Glorieta Baldy Hike

From the trailhead, we'll start up Glorieta Canyon through a forest of oak and pine trees.  By about 2.3 miles, the forest becomes more spruce and fir and the route is fairly shaded.  At 3.3 miles, we'll pass the old Glorieta Mill site, closed since the early 1900s, and, shortly thereafter, the former Glorieta Canyon Hotel site in the area known as Ghost Town.  After another four miles along the winding trail, we should summit Glorieta Baldy at 10,200 feet.  For the return trip, we'll follow another trail through Ruiz Canyon back down to the trailhead for a total hike of about 14 miles.  Total hike time should be 7-9 hours. 

Participants should wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, a lunch, and whatever snacks you'd like to eat along the way.  Check the weather forecast at www.weather.gov for zip code 87535 and prepare accordingly.