Santa Barbara Backpack, Pecos Wilderness

This backpack project will start at the Santa Barbara Campground on the Middle Fork Trail in the beautiful Northern Pecos Wilderness. We will hike up the narrow canyon along the roaring Rio Santa Barbara, and climb through the aspen forest to a beautiful meadow at the junction of the East Fork and Middle Fork Trails, where we will make our base camp. The 7-mile trail has a gradual elevation gain of approximately 1100 feet and will take 3.5 – 5.0 hours depending on your pace.

The hike and trail work will be on Trails #24 and #25. The project work will include removal of tree blow-downs, tread improvement, installation and repair of drainage structures, removal of vegetation encroaching on the trail corridor, and repair and installation of new signage. All ability and experience levels are . Welcome and can be accommodated.

We will hike in on Thursday, work Friday through Monday, and break camp and hike out on Tuesday. The Forest Service will pack in all tools, cookware and food for the project. Volunteers will be responsible for carrying in their personal gear including plates/cups/utensils, tent, sleeping bag, and work clothes/boots and gloves. The Pecos Wilderness is known to bring summer rains, so be sure to bring appropriate rain gear and warm socks. Delicious group meals provided by NMVFO will begin on Thursday Evening and extend through lunch on Tuesday. Volunteers may participate for the entire project or any portion of the days that work with your schedule.

Santa Barbara campground may be accessed via NM 73 south from Penasco. Further directions and information may be obtained from the trip leader. Please sign up for this project by Friday August 14, 2009.

 

Last updated on: July 26, 2009