2014 is the 20th Anniversary of Celebration of Our Moun- tains. Many thanks to our volunteers who make all of our events possible. Thanks also to our sponsors. We especially acknowledge and thank Michael Lewis for the many years that he has published and managed our web site and Face- book page. Thanks also to Morris Pittle, Two Ton Creativity, for the design and layout of our booklet and Destination El Paso for helping us get the word out about Celebration by distributing our booklet far and wide.
Contact Info: www.celebrationofourmountains.org Jim Tolbert, Celebration of Our Mountains Coordinator, [email protected], 915-525-7364
A very special Thank You to our sponsors:
Jobe Richard Teschner GeoBetty El Paso Trail Maps geobetty.com Crazy Cat Cyclery crazycatcyclery.com (Visit our new location at 2800 N. Stanton.) Ardovino’s Desert Crossing ardovinos.com Texas Mountain Trail texasmountaintrail.com Always bring to outdoor events: Water, hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, snack and/or sack lunch, walking stick Flashlights for all night-time events
Join these Hiking & Outdoor Clubs:
El Paso Hiking Group meetup.com/El-Paso-Hiking Jornada Hiking & Outdoor Club www.meetup.com/jornada-hikers El Paso Rockhounds facebook.com/groups/163082370437086 Borderland Mountain Bike Association bmba.wordpress.com
Support:
Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition chihuahuandesert.org Destination El Paso visitelpaso.com El Paso Community Foundation epcf.org El Paso Group Sierra Club elpaso.riograndesierraclub.org El Paso History Radio Show elpasogold.com/elpasogold/radio_ show.html El Paso Heritage Alliance facebook.com/WeareElPaso Frontera Land Alliance fronteralandalliance.org Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition iloveparks.com/ fmwc Friends of the Rio Bosque research.utep.edu; facebook.com/ FriendsOfTheRioBosqueWetlandsPark Southwest Environmental Center wildmesquite.org Visit:
Centennial Museum/Chihuahuan Desert Gardens El Paso Zoo elpasozoo.org/ Franklin Mountains State Park tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ franklin-mountains Guadalupe Mountains National Park nps.gov/gumo/index.htm Rio Bosque Wetlands Park research.utep.edu/Default.aspx?ta- bid=65792 Texas Mountain Trail texasmountaintrail.com/ Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ wyler-aerial-tramway Saturday, August 23, 6:30 PM An Evening in the Desert/Tom Mays
Explore the night life of the desert! Learn how desert organisms adapt to desert conditions through avoidance of environmental extremes. No pets. Limit: 10 people. Reservation required. Easy to moder- ate hike. Meet at Tom Mays Unit entrance. From I-10 and Transmountain Road (Loop375) travel east 3 miles on Loop 375 and turn left into the Tom Mays Unit.
Contact: Paul Hyder, [email protected]
Saturday, August 30, 6:30 PM An Evening in the Desert/Tom Mays
Explore the night life of the desert! Learn how desert organisms adapt to desert conditions through avoidance of environmental extremes. No pets. Limit: 10 people. Reservation required. Easy to moder- ate hike. Meet at Tom Mays Park. From I-10 and Transmountain Road (Loop375) travel east 3 miles on Loop 375 and turn left into the Tom Mays Unit. MAP
Contact: Paul Hyder, [email protected]
Saturday, August 30, 7:00 AM March 1944 B-24 Crash Site
Make this moderately difficult 3-mile roundtrip hike up a canyon over some rocks with some bush- whacking at the end to visit the March 1944 crash site of a B-24. Meet at Memphis Avenue and Mayfield Terrace (2401 Memphis) in El Paso. MAP Leader: Karl Putnam
For More Information: http://www.meetup.com/El-Paso-Hiking/events/188386132/
Sunday, August 31, 7:00 AM Hike to Ranger Peak/Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park
Learn about the trails at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park. No fee but moderate to strenuous hike. Meet at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park. MAP
Co-Leaders: Diana Moy and Paul Hanson, 915-562-9899, [email protected] Saturday, September 6, 9:00 AM Ardovino’s Dino Hike and Brunch
A 2-mile moderate hike from Ardovino’s Desert Crossing to the all-new Stanley Jobe Dinosaur Wilderness Park. See different types of fossils as well as the only dinosaur fossils in the Paso del Norte region. Enjoy a special Dino Brunch at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing. $7 fee. Limit: 40 people. Reserva- tion required. No children under 5 please. Dogs on leash with extra water for them.
Co-Leaders: Eric Kappus and Paul Galvan, [email protected]
Saturday, September 6, 9:00 AM Prehistoric Trackways National Monument
Visit the most scientifically significant Early Permian track sites in the world located in the Robledo Mountains near Las Cruces. The Trackways contain footprints of numerous amphibians, reptiles and insects, plants and petrified wood dating back280 million years. Directions: go north on I-25. Take Dona Ana exit 9. Head west on NM 320 for 2 miles until you reach NM 185. Turn right on NM 185 and head north for ½ mile to Shalem Colony Road. Turn left onto Shalem Colony Road and head west to Rocky Acres Road. Turn right onto Rock Acres Road. After ¼ mile, turn left onto Permian Trackways Road and continue to parking lot.
Contact: Eileen Davis, [email protected]
Saturday, September 6, 11:00 AM Geocaching 101/Wyler Aerial Tramway Park
Learn about geocaching and the geocaches at your Texas State Parks. No fee. Easy outing. RSVP required, please contact Diana Moy below. Meet at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park.
Co-Leaders: Diana Moy and Hannah Davis, 915-562-9899, [email protected]
Sunday, September 7, 7:00 AM B-36 Crash Site Visit the 1953 B-36 crash site. This is a strenuous, high elevation gain, steep hike over difficult terrain including loose rock (scree) and bushwhacking. Do not attempt this hike unless you are in good physical condition. Meet where N. Stanton Street dead ends – approximately 4800 N. Stanton.
Leader: Karl Putnam For More Information: http://www.meetup.com/El-Paso-Hiking/events/188393652/ September 13, 7:00 AM South Rabbit Ears/Organ Mountains
Canyoneer in one of the most beautiful canyons in the Organs. Navigate boulders, a small waterfall and scramble up bedrock. This is a difficult sometimes strenuous hike/climb requiring full body strength and mental focus. The climb from the saddle to the summit is steep but short. At the top treat yourself to spectacular views of surrounding peaks and White Sands National Monument. Meet at the Kmart parking lot near Shell (Hwy 70 & Telshor Blvd., Las Cruces)
For more information: http://www.meetup.com/jornada-hikerrs/events/198237792/ Co-Leaders: Yubao Li, Ryan Conklin, Samat Jain, [email protected] or [email protected]
Saturday, September 13, 7:00 AM Beginner Mountain Bike Ride and Workshop
Experience the fun of mountain bike riding, learn new trails and develop new skills as you meet other riders. The event is jointly led by the Franklin Mountains State Park staff and the Borderland Mountain Bike Association. $5 FMSP Fee. Must bring your own functional mountain bike, helmet and water bottle. Meet at Tom Mays Park. From I-10 and Transmountain Road (Loop375) travel east 3 miles on Loop 375 and turn left into the Tom Mays Unit.
Co-Leaders: Don Baumgardt, Paul Hanson, [email protected]
Sunday, September 14, 7:00 AM The Knife Edge
Traverse the narrowest portion of the Franklin Mountains ridge. It is about 40’ long and a few inches wide. Crossing it involves crawling on the top. The drop-off on both sides is steep and long. You must make this climb at your own risk. Do not take this hike unless you are in good physical and psycholog- ical condition. You may decide not to traverse the knife edge when you get there. You can wait for the others to return so you can complete this strenuous 5-hour roundtrip hike. Meet at N. Stanton St. and Majestic Mountain Dr., about a block south of the Pointe condos. MAP
Leader: Karl Putnam For More Information: http://www.meetup.com/El-Paso-Hiking/events/188394262/. Thursday, September 18, 7:00 PM Riding the Tour Divide
Local mountain bike racer and owner of Nuclear Sunrise Stitchworks, Dave Wilson, will discuss his ex- periences racing the Tour Divide this past summer. The tour is a 2800+ mile mountain bike race from the U.S.-Mexico border to Banff, Alberta – mostly on dirt roads and completely unsupported. Dave will talk about preparing for the race, what he saw along the way and the gear you need to get started in bike packing. Meeting at Reliance Outdoor Supply, 1060 Doniphan Park Circle, Suite F, El Paso.
Contact: Dave Wilson, 915-471-9232, [email protected]
Saturday, September 20, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 10th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta
Enjoy this FREE event to discover the wonders of our Chihuahuan Desert. You and your family can take in educational exhibits, guided walks, demonstrations and other fun outdoor activities. Go to Franklin Mountains State Park/Tom Mays Unit. From I-10 and Transmountain Road (Loop375) travel east 3 miles on Loop 375 and turn left into the Tom Mays Unit.
For more information: http://chihuahuandesert.org
Saturday, September 20, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Kilbourne Hole and Aden Crater Tour
Understand El Paso’ volcanic history and how it helped to shape today’s landscape by visiting the youngest volcano in the region, Kilbourne Hole, and finding gem-quality Peridot and other rocks and minerals that were torn-up from the Earth’s mantle and crust. You will also visit Aden Crater, a massive lava flow where NASA astronauts trained during the 1960’s. Easy to moderate hiking. High clearance vehicle a must. No fee and pet friendly. Meet at UTEP in front of the Geological Sciences Building.
Co-Leaders: Paulo Galvan and Isaac Martinez, 915-873-4717, [email protected]
Saturday, September 20, 6:00 PM An Evening in the Desert/Cornudas Mountains Explore the night life of the desert! Learn how desert organisms adapt to desert conditions through avoidance of environmental extremes. No pets. Limit: 10 people. Reservation required. Easy to moder- ate hike. Meet at Lowe’s at Montana and 375 to carpool.
Contact: Paul Hyder, [email protected] Sunday, September 21, 7:00 AM Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride
Learn new trails and meet other riders on this 15-20 mile guided mountain bike excursion. Ride is for riders with intermediate mountain bike skills and fitness level. Must bring your own functional mountain bike, helmet and water bottle. $5 FMSP Fee. Meet at Chuck Heinrich Park at the end of Cunningham Blvd.
Co-Leaders: Don Baumgardt, Paul Hanson, [email protected]
Sunday, September 21, 7:30 AM Organ Peak/Organ Mountains
Take a hard, strenuous hike of about 10 miles with a 4000’ elevation gain. Be sure you have good knees, strong legs and a brave heart for this climb. Bring at least 5 liters of water. Meet at Milagros Coffee, 1733 E. University Avenue, Las Cruces, NM)
For more information: http://www.meetup.com/jornada-hikers/events/198201672/ Co-Leaders: Yubao Li, Ryan Conklin, Samat Jain, [email protected] or [email protected]
Monday, September 22, 5:30 PM Sunset on the Ridge Hike
Hike to the ridge of the Franklins and enjoy the sunset and panorama of El Paso, Juarez and New Mex- ico. Hikers of all levels will be able to find beautiful views even if you don’t go all the way to the top. Meet at Robinson Ave. and Kingery Dr. in El Paso.
Leader: Karl Putnam For More Information: http://www.meetup.com/El-Paso-Hiking/events/188395052/
Thursday, September 25, 5:00 PM Artistic Celebration of Our Mountains/Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
See work by local artists, inspired by and focusing on our region’s mountains on exhibit and for sale at Sunset Hall of Ardovino’s Desert Crossing.
For more information: www.ardovinos.com Saturday, September 27, 8:00 AM Alamo Mountain Petroglyphs Tour
Guided by Texas Master Naturalist volunteers, visit Alamo Mountain on the Otero Mesa. Appreciate the sacred markers left by Native Peoples in the past. Be introduced to the concept of “Sky Islands” in the desert on this moderately strenuous hike. Reservations required so contact John Miller below. Meet at real estate office parking lot of “UFO” building at corner of Hueco Tanks Road and Montana.
Contact: John Miller, Tierra Grande Texas Master Naturalist, 915-855-3355, john@elptx. com.
Saturday, September 27, 6:00 PM An Evening in the Desert/Cornudas Mountains
Explore the night life of the desert! Learn how desert organisms adapt to desert conditions through avoidance of environmental extremes. No pets. Limit: 10 people. Reservation required. Easy to moder- ate hike. Meet at Lowe’s at Montana and 375 to carpool.
Contact: Paul Hyder, [email protected]
Sunday, September 28, 8:00 AM Hitt Canyon Loop Hike
Enjoy a 6.5 easy to moderate hike at the north end of the Franklin Mountains – an area rarely explored. Bring 3 liters of water, snacks and sturdy hiking boots. There is a $2 FMSP fee. Dogs trained and socialized for people and other dogs are okay. Directions: From I-10 West, take Exit 162 (Anthony/ Chaparral) NM 404. Drive east 4.2 miles. Turn right onto a dirt road. Go through a green gate. Drive .2mile to a flat parking area on the left.
Contact: Carol Brown, 915-530-1424
Sunday, September 28, 7:00 AM Sombrero Hike to Ranger Peak/Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park Learn about the trails at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park. No fee but moderate to strenuous hike. Meet at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park.
Co-Leaders: Diana Moy and Ross Williams, 915-562-9899, [email protected] Sunday, September 28, 8:15 AM Kenyon Joyce Canyon and Cave
Explore as much of this beautiful canyon as you want or are able nestled next to an El Paso neighbor- hood and Temple Mt. Sinai. Meet at the end of Kenyon Joyce Ln.
Leader: Karl Putnam For More Information: http://www.meetup.com/El-Paso-Hiking/events/188385392/
Saturday, October 4, 7:00 AM Hatch Rock Hounding Trip
Learn more about rock hounding as you collect rhyolite, agate, petrified wood and barite specimens on this pet and kid friendly outing by the El Paso Rockhounds. Bring water, sunscreen, collecting bucket and camera. Meet at Rudy’s on Artcraft and I-10. Caravan to Hatch.
Co-Leaders: Jim Contreras, Sue Critz, Harry Bruntz, 915-373-0239
Saturday, October 4, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Oliver Lee State Park Dog Canyon Hike
Learn more about geological processes of the Paleozoic Era as you explore the beauty and geology of Dog Canyon in Oliver Lee State Park near Alamogordo, NM. Experience a different view of the Tularosa Basin and the native plants of the Chihuahuan Desert. This is a 7-mile moderate to difficult hike on a well-maintained trail. Limit: 30 People. Reservations required. Meet at Transmountain Wal-Mart parking lot near the gas station and Wells Fargo.
Co-Leaders: Paulo Galvan, Isaac Martinez, 915-873-4717, [email protected]
Saturday, October 4, 8:00 AM Grand Tour of El Paso Geology
Take a 5 to 6 hour drive-and-stop tour of the highlights of El Paso Geology. Beginning at UTEP you will take a large loop visiting Rim Road, McKelligon Canyon, Transmountain Road and Mt. Cristo Rey. No fee but gas money for carpool is polite. Meet at UTEP in front of the Geological Sciences Building.
Contact: Eric Kappus, [email protected] Saturday, October 4, 7:30 AM Rabbit Ears Massif/Organ Mountains
A strenuous hike even by Organ Mountain standards will require short stretches of exposed, steep scrambling just before the summit. The Rabbit Ears Canyon is one of the most beautiful canyons in the Organs, straight shot up rock cliffs, jagged and threatening, with variety of rock formations and hues of color resulting from different mineral components. Huge sections of the arroyo bed are simple granite rock, solid and clean, an ideal terrain for canyon lovers. Meet at the Kmart parking lot near Shell (Hwy 70 & Telshor Blvd., Las Cruces)
For more information: http://www.meetup.com/jornada-hikers/events/198200402/ Co-Leaders: Yubao, Conklin, Jain, [email protected] or [email protected]
Sunday, October 5, 7:30 AM Organ Needle/Organ Mountains
If you are in peak physical condition, take this physical challenge and hike a strenuous 8-mile round- trip hike and 4,000’ elevation gain. Meet at Milagros Coffee, 1733 E. University Avenue, Las Cruces, NM)
For more information: http://www.meetup.com/jornada-hikers/events/198202302/ Co-Leaders: Yubao, Conklin, Jain, [email protected] or [email protected]
Sunday, October 5, 8:00 AM Northern Pass Loop Hike
Enjoy a 5.5 easy to moderate hike at the north end of the Franklin Mountains – an area rarely explored. Bring 3 liters of water, snacks and sturdy hiking boots. There is a $2 FMSP fee. Dogs trained and socialized for people and other dogs are okay. Directions: From I-10 West, take Exit 162 (Anthony/ Chaparral) NM 404. Drive east 4.2 miles. Turn right onto a dirt road. Go through a green gate. Drive .2mile to a flat parking area on the left.
Contact: Carol Brown, 915-530-1424 Sunday, October 5, 7:00 AM Beginner Mountain Bike Ride
Enjoy a guided mountain bike ride of 6-10 miles and meet other riders. Must bring your own function- al mountain bike, helmet and water bottle. $5 FMSP Fee. Meet at Chuck Heinrich Park at the end of Cunningham Blvd.
Co-Leaders: Don Baumgardt, Paul Hanson, [email protected]
Saturday, October 11, 8:00 AM -10:00 AM Birds of the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park Meet the mid-autumn resident and migratory birds in our Rio Grande River valley. Learn about the avi- fauna of the Rio Bosque where some 241 bird species have been recorded to date and how restoration of native ecosystems at the park has influenced bird populations. Easy stroll over 2 miles of level trail system. No fee. Pets on leash. Meet at bridge crossing the Riverside Canal 0.75 miles upstream of the park.
Contact: John Sproul, 747-8663, [email protected]
Saturday, Oct. 11, 8:00 AM Mount Cristo Rey: Hike Through Time A hike with presentations on Mount Cristo Rey and local history is offered at Mount Cristo Rey, Sunland Park, N.M. Length: 5 miles round trip (2-3 hours). Cost: $3 ($2 for children) donation requested for the Mt. Cristo Restoration Committee.
Information: 542-1422. No reservation is required.
Sunday, October 12, 7:30 AM Big Ice Canyon/Baldy/Little Ice Canyon/Organ Mountains
Enjoy 3 hikes in the beautiful Organ Mountains: Big ice, Little Ice and Big Baldy. Cover 7 miles distance and about 3,000’ of climbing. Be in tip-top condition to do a lot of steep climbing in bedrock canyons and loose scree heading toward the ridge. Consider this hike a psychological and well as physical challenge. Meet at Milagros Coffee, 1733 E. University Avenue, Las Cruces, NM)
Co-Leaders: Yubao, Conklin, Jain, [email protected] or [email protected] Friday, October 17, 6:00 PM Wildscaping Learn about local plants and the Wildscape program from TPWD Urban Wildlife Biologist, Lois Balin. No Fee. Meet at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park.
Contact: Diana Moy, 915-562-9899, [email protected]
Saturday, October 18, TBD Ecology and Spirituality Workshop – EP Interfaith/Bob Mosher
Attend a workshop to addressing spiritual guidance issues and ecology including some practical steps to protect our beautiful Chihuahuan Desert. Place and time TBD. Check www.celebrationofourmoun- tains.org.
Coordinators: The Rev. Bob Mosher, Columban Mission Center of El Paso, 351-1153, cmc@ columban.org and Dr. Ann Brannon Horak, Director of Religious Studies UTEP, 747-5119, abhorak@utep.
Sunday, October 19, 4-6:00 PM Introduction to the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Gain understanding of the extent of loss of native ecosystems in the river valley and the importance of protecting and restoring natural areas in the valley. Learn about the work to restore native ecosystems at the Rio Bosque and become acquainted with the plants and animals of the park. No fee. Pets on leash. Meet at bridge crossing the Riverside Canal 0.75 miles upstream of the park.
Contact: John Sproul, 747-8663, [email protected]
Tuesday, October 21 Caring for the Earth Interfaith Service
Join an Interfaith prayer service and hear spiritual perspectives from different faith traditions about caring for the earth. Place and time TBD. Check www.celebrationofourmountains.org.
Coordinators: Rabbi Larry Bach, Temple Mount Sinai, 532-5959, lbach@templemountsinai. com and the Rev. Deborah Clugy-Soto, United Church of Christ, 471-0603, dvuccpastor@ sbcglobal.net Saturday, October 25, 8:00 AM North Anthony Peak
Enjoy a 6.5 a moderate to difficult hike beginning on the Sierra Vista Trail and then hiking off trail to the top of North Anthony Peak. Bring 3 liters of water, snacks and sturdy hiking boots. No fee. Dogs trained and socialized for people and other dogs are okay. Directions: From I-10 West, take Exit 162 (Anthony/Chaparral) NM 404. Drive east 4.2 miles. Turn left and go through gate. Open and close it. Go short ways to parking area.
Contact: Carol Brown, 915-530-1424 Saturday, October 25, 9:00 AM Tom Lea Month Geology Lecture and Tour In his landscape paintings, Tom Lea reveals the love he had for the dry mountainous desert of his Southwest. Geologist Eric Kappus, renown for discovering dinosaur tracks at the base of Mount Cristo Rey, will share the science behind Tom Lea’s beloved mountains.
El Paso Public Library – Maud Sullivan Room, Main Branch, 501 N. Oregon St. MAP 915 543-5433
Sunday, October 26, 7:00 AM Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride
Enjoy a guided mountain bike ride of 15-20 miles and meet other riders. Must bring your own func- tional mountain bike, helmet and water bottle. $5 FMSP Fee. Meet at Chuck Heinrich Park at the end of Cunningham Blvd.
Co-Leaders: Don Baumgardt, Paul Hanson, [email protected]
Sunday, October 26, 7:00 AM Halloween Haunted Hike to Ranger Peak/Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park
Learn about the trails at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park. No fee but moderate to strenuous hike. Meet at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park.
Co-Leaders: Diana Moy, 915-562-9899, [email protected] Saturday, November 1, 8:30 AM Road Tour of Environmental Sites in the El Paso Region
Learn more about geology, hydrology and waste generation and abatement by taking this caravan road tour of multiple sites relevant to our environment. You will visit the Camino Real Landfill in Sunland Park, an abandoned oil refinery and cement factory, the IBWC and ex-Asarco sites as well as a site of notorious pollution in El Paso. After lunch in central El Paso, you will visit one of El Paso’s most prolific ground water wells and our State Superfund site. Meet in the lower parking lot of Ardovino’s Desert Crossing.
Contact: Philip Goodell, 915-581-9826
Sunday, November 2, 9:00 AM McKittrick Canyon Day Hike
Enjoy fall colors on this easy 6.4-mile roundtrip hike. Walk to Pratt Cabin while enjoying colorful fall foliage. Please call group leader Carolina Greenfield to make your reservation. Leave El Paso at 7:00AM or 6:30AM from the Westside. Meet at McKittrick Canyon Rangers Station at 9:00AM.
Contact: Carolina Greenfield, 915-526-7884
Saturday, November 8, 10:00 -11:30 AM Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
Take a guided tour of the exhibits of UTEP’s Centennial Museum and the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens with Curator Scott Cutler. Meet in the Centennial Museum foyer entrance.
Leader: Scott Cutler, 494-2193
Saturday, November 8, 9:00 AM - Noon Fall Colors Smith Springs Loop Tour
Enjoy the fall colors and observe the changing seasons at Manzanita and Smith Springs in Guadalupe National Park then visit Frijole Ranch History Museum on this moderate level hike. Meet at the Smith Springs trailhead next to Frijole Ranch Museum.
Contact: John Miller, Tierra Grande Texas Master Naturalist, 915-855-3355 Saturday, November 8, 7:00 AM Bishop’s Cap Rock Hounding Trip Collect rhyolite, chert, fluorite, quartz and barite on this fun outing sponsored by the El Paso Rock- hounds. Bring water, sunscreen, collecting bucket and camera. Meet at Rudy’s on Artcraft and I-10. Caravan to nearby Bishop’s Cap collecting area.
Co-Leaders: Jim Contreras, Sue Critz, Harry Bruntz, 915-373-0239
Saturday, November 8, 9:00 AM Beginner Mountain Bike Ride
Enjoy a guided mountain bike ride of 6-10 miles and meet other riders. Must bring your own function- al mountain bike, helmet and water bottle. $5 FMSP Fee. Meet at Chuck Heinrich Park at the end of Cunningham Blvd.
Co-Leaders: Don Baumgardt, Paul Hanson, [email protected]
Sunday, November 9, 9:00 AM Guided Hike of Wakeem/Teschner Nature Preserve at Resler Arroyo
Take a guided easy hike of the Wakeem/Teschner Nature Preserve at Resler Arroyo and see the plants and animals and learn about the geology of this protected arroyo. Meet at the dead end of Cadiz Street at Fiesta Street.
Leader: Scott Cutler, 494-2193
Sunday, November 9, 2-3:30 PM Introductory Bird watching
Learn more about bird watching as you look for birds in a secluded Westside wetland. Be sure to bring your binoculars and a bird field guide if you have one. Meet at Crossroads/Charl Ann Pond on Love Road near Shorty Lane in El Paso.
Leader: Scott Cutler, 494-2193 Friday, November 14, 6:00 PM The Future of Wildlife in Texas
Learn about wildlife diversity issues in Texas from TPWD Urban Wildlife Biologist, Lois Balin. No Fee. Meet at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park.
Contact: Diana Moy, 915-562-9899, [email protected]
Saturday, November 15, 8:00 AM Butterfield Trail Depot Ruins
Explore the Butterfield Depot originally named “Los Ojos de los Alamos Station” on the westernmost portion of Alamo Mountain. Discover thousands of petroglyphs on this easy hike. Meet at the Walmart parking lot at 12230 Montana behind the Taco Bell.
Co-Leaders: Valerie and Louie Provencio, 915-491-5765.
Saturday, November 15, 7:00 AM Get to know your Neighbors – Common Plants and Ani- mals of the Chihuahuan Desert
Enjoy a “bucket full” of stories about the plants and animals of our desert by El Paso Zoo Education Curator, Rick LoBello. Caravan to the Tom Mays Unit of the FMSP then to different stops for short desert nature walks. $2 FMSP Fee. Meet at Starbucks, 5550 N. Desert Blvd. in El Paso.
Contact: Rick LoBello, 915-217-4233, [email protected]
Sunday, November 16, 9:00 AM Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride
Enjoy a guided mountain bike ride of 15-20 miles and meet other riders. Must bring your own func- tional mountain bike, helmet and water bottle. $5 FMSP Fee. Meet at Chuck Heinrich Park at the end of Cunningham Blvd.
Co-Leaders: Don Baumgardt, Paul Hanson, [email protected]
Franklin Mountain State Park Celebration of Our Mountains Events
For More Information: Adrianna Weickhardt, 915-566-6441 Adrianna.Weickhardt@tpwd. texas.gov FMSP Fee is $5 per person. All events meet at the Tom Mays Unit of the FMSP.
Sunday, September 7, 8:00AM Women’s MTB Ride
Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14, 9:30AM Texas Outdoor Family Camping Event
Sunday, September 21, 7:00AM Intermediate Guided Mountain Bike Ride
Sunday, September 21, 9:00AM West Cottonwood Mine Tour – Pol
Saturday, October 4, 8:00AM Women’s Beginners MTB Ride
Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12. 11 and 12 Franklin Mountains State Park Volunteer Orientation – Campout
Saturday, October 25, 8:00AM Women’s Beginners MTB Workshop
Friday, October 31, 5:00PM Halloween Mine Tour – Pol
Saturday, November 1 Happy Tails n’ Happy Trails (Dog adoption fair and fun activities to do with your pooch)
Sunday, November 2, 9:00AM Women’s Beginners MTB Ride
Saturday, November 15, 7:00AM Peak Fitness Challenge Hike – North Franklin Peak
Sunday, November 16, 9:00AM Nature Walk Trail – Miller
Saturday, November 22, 9:00AM Women’s Beginner’s Hike – Lower Sunset Trail
Thursday, November 27, 9:00AM Turkey Trail Trilogy (3 hikes, back to back) Southwest Environmental Center Back by Noon Outings
Contact: [email protected]; 575-522-5552
Buzzing around Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park--08/30, 8 am Trek around Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park with insect expert, David “Bugman” Richman. The former NMSU professor will lead particpants through the fascinating world of the creepy crawlies that reside in the park. $5 fee per vehicle to enter the park. RATING: Easy
Birding at Leasburg State Park--9/6, 7:30 am Join professional photographer and expert birder, Ken Stinnett on a trip to Leasburg State Park, one of the best birding locations in the area. Learn about the varied species of birds making their home with- in the park. Bring binoculars if you’ve got them! $5 fee per vehicle to enter the park. RATING: Easy
Medicinal plants of Dripping Springs--9/13, 8:30 am Learn about medicinal plants of the desert as herbalist Deborah Brandt explains the historical uses of such everyday Organ Mountain plants as Mesquite, Mormon Tea, Prickly Pear, and Juniper. $3 dollar BLM fee/vehicle. RATING: Easy to Moderate.
Ladera Canyon--9/13, 8:30 am Join outdoor enthusiast and veteran hiking guide Shaunna Foster on a trip up Ladera Canyon.
Rio Bosque Roundup--10/4, 8 am Desert wetlands; ecological restoration; native birds, animals, and plants; and one really big fence. Wildlife biologist, John Sproul, will lead hikers through El Paso’s Rio Bosque Park. RATING: Easy
Otero Mesa (all day)--10/11, 8 am SWEC’s Executive Director Kevin Bixby will lead an all-day trip to NM’s threatened Otero Mesa, an hour east of El Paso. We will leave from Las Cruces with a rendezvous point in El Paso and a stop for lunch at Alamo Mountain, site of petroglyphs as well as a Butterfield Stage Station (ruins). RATING: Easy, mostly driving; option to stay and camp on the beautiful desert grasslands.
Box Canyon Adventure–10/18, 8 am Join conservation advocate, David Soules, on a hike through box canyon, found in the Robledos.
Hike to Mine House Spring--10/25, 8:30 am The trip starts near Baylor Canyon Road. We will hike on a well-defined jeep road. The distance to mine house spring is less than a mile on a moderate upward slope. Along the way we’ll see up close the impressive West side of the Organ Mountains. This is a great opportunity to see Chihuahuan desert vegetation and to photograph! RATING: Moderate Discovering Tonuco Mountain—11/1, 7:15 am Small pecan farmer and border health director Paul Dulin will lead an outing to Tonuco Mountain north of Las Cruces. Walk through geological time, from the oldest rocks on the earth, Pre-Cambrian granite, to Quaternary rhyolite. This great rock-hounding hike will include a visit to a Feldspar/Fluorite mine and the site of 250+ Native American petroglyphs. RATING: Moderate to strenuous due to steep trail conditions and some scaling of talus areas.
Journey to Aztec Cave--11/8, 8:00 am Join Franklin Mountain State Park Ranger, Adrianna Weickhardt on a trek up the Aztec Cave trail along the stunning Franklin Mountains. The trail is not long but much of the hike involves loose gravel and rock and some sharp inclines. RATING: Strenuous