Description: Mesa Gallina is located in the southeast corner of Petaca Pinta Country. This little-visited gem is a long, north-south trending escarpment that encompasses the 900-foot rise of Cerro Verde; the hilly, juniper-covered terrain of Mesa Cimarron; and Mesa Gallina itself. We will hike to the top of Mesa Gallina, which, at 7,855 feet elevation, is the highest point in this region. The reddish hue of much of the western portion of the area comes from the 240-million-year-old Chinle formation, which rests on Permian limestone and sandstone. The sharply rising spire of Cerro Alesna and another, unnamed, spire to the north are volcanic intrusions formed around fifteen million years ago. Around three million years ago, Cerro Verde and other vents released the basalt lava flows that cap much of the region.

Maximum participants: 15

Hike leader: Nathan Newcomer

Hiking distance: 6 miles

Hiking time: about 4 hours

REGISTER for this event; there is a $5.00 administrative fee due at registration.

Elevation range: 6,500-7,855 feet

Difficulty: Moderate