[matamata]

Hoping to get out of town this weekend for a ride. Anyone out there have some good news for me about trail conditions south and and east of Gallup?

 

[bsieb]

There is still a lot of snow and March usually brings more snow, and in fact I xc skied up there this past Monday morning. The trails usually open the end of April although this year may be a little earlier. Our clay soils are quite vulnerable to rutting when the trails are soaked with runoff so we appreciate your patience. I will post when they are dry enough to ride. The High Desert Trail System is drying nicely, we will check it out and I wll report back before this weekend.

 

[matamata]

Bummer! Thanks though.

 

[24HITEF]

Dry as a Bone in Southern NM

Hey, why not head south? The Trails are dry as a bone down around Las Cruces.

 

[bsieb]

Hey, why not head south? The Trails are dry as a bone down around Las Cruces.

:thumbsup:

 

[bsieb]

The trails in the Zuni Mountains are completely soaked as of this afternoon (Friday, March 11), spring melt is in full swing. Noticed a sign contractor by McGaffey Lake yesterday, came upon this on my way down today. Gravel parking lot with a fancy log fence around it, cute little FS restroom, what's next, an espresso shop?

The High Desert Trail System in Gallup is open.

 

[makachut]

How about now? How are the trail conditions out that way?

 

[DaGoat]

Rode the HDT yesterday and it was dry,,, too dry. They are suppose to get some weather today and tonight, but don't know if it will be cold enough to snow. Didn't get up into the Zunis but I would assume they are still a "no go"....

 

[bsieb]

How about now? How are the trail conditions out that way?

Checked it out this afternoon, still a lot of melting snowbanks. My guess is the first weekend in April unless we get more snow.

 

[matamata]

Hi there. Any updates for this area for upcoming weekend?

 

[pelts79]

I'm going to check it out on Thursday evening, will give update.

 

[bsieb]

Almost all the snowbanks are gone, most likely the Quaking Aspen trail will still be wet and soft in spots but the 24HITEF route, Purple Haze, Milk Ranch, Quasimodo should be pretty dry. Last Sunday Quaking Aspen was still real wet and soft in the drainage. Hoping everyone has enough common sense not to ride (or hike) on soft trails...

 

[pelts79]

Thanks for the update. Ya, I was planning on trying the outer loops and staying off the Quaking seeing it doesn't get much sun and stays wet for a while. We sure don't want to ruin the trails by rushing to ride them a little early. Yes, please use common sense.

 

[bsieb]

I'm checking out Quaking Aspen Trail this afternoon, will report back. Made some big stickers to put up at the trail entrance...

 

[bsieb]

I'm happy to report that the McGaffey trails are in great shape and ready to ride. The wettest areas are on lower Quaking Aspen Trail but only a few melting snowbanks. Thanks to all who waited until the trails are dry. :thumbsup:

I'm sure the Twin Springs area trails are good too, we didn't get as much snow this year. As always, repair your ruts.

 

[matamata]

Nice. Thanks for the report. Happen to notice if quaking Aspen campground is open yet for the season?

 

[bsieb]

Nice. Thanks for the report. Happen to notice if quaking Aspen campground is open yet for the season?

No, it is not open yet, the season is May - September.

The gated two track Forest Roads are open also.

 

[Eric B]

Anyone game for busting out a fatty in the McGaffeys this Sunday?