Getting High in New Mexico, Saturday, June 21, 2008

[Beetlemania]

Well all, since Roswell is not going to happen this year, and I want to do some traveling, I've decided to go once again to the highest point of New Mexico, Wheeler Peak outside of the town of Taos. My dad used to take us there when I was a kid, and I finally made it to the top of the mountain (13,161 feet!) a few years ago on my 4th attempt ever. I want a mountain view again, and was thinking about doing this Father's Day weekend in memory of my dad who died 14 years ago, but I've got other stuff I have to do that weekend. Since many people now have some extra time the next weekend, maybe we could make this a big VW event!

There's a pretty good parking lot at the base camp, plus a really nice German restaurant called The Bavarian at the base camp at 10,000 feet. I think there's a lodge up there, plus there's camping in the national forest down below.

Here are a couple of pics from my last trip there...

[my99vdub]

and THAT (the pics) is one of the reasons they call NM the Land of Enchantment

what a wonderful way to honor the memory of your Dad!

[Beetlemania]

When I finally got to the top 4 years ago I was so happy to see that there was a notebook at the top, so I could write a note to him. It really was great, especially since I was the last to get there that night, so I was all alone at the top of the world, just me and the memory of him!

This time I want to make it a group effort, though.

[callisto9]

Wow, that's gorgeous! What are the furry things in the photo?

[marvins_dad]

Hey!
I am currently planning a driving trip as well, might have to travel with you a couple days!

When you say 4th attempt does that mean you attempted to climb to the peak 4 times in one trip?
How far is the hike and how long did it take you? Any special gear required?

[Beetlemania]

Erin, the animals I saw up there were chipmunks, big horn sheep, and the medium sized furry things you saw, but I don't remember what they're called! They're like groundhogs, I think, but live at high elevations. They were hanging out at the peak!!!!!

Antoine, my dad took us to this mountain when I was like 8, then again when I was about 12. I was too young (or inexperienced, or motivated) to make it to the top then, so those were the first 2 attempts. During Jacob's Interstate Roadshow this was my 2nd stop, but I was quite ill prepared and failed to reach higher than 12,000 feet. I learned that a camera tripod makes a horrible walking stick!

I finally made it soon after I got recalled to my job. I had a long weekend and made the drive. I didn't pack anything special. I had a small camera bag, a small backpack with some water, high protein food, and an overshirt in it. I was wearing zip-off short/pants, so I could get the legs on when it started getting cold up there. (even in August I've seen snow up there!)

There's a great trail from 10,000 feet to 11,500 where there's a lake, then there's a more rustic trail to the peak. If I remember correctly, it's around a 2-2.5 mile hike to the lake, then maybe another mile and a half to 2 miles to the summit. I made it round trip in less than 6 hours, it may have been as little as 4 and a half. I don't remember it all that well, it's been a few years and I got a bit of elevation sickness after 12,000 feet. I'm expecting to feel better with more water and taking it slower.

[marvins_dad]

We can get high, low in NM and get blasted in CO.

Valle Caldera, NM - near Los Alamos would be cool - trying to figure out what there is to see there though.

We were thinking about going to Mesa Verde and working our way back...but one of the stops we were considering is a couple/few hours north in Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Colorado - Great Sand Dunes National Park
http://www.nps.gov/grsa/


Bandelier National Park - Los Alamos, NM (I've been once, worth the trip to see some cliff dwellings of the Anasazi)
http://www.nps.gov/band/

[CoriBug]

Cool idea Jacob!! Anyone else considering this?

[LadybugEwa]

too bad it's so far great story, though, Jacob

[PhoenixRising]

Great story! I wish I was young like you. That would have been awesome twenty years ago.

[marvins_dad]

Jacob...
Just a note - I have Thursday through Monday off, that's why I have been looking at so many different places to hit.

[Beetlemania]

I only have limited vacation, that's why I was looking at a 3 day weekend!

Those sound like fantastic plans, 'toine! I've seen cliff dwellings before, but it's been a really long time! Let me know what all you come up with and I'll see what all I can be involved in!

Like Cori said, though... anyone else?

[marvins_dad]

Well, we can plan to hit alot of stuff before Saturday, then when plan on doing the mountain and whatever else you might be interested in on Fri/Sat/Sun...or whenever you are taking off.

The Big Sand Dunes in CO might be an easy drive to group with the mountain.

[CoriBug]

Sadly, I have lived in Colorado all my life and never been to the SW corner! This might be something to coordinate with Rhonda aka usabug03. She's the leader of the Colorado NB Club. We're trying to get more people involved but haven't had much luck.

[Beetlemania]

Cori, even I've been to the southwest corner!

Here's a mountain I saw in New Mexico while I was still in Colorado!

[Hildavw]

You know me, I love to drive & haven't seen any of the caves nor sand dunes. I also was thinking of hitting USABug's run, too. If girls are allowed, then I may be a go on this one.
Carol & PePe Le Pew
NW Washington

[Johnny Ohio]

Hi Jacob! I thought that last pic was really cool, All the colors blend so nice. I really liked Mt. New Beetle in the
background!

[Johnny Ohio]

Btw: that critter is a Marmot!

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by Hildavw

You know me, I love to drive & haven't seen any of the caves nor sand dunes. I also was thinking of hitting USABug's run, too. If girls are allowed, then I may be a go on this one.
Carol & PePe Le Pew
NW Washington

Carol and PePe are always welcome!

[Beetlemania]

Come along, Carol! It would be great if you could join in the fun with us!

I've gotten word from a couple of people in the Tulsa VW club as possibly being able to join, plus my uncle from Colorado Springs might drive out. He's in a Land Cruiser, but I couldn't leave him out!

Thanks, Johnny! I wasn't thinking it was a marmot, but I doubted myself. They've got an informational sign at the head of the trail talking about all the types of wildlife up there, but I didn't think to take a picture for future reference!