turns into a delicious downhill run through open
Ponderosa forest, then a short, bumpy cow meadow before joining the Strawberry Canyon Trail at the campground bridge. Two easy fence crossings. Blue Plush Trail A longish (5+ mi.) loop that loops south from Lost Lake Rim Trail at signpost #11 and back to Turkey Nest Trail. Mostly fast flowing open Ponderosa forest. Look for interesting stunted Ponderosa pine trees as you bump over a short rocky ridge section. Blue Malcom Tank Trail An alternative route between upper and lower Plush featuring a small stock pond, which makes it popular with trail dog riders. Fast rolling open forest into a rocky drainage. Blue Lower Sawmill Trail Parallels the west slope of the beginnings of Oso Ridge along NM400 from Train Canyon to Purple Haze Trail just east of Hillso Trailhead. Some 4.5 miles with lots of rollers, great views, some challenging short climbs. One fence crossing. Black Purple Haze Trail Starts across the road from Hillso Trailhead, runs through an open meadow up to the ridge where it intersects with Lower Sawmill Trail. Proceeds north paralleling the ridge, features rollers, a short needle loop to a scenic viewpoint, a few open meadows, then down to NM400. 5 miles. Black Milk Ranch Trail Enters the Milk Ranch Canyon drainage from NM400 just north of Purple Haze Trail terminus. When the trail joins the canyon it crosses the rippled slickrock and proceeds up the south side of the canyon a short ways until it enters an intimate little side canyon which ends at a big cave. A challenging climb, a scenic viewpoint, and plenty of fast flowing open forest complete the loop. 8 miles. Black Quasimodo Trail A challenging rocky romp through rolling terrain, Quasimodo will definitely test your climbing and handling skills. Tight and twisty, technical at times, joins Berma Trail at signpost #12, just north of the Berma/Smokin Handlebar/FR 381 junction. Black Some suggested rides starting at Hillso Trailhead would be: Quaking Aspen to Sheetrock Tank, then Turkey Nest Trail and Y2K Trail, back to the trailhead. About 10
miles of classic Zuni Mountains singletrack, nothing too intense. Purple Haze Trail to Milk Ranch Trail to Quasimodo Trail to Berma Trail, back to the trailhead. This is a challenging ride for experienced riders. About 18 miles. Can easily be extended. 24 Hours In The Enchanted Forest race route- Take Quaking Aspen Trail to Y2K Trail to Turkey Nest Trail to Lost Lake Rim Trail to Smokin Handlebar to Berma Trail, back to the trailhead. About 16 miles of fast flowing singletrack. Fastest recorded lap time in the 2009 race was 1 hour 5 minutes. http://www.24hitef.com/ Starting at the McGaffey trailhead: Strawberry Canyon Trail to the fire tower, then down Tampico Trail, back around to Strawberry, return down to trailhead. This is a great daily workout ride which starts with an easy warmup, then a steady climb to the top. Tampico throws in some challenging rocky rollers, which eventually mellow and flow back to Strawberry. The run back down is fast and exhilarating. Remember to be considerate of hikers by alerting them to your presence well before you overtake them. Zuni Mountains 100 endurance race route- Start with Lower Sawmill Trail, then Purple Haze, Milk Ranch to Quasimodo, to Smokin Handlebar to Lost Lake Rim Trail, then down Quaking Aspen Trail to Y2K, back up Y2K to Turkey Nest, left on lower Plush Trail to the Malcom Tank Trail, up to upper Plush, then down to Torreon Trail, up Strawberry Canyon Trail to Tampico Trail, around Tampico to the fire tower, then down Mike’s Rippin, left on the gravel road, back to the McGaffey Trailhead. About 50 miles of singletrack, if you want to do the 100, reverse the route for the second 50 miles. The record for the 100 is 9:09 hours, for the 50, 4:13. http://nmes.wordpress. com/events/zuni-mountain-100/
More trail info, maps, and gpx files, can be found at http://wwwgalluptrails2010.com/gallup-area-trail.info
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Purple Haze Purple haze all in my brain Lately things just don’t seem the same Actin’ funny, but I don’t know why ’scuse me while I kiss the sky
PURPLE HAZE Description: Fun, tight, 12-mile-out-and-back, single track in the Zuni Mountains with views of Pyramid and Church Rock.
Distance: Time: Difficulty:
6 miles (out) 1-3 hours (mountain bike) physical – moderate technical – moderate 7380-7680 feet total climbing 900 feet 3+ forest & high desert Fort Wingate mountain biking, hiking, running
Elevation: View: Map: Use:
T
his is a great trail that starts just above Fort Wingate and essentially parallels State Highway #400 on the east side and comes out at Mile Marker #3, a well-known starting area for mountain bikers. The trail was designed and made by Terry Boos, so as you know, it was really made for running. It has nice contours and has many tight turns.
From Gallup, NM go EAST about 11 miles on I-40. Turn off to Fort Wingate and continue SOUTH on State Highway #400. The road goes past the Fort Wingate High School and through the town of Fort Wingate. The road goes up a steep curving hill and then up another straight, steep hill to top out at a nice large meadow. Look for a gated road to the LEFT or EAST in the flat part of the meadow and park. The parking area is about 5 miles south of I-40. (On the west side of the road is a parking area frequently used by hikers and bikers to access Milk Ranch Canyon.) The hardest part of this trail is finding the beginning. Just beyond the fence on the east side of the paved road from the dirt road going east look to the south. There is a faint singletrack lane through the sagebrush. There have been cairns place in the past but they keep disappearing. Follow the single track SOUTH. This goes over a little hill and then back down as the trail parallels the highway south. The trail then tips up a long climb. About 1 mile into the ride there is an intersection. If you continue LEFT or SOUTH the trail makes a short loop to the best viewpoint on the trail. This is also the steepest part of the trail. If you cut this out and go RIGHT or WEST at the intersection, it shortens the ride by about 2 miles. If you do the view loop, on returning to the intersection, go LEFT to follow the rest of the trail and RIGHT to go back to the car. The trail continues to another viewpoint just over the highway and then meanders out into a large meadow to the south. The trail eventually meanders through the meadow back to State Highway #400. The trail comes out just across the road from Mile Marker #3. The trail can be hard to follow in this area depending on the height of the grass. One can bail out and ride back on the highway or ride back down to the car. On the way back at the intersection, going south to north, a right turn takes you back up to the viewpoint and a left continues north back to the parking area.
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This trail has not gotten as much use as some, because of forest closures and because it is relatively new. It is not perfectly smooth so it takes a little more energy than you think. Some of the climbs seem long especially in the big meadow, but the trail is quite fun to ride as it meanders through the forest.
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Casino Royale
W
ith more than average snowfall this winter, many of us have been regularly driving out to McGaffey to ski. Our drive takes us past the Fire Rock Casino going and returning each trip. Although its flashing signs and full parking lots seem to draw many into its throes, for me the Casino doesn’t conjure up any of the intrigue or mystery associated with a James Bond movie set in the casinos of Montenegro. However, for any mountain bike enthusiast who can’t wait until the snow melts and the forest trails dry out, and who want to seek some intrigue and mystery, try this ride and consider finishing your ride at the Casino. See what drama you can stir up. This ride is a loop to the northeast of Gallup that goes around the north face of Pyramid Rock and Church Rock. Just behind Gallup’s most notable landmarks is a totally different view of these Rocks, as well as deep canyons and mesas running to the north. A few words of warning. This ride goes across 4 bridges, all which are a little tricky, especially with a little layer of snow or ice, so be careful. The roads get plenty of vehicular traffic so it may be rutted, but should be dry. The road is too rough for a road bike, but does not deserve a full suspension mountain bike. I like to use a cross-bike (a short wheel-base road bike with big tires) fitted with super wide tires that I call my “Rez” bike. Finally, the ride goes past the Fire Rock Casino, which has at least a mile of chaotic traffic leading to it from either direction.
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Description: Paved and improved road loop around Pyramid Rock and Church Rock Distance: 24 miles Time: 2-3 hours Difficulty: Physical - Easy Technical - Easy Elevation: 6500-6950 feet Climbing: 1740 feet View: 4+ High desert Map: Gallup East Use: Mountain Biking or Cross Bike
START on the north side of Miyamura overpass and go east on Hassler Valley Road. It goes up and over the road-cut through the hogback paralleling I-40. At the first intersection go left (north). Follow the paved road over the hill and down to the dirt road. Follow Superman Canyon Road north around the cliffs and up a slight rise to a windmill. Stay to the right after the windmill. Take the one-lane bridge over the arroyo and take the first right (east) on the improved dirt road. Be very careful on the bridges, especially if you have thin tires on your bicycle. The beams are sometimes damaged and run parallel to the bridge. The road continues southeast around a large mesa back to the main drainage leading to Gallup. This is actually the drainage that overflowed with water from the United Nuclear uranium mine in the 1970s. There are great views of the back side of Pyramid Rock and Church Rock as well as some cool hoodoos. The road continues out of the drainage and up a sandy hill to another bridge. The road continues back to the main paved road (NM 566) to Red Rock Park. Go right (south) on the pavement up and over the hill. Enjoy the downhill past Red Rock Park and through Church Rock housing back to the frontage road. Go right (west) on the frontage road (NM118). Be careful going past Fire Rock Casino, because there can be heavy traffic and the road is narrow. Continue west to Gallup. The alternative start to this ride is going north from Route 66, on the railroad underpass just east of the Hogback.
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Gallup Aquatic Center
www.GallupTriathlon.com (505) 863-4228 375 yd swim, 20K bike, 5K run Solo registration: $45 + USAT license Relay registration (male, female, co-ed, junior 18 & under): $75 + USAT license age categories every 5 years up to 85+ awards for top 3 in each category
April 10, 2010 High Desert Trail system
Swim SwimSwim
BiKE
RUN
BiKE BiKE
RUNRUN
Gallup Triathlon Triathlon Gallup Gallup Triathlon June 12, 2010
Gallup Aquatic Center
June 12, 2010 www.GallupTriathlon.com
Swim
June BiKE 12, 2010
(505) 863-4228 Gallup Aquatic Center
375 yd swim, 20K bike, 5K run Swim BiKE www.GallupTriathlon.com Gallup Aquatic Center
RUN
RUN
Solo registration: $45 + USAT license Relay registration (male, female, co-ed, junior 18 & under): $75 + USAT license age categories every 5 years up to 85+ awards for top 3 in each category
Gallup Triathlon www.GallupTriathlon.com Gallup Triathlon (505) 863-4228
375 yd swim, 20K bike, 5K run Solo registration: $45 + USAT license Gallup Aquatic Relay registration (male, female, co-ed, junior Center 18 & under): $75 + USAT license Gallup Aquatic Center agewww.GallupTriathlon.com categories every 5 years up to 85+ www.GallupTriathlon.com awards for top 3863-4228 in each category (505)
June June12, 12,2010 2010
(505) 863-4228
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863-4228 375 yd(505) swim, 20K bike, 5K run 375375 yd yd swim, 20K bike, 5K run swim, 20K bike, 5K run registration: $45 ++USAT license Solo Solo registration: $45 license Solo registration: $45 +USAT USAT license Relay registration (male, female, co-ed, junior 18 & under): Relay registration (male, female, co-ed, junior 18 & under):$75 $75++USAT USAT license license categories every 5 years 85+ age categories every 5 years 85+ Relay registration (male, age female, co-ed, junior 18upup&totounder): $75 + USAT license awards forfor toptop 3 in each category awards 3 in each category age categories every 5 years up to 85+ awards for top 3 in each category
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the new
gallup atv park I
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needed a ride from the new motocross track to the 10 miles of ATV trail across the road. So I innocently hopped on back of the blue four wheeler. I hung on for dear life, and when my driver informed me that we were going to do a wheelie, I eagerly discouraged the idea based on the feebleness of my health insurance. I was simply told not to let go, as we went vertical on two wheels for a hundred yards or so. When my heart rate settled back down into the low 200s, I was able to grasp the scope of Gallup’s new ATV park. It’s location, on Hassler Valley Road about a mile northeast of the juvenile detention center, is stunningly nestled at the base of the hogbacks with great views of the white cliffs. The 1.2-mile motocross track was designed to American Motocross standards by architect Elliot Brainerd. This will allow sanctioned racing events to be held at the venue. Additionally the track will have a kids’ motocross section and a kids’ oval for family action. Just across the road will be 10 miles of motorized trail riding with some really cool sections that go through large culverts, arroyos, and atop mesas. Gallup’s ATV Park has nearly $450,000 of improvements with over half that money coming from federal grants and the rest matched by the City. Maintenance for the facility will be provided by the local Red Rock Motorsports Club, Inc. They hope to generate new memberships to offset the costs of running the park as well as promoting a variety of events to the area. To become a member or get more info call (505) 870-7278 or email gkirk64@yahoo.com. This project was spearheaded back in 2006 with former City Planner Lisa Baca Diaz, and now City Councilor Mike Enfield. Grand opening for the park is planned for mid-November, 2010. Admission is free and open to the public, with plenty of parking. City Planner, C.B. Strain, says, “the park will be a good thing for the city . . . for people to come and play around outdoors. It should have an economic impact, as well, with tourists and future events.” Around the corner from the ATV park is the North Hogback Trail, for those family members who choose to propel themselves. The general area has formerly been used as random shooting ranges, but strict enforcement will prohibit gun usage on or around the Gallup ATV Park. For me personally the trail riding seems really inviting for my utility-style ATV, but who knows, maybe I’ll try the short track and attempt to catch a little air. Either way, I’m sure I won’t be doing any wheelies.
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Kick...glide Cross Country Skiing in the Gallup Area
T
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here is something aesthetically pleasing about cross-country skiing at its best, the smooth motion of kick and glide that stands in contrast to the jerky flailing of running or mountain biking. It appears effortless, though I’m told it’s one of the best whole-body workouts around. Couple this flowing movement with the pristine silence of a virgin snowfall in the Zuni Mountains and you’re approaching a state of bliss. This winter and last year’s have been good for those of us who enjoy the Nordic art. Finally, after several mediocre seasons, the snow is back. Three storms in quick succession over the Christmas holidays dumped over two feet of snow as measured by my ski pole in the McGaffey forest. Of course, two feet of new snow means some hard-core trail-breaking for the intrepid winter explorer, but it’s well worth the sore quad muscles for the smooth ride back down your own trail, broken by the sweat of your brow. Actually, I enjoy breaking new trail. It’s thrilling and satisfying to be the first one up in the forest after a storm, laying down fresh tracks and feeling like I’m discovering a new world, unseen and unspoiled. Even the squirrels haven’t left their distinctive parallel prints yet, scurrying between nut caches in trees and scattering pinecone flakes like dark dandruff. I watch my ski tips move ahead of me through the unbroken whiteness like twin ships’ prows pushing through water. The fresh powder gives way beneath my feet noiselessly, save for an occasional boot squeak. After several days of warm sun and freezing nights, the snow begins to harden into a thick crust that winks and flashes in the light like a million tiny shards of glass. Skiing becomes a bit more treacherous, and a bit more of a chore. Early in the day conditions are icy and fast, sometimes scary fast. But wait too late and your skis stick miserably, accumulating snow like wet concrete as you plod along. No smooth kick and glide now. With conditions like these you’re almost better off skiing at night, preferably under a full moon. The pale moonlight and inky shadows add an extra challenge to staying in the tracks. Some of my favorite trails to ski around Gallup are up in the Cibola National Forest, otherwise known as McGaffey. Many of them are also popular summer biking and hiking trails. Three great trails start at Mile Marker 3 on Highway 400, now officially known as Quaking Aspen Trailhead. The first option is the gravel road to the right that rises gently for about 2.5 miles until it dead ends at the Fort Wingate Depot fence. This is a good “workout” route out and back, doable in less than 2 hours, with a fun glide on the return (depending on conditions, of course). The second option, my favorite in the area, follows the valley south straight ahead from the cattle guard. After a bit the valley narrows;
stay straight until you reach a steep hill. Turn around here or duck-walk up the hill and follow the trail as it meanders through the forest for as long as you like. This is a great ride back, but watch out for the hill, especially now that there’s a large log across it halfway down! Options 1 and 2 can be combined into a long loop—you might be on your own as far as route-finding goes, but eventually you’ll find the fence to follow to the gravel road. The third option from the Quaking Aspen Trailhead is the namesake mountain bike trail which bears left from the trailhead before following a different drainage. Other options in the McGaffey Forest include Forest Road 162, which starts closer to MM2 heading north (it’s signed for Grants, but don’t expect to get there on skis). This trail has quite a bit of southern exposure; so hit it early to avoid sticking. Milk Ranch Canyon or the road across from it that goes up to the ridge are good options especially soon after a storm, as the snow here tends to be wetter and not as deep as further in. A great option when some of the lower trails have turned icy or slushy is the Oil Change trail, which starts five miles past the end of the pavement, bearing left/straight at the T-intersection. Head up to the ridge following the arroyo on your left and watch out coming down. Further afield from Gallup is Mt. Taylor with some great trails, including the ski section of the Winter Quadrathlon Race for those with a need for speed and suicidal tendencies. (I crashed 12 times here on my first time down. Another time I split my knee open on a sharp lava rock, requiring multiple staples. Skier beware!) But undoubtedly the most beautiful place to ski in our area are the Chuska Mountains, or the “Switzerland of New Mexico” as my friend Chuck calls them. I try to get up here at least once a season, and even a week after fresh snow the forest roads remain untouched, a blank canvas on which to paint my double lines. The beauty, silence and isolation of these peaks is well worth the hour-and-a-half-long drive from Gallup. And the views of Shiprock and the San Juan mountains to the north are simply stunning. Thanks to the higher elevation the snow is usually deeper and lasts longer than at McGaffey. A classic trail is the forest road past Todecheene Lake that starts just on the west side of Narbona pass to the north. Head through the open valley with the lake on your left and then up the switchbacks and beyond for as long you want—chances are you’ll be laying fresh tracks and won’t see another soul. & Beyond
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Hiking the Pyramid & Churchrock Trails 1
Beware, you’re in cougar country. This sign stands at the trailhead of the Pyramid Rock Trail and should definitely be heeded. Your starting elevation is 6,700 ft. and you are, obviously, at 0.0 miles. Those of you with a GPS will notice that your coordinates are N 35 32 823 and W 108 36 671.
Head up and follow the cairns. At 0.25 miles you will hit some slickrock. You’ve climbed 181 feet so far. At 0.50 miles you’ll get your first views of Pyramid. At 0.85 miles you’ll get to a cattle fence (pictured to the left). Weave through it and keep going. At 1.40 miles you’ll come to a marked junction, curve around to the left and follow the cairns to some serious elevation gain.
2
At 1.62 miles you have reached the top and now it’s time to enjoy the best view Gallup has to offer. You are sitting at 7,490 feet and you earned every one of the 790 feet of elevation gain. After gazing in awe at your surroundings for a long while all you need to do is turn around and retrace your steps back to the car. Watch your step on the way down.
Pyramid Rock
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Another Disclaimer: Church Rock is offlimits. Please follow the marked trails and do not hike to the spires. These are on allotted land (private land).
After taking a look at the Churchrock trailhead signage you will cross the dirt lot and hit the trail at the cairn in picture 1. The trail is laid out like a lollypop as you can see from the map to right. At this first cairn you will begin a 0.27 mile hike on the stick to the junction of the lollypop portion itself. You can go either clockwise or counterclockwise at this point. The junction is shown in picture 2. with hikers heading in both directions. Either way that you chose is nicely marked with lovely cairns like the one you see in picture 3. Follow the cairns and don’t veer off on any of the cow paths or other assorted trails you may see. You are following a 0.93 mile loop that will bring you right back to the junction at the stick (shown in picture). On the Churchrock loop, you are going to peak out at 6,900 feet. While you won’t get all the way to the spires of Churchrock itself, enjoy the views as you cruise through some of the most beautiful terrain in the Southwest.
ChurchRock
Disclaimer and notes: Hike these trails at your own risk. Bring water, let someone know where you’re going and don’t climb the sheer cliff walls. Ask park or balloon rally officials if you are having trouble finding the trailhead for either hike. Churchrock is off-limits. Please follow the marked trails and do not hike to the spires, these are on private land.
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Hikers For further information regarding all areas contact Charlie Koehler 505-863-1274
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FREE Nightly Summer In dian Dances
Red Rock Park, Pyramid Rock & Church rock Trails
Free Every Night: 7pm-8pm Courthouse Plaza Memorial Day to Labor Day
With elevation from 6,660' to 7,487', Pyramid Rock Trail is the highest point in the Red Rocks vicinity. This 3 mile round trip trail takes you past amazing rock formations and the summit is surprisingly large and roomy providing a breathtaking panoramic view of the beautiful surrounding landscape. Church Rock Trail, 2 miles round trip, begins at the Outlaw Trading Post parking lot and takes you towards spectacular views of the Church Rock sandstone spires. Directions from Gallup: Travel 6 miles east on Route 66 (Hwy 118), turn left (north) onto Hwy 566, after .5 mile turn left again into Park Entrance & follow signs to Pyramid Rock Trail or the Outlaw Trading Post.
High Desert Trail System
A narrow, single track mountain biking and hiking trail, High Desert Trail System provides a wide variety of terrain with the least technical beginning at the East Trail. Three loops off of the trail - First Mesa, Second Mesa, and Third Mesa - increase in technical difficultly of terrain. Directions to East (Gamerco) Trail Head: Travel north from Gallup about 3 miles on Hwy 491, turn left onto Chino Road (9th or the Gamerco Road), travel about 300 yards and turn left at the first road. Trail Head and Parking Area are at the corner.
The Courthouse Square is Located on Aztec Ave Between 2nd & 3rd (One Way Traffic)
Mentmore Rock Climbing Area
Gallup, New Mexico
Mentmore Rock Climbing area features more than 50 bolted top rope climbs and 31 sport climbs ranging in height from 25 to 45 feet with difficultly levels of 5.0 through 5.13. Directions: Travel west on Route 66 (Hwy 118) .5 mile from Interstate 40 exit 16 in Gallup. Turn right (north) onto County Road 1 for about one mile, the road makes a sharp turn to the left (west) and becomes Mentmore Road. Take Ment22 15 6 more Road about4 1.5 miles up and over the hill. At the bottom of the hill the road turns sharply to the right. At this turn go straight through7the open gate to the Mentmore Rock Climbing Area Parking Lot.
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Hill Ave.
Mesa Ave.
801 W. 66 Ave. M-Sat, 8:00 am - 9:00 pm New Mexican Food
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900 W. Hwy 66 Ave. M - Sat, 6 am - 8:00 pm Burritos, Burgers, Pizza
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202 W. 66 Ave. A favorite of locals since 1920
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4. Don Diego’s Restaurant
5. Eagle Cafe
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221 West Coal Ave. 10 am - 2 am
306 S. Second St. M-Sat 7 am - 9 pm, Sun 9 am - 3 pm www.camillescafe.com Eat, Relax, Enjoy!
, New M
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1. American Bar
2. Camille’s Sidewalk Café
303 W. Coal Ave. 11:00 am - 11:00 pm Family Restaurant, Live Music www.coalstreetpub.com
Bus
Eat & Drink
Oldest & Cleanest since 1938
Cliff St.
1st. St.
2nd St.
3rd St.
4th St.
5th St.
6th St.
7th St.
8th St.
Strong St.
Az t e c Av e .
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For further information regarding all areas contact Charlie Koehler 505-863-1274
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The Summer Nightly Indian Dances have been happening in Gallup area for 28 Years. Visitors to Gallup take the opportunity to visit and learn from the many different dance groups. Welcome! We are glad to have you as part of the ongoing history of Native America. Sit back and enjoy the show!
rovemen
800 W. Coal Ave. 7:30 am - 8:00 pm
8. Jerry’s Cafe
406 W. Coal Ave. M-Sat 8 am - 9 pm
9. Maria’s Restaurant
110 West Coal Ave. 7:30 am - 5 pm Best Mexican food since 1982
10. Sammy C’s Rock ‘n Sports Pub & Grille 107 West Coal
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Hilso Trailhead & McGaffey Trail System t o
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utdoor recreation opportunities are advancing quickly in and around Gallup, which has recently been designated the “Adventure Capital of New Mexico” by the state legislature. During a June 4 dedication event, McGaffey’s fully developed 26-mile network of trails, accessed at the recently improved Hilso Trailhead, will be recognized as a top-flight mountain biking destination. Many of the earliest and best memories from my time in Gallup were spent at what we then called Mile Marker Three. Named for its position on Hwy 400 heading south into the Zuni Mountains, this trailhead quickly became the primary jumping off point for the incredible rides that I will always equate with this place and its people. It may have a new name but the trailhead still offers access to some of the best singletrack you will find anywhere and remains a great place to hang out with the friends that truly make a ride great. While always a fine place to meet for a ride, Hilso has undergone changes that make it even more practical and serviceable to both local and out-oftown riders. Bathroom facilities are a welcome addition and graveling of the driveway and parking areas will help negate the effects of precipitation on
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the heavily traveled ground. Accurate signage and cattle guards also make navigation and use much easier for riders than in the past. There have, of course, been mountain bike trails and meeting places in McGaffey for many years, but it was not until 2007 that the United States Forest Service officially authorized this section as a non-motorized, multi-use trail system. Thanks to the continued efforts of the Zuni Mountain Trail Partnership (ZMTP) formed in 2006 and made up of Gallup Trails 2010 (GT2010), Gallup’s top-notch local Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), and Adventure Gallup and Beyond (AGB), these 26 miles of signed and mapped trails can now be used for races and other public events. This didn’t happen quickly or without significant effort from diverse parties. A process that began in the mid-1990s, with Randy Sloman and Bill Siebersma meeting with Mt. Taylor Ranger District Personnel, was furthered in the early-2000s when Mayor Bob Rosebrough took Congressman Tom Udall on a tour of McGaffey trails. This interaction resulted in a letter from Udall to District Ranger Chuck Hagerdon requesting support in achieving the goals of GT2010 and AGB and bringing further momentum to the project. Slow and steady but continuous progress over the years eventually made the Hilso Trailhead and the McGaffey Trail System a reality.
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In addition to the improved trailhead and authorized trails, well run, high quality events have come to the Zunis. The 24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest and Zuni Mountain 100 races have brought much positive attention to riding in the Gallup area. The 24-hour race, now in its second year, and the Zuni Mountain 100 (part of the successful New Mexico Endurance Series), with its fourth edition upcoming, have introduced many new riders to the smooth, fast, and challenging terrain of the McGaffey trails. These racers will be back with many hungry and thirsty friends in tow and Gallup businesses are sure to benefit. And the ZMTP is not done yet. In May 2010, McKinley County and the Ramah Land & Irrigation Company received a grant from New Mexico’s Recreational Trail Program for construction of 6.1 miles of hiking trails and a trailhead facility adjacent to Ramah Lake. ZMTP and its partners have also recently contracted with International Mountain Biking Association Trail Solutions to provide community training and review of onthe-ground routes on the eastern side of the Zuni Mountains. Change is afoot and it is hoped that linking trails already created in the McGaffey area with new routes near Ramah will make the Zunis a highlight of the Southwest for outdoor enthusiasts.
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For now though, it is time to recognize the work that has gone into making the Hilso Trailhead and McGaffey Trail System a key feature of the Gallup area’s growing mountain biking scene. District Ranger, Matt Reidy, will be the emcee for the upcoming event and it is hoped that the congressional delegation involved in the process will be there as well to witness the dedication. Bring out the family and enjoy a full schedule of events on June 4 at 11am. For more information on McGaffey’s trails and the groups that work to preserve, utilize, and better them, see: • Zuni Mountain Trail Partnership: www.zunimountaintrailpartnership.com • Gallup Trails 2010: www.galluptrails2010.com or gallupjourney. com/2011/02/the-history-of-gallup-trails-2010 for an excellent story on the history of the organization and its accomplishments in the Zunis • Adventure Gallup and Beyond: www.adventuregallup.org • Zuni Mountain 100 race: nmes.wordpress.com/events/zuni-mountain-100 • 24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest: www.24hitef.com
It may have a new name but the trailhead still offers access to some of the best singletrack you will find anywhere and remains a great place to hang out with the friends that truly make a ride great.
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Yah-tah-hey Loop Ride
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his is an extended loop that meanders through the beautiful countryside northwest of Gallup. The route uses mostly county roads with light traffic to go around the areas of China Springs and Rock Springs before coming back along the southern border of the P&M (Pittsburgh and Midway) Coal Mine northwest of Gallup.
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This loop can be done in either direction, but I prefer to do it in a counter-clockwise fashion in order to say with the floe of traffic. There are no major climbs on the ride, but the winds can be challenging.
Once back at 491, go left or south and backtrack 1.5 miles on US 491. Do not take the first right to Chee Dodge Elementary, but take the second right going west on Francisco Pond Rd. This turns into Rock Springs Rd. Follow this road about 3.5 miles to an intersection. Go right or north and continue on Rock Springs Rd. past the Chapterhouse. This will continue another 2 miles north to State Hwy 264. Go left or west on 264. This is the road to Window Rock. The two short distances on US 491 and State Hwy 264 involve crossing busy roads and are the most dangerous parts of the trip.
Leave Gallup by going north. At the present time it is safer to take 9th St, past the Flea Market, to a US 491 to avoid the construction on 491 near I-40. This is actually the original US Highway 666, but now it is called 9th St. the first intersection is labeled Chino Loop and is near the Gamerco trailhead fro the High Desert Trail. Turn right and continue north in US 491. Continue north on US 491 up a long hill past the Gamerco Townsite and the large smoke stack. About 2 miles north of the Chino Loop intersection, as the road starts to turn to the left or west and seems to top out at the top of the hill, look for a road to thee right or north. This is called South White Smoke Wash Rd. or China Springs Loop Rd. and is the beginning of the loop around China Springs. This loop is about 7miles long and comes out again at US 491. The loop travels along the base of the hogback through some nicely wooded hills.
Continue west a little over 7 miles on this busy road. The road will open up into a big flat area and the mine will be obvious on both sides if the highway. Look for Defiance Draw Rd/ County Rd. 1 off to the left as it continues along the eastern border of the mine to the south. The strip mine with a large dragline will be on your right. Some of it has been reclaimed, but there is still an open pit to the south. Follow County Rd. 1 directly south about 3.5 miles to where it crosses some railroad tracks and looks like it ends. There is a very shirt area of dirt on the south side of the tracks, but stay to the left and it will become a paved road again. Follow County Rd. 1 up a long slow hill about 2.5 miles to another intersection. Go left. The other road is defiance Draw Rd. and it is dirt. Unfortunately, all these roads are called Country Rd 1. Follow this curvy, fun downhill until the road crosses some more railroad
tracks and makes a hard right. The road continues south, makes a hard left, seemingly out of the blue, and continues toward a one-lane bridge over an arroyo. Be careful; there is a fair amount of traffic on this road and bridge near another right-angle turn. The road continues south up a long steep hill and back down again towards Mentmore and Gallup. At the bottom of the hill is a stop sign where the only choice of paved road is to the Right over the Perky (The mighty Rio Puerco). To the left is a private dirt road. Follow County Rd 1 back over another set of railroad tracks to historic Highway 66 and east past the truck stop back to town. This is a relatively long ride. I have named this the Yah-tah-hey loop even though the route never passes through Yah-tah-hey. Most of it is on secondary rural roads except for short distances on 491 and 264, which are very busy and the drivers are nor used to cyclists. The China Springs loop can be cut out of the loop, which take out about 7 miles from the total mileage of 46 miles. Simply continue up 491 and go left on Francisco Pond Rd. This road is at the bottom of a hill just before Chee Dodge Elementary School, which is up on a hill to the west of 491. If you pass T&R Market you have gone too far. The Rock Springs loop does not add to the distance and is a much safer road with less traffic. Once out on this loop there are no other short cuts and no one will have a presta valve pump so be prepared for flats and bring plenty of water. People will probably give you a ride back to town if you need help, but they will not be able to help you with any mechanical problems. The locals are quite nice, although they might be surprised to see a cyclists passing though the area. This is the only completely paved loop in the area. If you end up on a paved road that turns into dirt, you are on the wrong road.
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Yellow Cliffs (Radio Towers ride)
Description: Mountain biking up and down an improved road to the radio towers on top of the Yellow Cliffs to the north of Gallup. Distance: Time: Difficulty: Elevation: Route: Use:
90 Gallup th
The ride down is a fun, fast-rolling descent, so watch your speed!
Inter-Tribal Indian
Ceremonial & Beyond
Gallup, pageNew 2 Mexico • August 10-14, 2011 • Red Rock Park • www.theceremonial.com
15 miles from the windmill 2-5 hours Physical/Technical—Moderate 6700-7900 feet, Climbing: 2500 feet, Grade: 2% Improved dirt road Mountain biking
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n a clear night, one might have noticed the red lights blinking on the radio towers to the northeast of Gallup and wondered how to get to the top of the hill. This is the description. One can drive most of the way out there and start riding, or for a long, straight forward ride, one may ride from town. The route heads northeast from Gallup around the east side of the White Cliffs, then up the back of the Yellow Cliffs to the radio towers. The roads are not marked in this area, so landmarks mentioned in the following instructions are crucial to finding the destination. A note of caution: avoid this ride in the late afternoons of the monsoon season because of possible lightning strikes in this open and exposed mesa, unless, of course, one is looking for extra excitement or danger. Also, the clay roads can get very messy after it rains, which can make the ride a thick, muddy nightmare. Start from the north side of the Miyamura overpass (Exit #22) and take a right (east) on Hasler Valley Road (County Rd #43). (This is the frontage road on the north side of I-40). Go approximately 2.6 miles, past the city dump, the Juvenile Detention Center and then through the Hogback. There will be an intersection and an improved dirt road near the I-40 overpass. Take the improved dirt road (Superman Canyon) left or to the north. Follow this road up a long hill and then back down as it winds around the east side of the White Cliffs. After about 5 miles there will be a windmill at the top of a small hill. Continue past the windmill on the improved dirt road to an intersection with a smaller dirt road going to the left. Go left or north on Rock Flats Rd. and continue to the north about a mile, until one sees another intersection. Again, take the smaller dirt road to the left, which will lead to a large white gate. (Do not follow Rock Flats Rd. any further to the north.) Go through or over the white gate. The gate is not locked and provides access to the radio towers even though it seems like a closed road. Continue up the drainage for just over 3 miles. The road will go up a final steep hill and come out of the drainage. Stay to the left and continue south on the only road until it ends on the edge of the cliff and the radio towers. There are actually many antennas and viewpoints on the edge providing views of Mount Powell, Mount Taylor, Mount Sedgwick and Pyramid Rock toward the east. Gallup and the hogback can be seen to the south. To the north one can see Deza bluffs and on really clear day, the snow-capped mountains in southern Colorado. Enjoy the panorama, then return to your vehicle by reversing the route.
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“I Remember the First One” Charcoal • Jim Abeita
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Y2K to Berma Trail
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allup Trails 2010 and YCC have hit another home run. I am describing an old but fun trail that has benefited from some textbook trail work this summer. I usually write up new trails, but this one is so much fun and so different because of all the trail work that I thought it would be good to remind people how outstanding it is. The Berma trail has been there for years, but has been remodeled over the summer by the YCC and Gallup Trails 2010. The loop is a great easy ride for beginners or families through the forest. The trail is so good, especially riding down the Berma trail catching air, that it makes old grouchy men, like me, giggle inside. If you see Karl Lohmann or Kevin Buggie in public, you should offer them the beverage of their choice on the spot in celebration.
Description: This is an easy old loop that winds through the pine forest in the McGaffey Recreation Area. The trail goes around the Quaking Aspen trail.
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Distance: 10 miles Time: 1-3 hours Difficulty: Physical: Easy Technical: Easy Elevation: 7560-8110 feet Climbing 920 feet, Grade 4% View: 2 out of 4 Cibola Forest Map: Ft. Wingate Use: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Skiing
This is an old trail in the McGaffey Forest fully sponsored by the National Forest Service. This trail, which is designed for bikers, as well as hikers and cross-country skiers, combines an existing trail with a reclaimed old road that is part of the Zuni Mountain Trail Partnership (ZMTP). The trail is part of a stacked loop system that starts at mile marker #3 or the Quaking Aspen Trailhead. The loop connects the Y2K trail (which has far outlasted the hysteria associated with the new millennium) and a little bit of Turkey Nest Trail. There is a new cattle guard at the beginning of the trail put in by GT2010 and YCC. (Thank you very much.) The loop continues on the Smoking Handle Bar trail, which is the only rocky section of the loop and then to the great remodeled Berma trail. I am describing the loop so that you go down the Berma Trail because the old berms the forest service put in to reclaim the road make for a great series of jumps if you ride down hill. It is a nice gentle climb if you ride up this way. This loop goes around the Quaking Aspen Trail, which for some reason has become rocky and more difficult to ride over the years and can be tough on very young or beginner riders. The easiest way to get to the trail is starting at the new Quaking Aspen Trailhead, formerly called Mile Marker #3. From I-40 take Exit #33 south on NM 400 to the old Mile Maker #3 and the new Quaking Aspen Trailhead. This is just north of the campground by the same name. Park just beyond the cattleguard. Take the trail headed south. Follow the main trail, just under a mile, to the first ZMTP trail signpost #2, which unfortunately is difficult to see because the sign has been removed by vandals.
Go left onto the Y2K trail. This goes out and follows along the fence, which is right next to NM#400. The trail will continue to follow the fence, but will turn to the southwest away from the road. The trail will eventually reach the top of the hill, cross an old road and then go down and back to the north. Follow the fun single track and try to stay on the new reroutes that are to the right. Continue through the new cattle guard and then up the hill to the Turkey Nest trail. Thanks again, YCC and GT2010. Continue up the hill, again on some nice reroutes, to the intersection and signpost #7. Continue to the Left. At the next intersection, #6, going right is the easiest option, although either way will take you to Sheet Rock Tank. The trail joins the main Quaking Aspen trail at signpost #4 and continues to the tank. At the tank go north or to the right over the dam. The somewhat rocky Smoking Handlebar trail goes north and eventually follows the Ft Wingate army depot fence, which will be on the left. You will pass sign #8 and the turnoff to Lost Lake Rim, but continue on straight to the north. Stay on the single track and avoid the old roads that pass in this area. The trail passes the High T and sign #9, which marks the transition to the Berma trail. The high T is where the trail passes the top of Forest Road #381. I always forget how long and tricky this little connecter part of the trail is. At signpost #12, take the old Berma road east. Do not take the single track trail that continues north. (This the Quasimoto Trail, which is much longer and more difficult.) The Berma trail is a reclaimed old road that has multiple berms and has had extensive work this summer. The large berms result in a fun descent back down to the parking area. The trail is marked by YCC’s trademark giant cairns. Enjoy and thanks again to everyone who worked on this over the summer. & Beyond
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Lost Lake Rim Trail Description: This is a new loop beyond Quaking Aspen trail that winds through the pine forest overlooking the Hogback on the mesa above Bread Springs in the McGaffey Recreation Area. Distance: 14 miles Time: Difficulty: Elevation: View: Map: Use:
2-4 hours Physical: easy-moderate, Technical: moderate 7570-8300 feet Climbing 1200 feet Grade 5% 2 out of 4 Cibola Forest Ft. Wingate Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Skiing
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allup Trails 2010 is introducing a new trail in the McGaffey Forest fully sponsored by the National Forest Service. This trail, which is designed for bikers, as well as hikers and crosscountry skiers, is the first installment in the Zuni Mountain Trail Partnership (ZMTP). Credit for the trail goes to Bill Siebersma and many members of GT2010 who have been working on these trails for years. The trail will be used as part of the Zuni Mountain 100, a 100-mile endurance race to be held in conjunction with the GT2010 Annual Meeting, on October 18, 2008. This trail is part of a stacked loop system that connects to the Smoking Handlebar Trail and the Quaking Aspen Trail. The easiest way to get to the trail is starting at the new Quaking Aspen Trailhead, formerly called Mile Marker #3.
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From I-40 take Exit #33 south on NM 400 to the old Mile Marker #3 and the new Quaking Aspen Trailhead. This is just north of the campground by the same name. Park just beyond the cattle guard. Take the trail headed south. Follow the main trail past the ZMTP trail markers in numerical order to Sheet Rock Tank. Stay right at each intersection (although the ride can be lengthened by adding more loops like Y2K or Turkey’s Nest). Two miles into the ride after a little slick rock there is a small rise and barbwire fence that must be traversed.
Once at Sheet Rock tank continue west. Follow this trail across all roads or other trails. Follow this trail past Sheet Rock Tank about 2/3 of a mile to an intersection marked #11. The main trail goes south, but take the new trail right or to the west. This is the new Lost Lake Rim Trail. The trail will meander through the woods for about 6 miles, going very close to the Hogback overlook towards Bread Springs and eventually to Harold Tank. The trail is new and needs to be ridden in, so be patient and follow the flagging if the trail is hard to see. The trail meanders back to the old Smoking Handlebar Trail at trail marker #8. Follow this trail north along the depot fence. I always forget how long and tricky this little connector part of the trail is. At Trail Marker #12, take the old Berma Road east. This single-track trail that continues north is the Quasimoto Trail. The Berma Trail is a washed out old road that has multiple berms in it to reclaim the land. The large berms result in a fun descent back down to the parking area. Even though this is an old road, it is somewhat hard to follow, but there are trail signs along the way.
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EXPLORING IN AND AROUND GALLUP, NEW MEXICO
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allup is known far and wide as the “Indian Capital of America,” because it is the central trading point for thousands of members of the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni tribes, as well as Apaches just to the south, Laguna and Acoma to the east and Utes not far to the north. For most of its history the town had all the trappings of a rough-and-tumble frontier outpost, which it was. Fueled first by the two Army posts nearby, the railroad, the timber and mining interests and then the mercantile empires of men like C. N. Cotton and J. L. Hubbell, it came into the twenty-first century as a town of twenty thousand folks, serving the needs of close to half a million. Day trips out of Gallup are numerous and rewarding, offering something for nearly every taste. Besides the natural
beauty and moderate climate of the area—over and above the rich historical legacy, and the cultural diversity—there are hiking and biking trails associated with all the areas of interest to tourists. It would be a shame to visit Gallup and not cruise the many trading posts that offer everything from made-in-Japan tom-toms to some of the most unique and beautiful silver and stonework to be found anywhere. The historic trading posts like Richardsons, Perry Null’s Tobe Turpen Post, and the stores of Joe and Ellis Tanner are especially rewarding. Traveling toward Zuni visit with the Winfields, Joe Milo, and Turquoise Village in the Pueblo itself. The Southwest Indian Foundation has converted the old train station into a multiuse Cultural Center and the museum there has some excellent displays of Native arts and crafts. The Duane Dishta katsina dolls alone are worth the visit.
El Morro National Monument
The extensive cultural profile of the area comes to something of a climax for a week every August (since 1922) with the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial at Red Rock Park. Exhibit halls, performances, food and contests, a famous Indian rodeo and the nightly dance program, featuring tribes from all over the country, vie with two spectacular parades for attention. The most spectacular cultural exhibit in the Southwest is probably the extensive ruins of Chaco Canyon, home of the great Anasazi tradition. Twenty-five miles east of Gallup, at Thoreau, turn north through Crownpoint and follow the signs to the most extensive and most studied ancient ruins in the country. Huge, massive, multi-storied towns were dedicated to the heavens and calculated the movements of heavenly bodies with a degree of accuracy that is unbelievable today. There is still some rough dirt road protecting the Chaco complex, but the trip is well worth it for the intrepid pilgrim.
Less than fifty miles to the south of Gallup is the long, narrow valley known as Ramah, after the Mormon polygamists who settled there in the late nineteenth century. They were actually latecomers. The Navajo Nation has two satellite reservations in the area, which was originally settled and farmed by the Zunis who still live just to the west. Because of the extensive lava fields further north, the valley has been the preferred route of travel since ancient times, favored by Spaniard after Spaniard as they explored the fabled lands of “Cibola.” They, and Anglo soldiers and others, left their mark—literally—on the sheer sandstone walls of the rock known as El Morro. There are many hiking and biking trails in the area and extensive ruins of ancient peoples. & Beyond
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December 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2011
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