From 2 pm until 4 pm
At Cienega Canyon Trail at the Cienega Picnic Area Near Cedar Crest, NM
Hello, old-growth forest seekers! Join us for a hike that we are hosting in partnership with the Old-Growth Forest Network to explore the medallion trees of the Sandia Mountains to acknowledge and enjoy this remarkable forest.
We’ll hike along the Faulty Trail to learn about these special old trees and the history of this endangered urban wilderness. These brass tags of unknown origin were used to cover the hole in trees where a core sample was taken, and link the trees' germination dates with historical events, giving us a glimpse into the vast timeline of this ancient ecosystem. The 80+ medallion trees have become somewhat of a local mystery, with no official record of their author or exact locations, and many hikers make a hobby out of tracking down the full collection. We'll see just a few of them on our hike, which will also be a celebration of the induction of the Sandia Wilderness into the national Old-Growth Forest Network.
We'll meet at the trailhead for the Cienega Canyon Trail, located at the Cienega Picnic Area at the end of Forest Road 190, off of the Sandia Crest Road.
Note: This trailhead is located in a US Forest Service Fee Site. A $5 day pass is required per vehicle. Cash or check accepted at pay station. The New Mexico Enchantment Pass and other interagency passes are accepted at this location.
