VEREDAS DE LAS MONTANAS SERIES
(Trails of the Mountains)

The Veredas de Las Montanas Trails series was the second series established by Lodge 66. This series has a wide variety of trails. It includes a five mile day hike, a ten mile night hike, an overnight backpack to the highest point in New Mexico and backpacks as long as thirty miles. It features trails located from southern Colorado in the north to as far south as Socorro; from Mount Taylor on the west to the Manzano Mountains in the center of New Mexico to the Valle Vidal area on the east.

Many factors went into the selection of the trails for this series. First we wanted trails that were fun and interesting to hike. We also wanted trails from all parts of the Great Southwest Council. And it was important that we have trails the youngest scout could hike (Faulty Loop, Conejos Peak, St. Peter's Dome, Clayton Camp) and others that would be of interest to the experience backpacker (Cabresto Lake, Manzano Mountain, Mt. Withington, Highline Loop). We also wanted some classic trails/locations such as La Luz, Mt. Taylor and Wheeler Peak.

Why were the others included? Well, Beatty's Lakes allows you to experience locations used by some Philmont crews, Lizard Head offers spectacular views in "Little Switzerland", Caballo Mountain and Sandia Crest offers challenging climbs with great views, and San Pedro Parks gives an entirely different type of mountain terrain to hike.

These websites introduce you to sixteen backpacks and hikes which you and your unit can experience. It is an introduction only; the maps are free-hand sketches included to show you general locations only. Before you hike any of the trails: 1) obtain the referenced maps, 2)study them before you leave; and 3) have them with you and use them as you hike the trail. In some cases, you may want to read about the trails as cited in the reference material.

The Trail Descriptions are given for each trail in the following manner:

Trail A (1.0 mi.) -> Trail B (1.2 mi.) -> Trail C (4.0 mi.) -> End of Trail

This means hike Trail A 1.0 mile to Trail B. Then take Trail B 1.2 miles to Trail C which you hike 4.0 miles to the end.

These distances have been measured from maps and must be considered approximate values.

Notes about a few of the trails:

The Mt. Withington trail does not receive heavy traffic, thus is difficult to follow. Also Potato Canyon is susceptible to flooding. Take these facts into account when planning your backpack in this area. Be sure to read the reference material.

When hiking the Lizard Head trail, there will be strong interest by some to climb one or more of the 14ers in that immediate area. These peaks require technical skills and should not be climbed by untrained or inexperienced Scouts. It must be emphasized that the skills required to do this are beyond that required to participate in this trails program.

The Mt. Taylor and Wheeler Peak trails pass next to or through areas sacred to our Native American neighbors. Please respect their religious beliefs while participating in these hikes.

Happy hiking. Be Prepared and you will have many safe, enjoyable hours in our great southwestern forests and wilderness areas.