DATE: March 5, 2010

THE PLACE: The Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area is a place apart. Bob Julyan chronicles it in Wilderness Areas of New Mexico, writing, “this WSA features an old lava flow and its associated Cinder Cone. Early Spanish settlers and traders traveled this rugged and isolated region.” The description isn’t inflated. “Jornada del Muerto” means Journey of Death in Spanish.

Sweeping desert grasslands intermingle with different lava formations in this unique area. Our walk will take you a million miles away from today’s hustle and bustle. An added treat is that the Jornada del Muerto lies just south of the stunning Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge. Far from death, this area is a hotbed of life off the beaten path, with rich habitat for native desert vegetation like soaptree yucca, some wildflowers, and many different animals in the air and on land.

The Jornada del Muerto WSA is approximately three hours from Albuquerque and two hours hours from Las Cruces—please know that we will leave for this walk early to allow ample time for enjoyment. For those driving from Albuquerque, you might consider spending the night in Socorro. We can help find rooms for those interested.

Meet in Las Cruces (for folks traveling north) or Socorro (for folks traveling south), and then San Antonio for final caravan to site.

MAXIMUM PARTICIPANTS: 10 – 15

HIKE LEADER: Nathan Small

HIKING DISTANCE: 5 miles

HIKING TIME: half day

CONTACT: Go to nmwild.org, and click on “Events”; there is a $5.00 administrative fee due at registration.

ELEVATION RANGE: 4,700 – 4,900 feet

DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate