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| Hiking | 5.85 Miles |
1,639 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.85 Miles | 4 Hrs 13 Mns | | 2.03 mph |
| 1,639 ft AEG | 1 Hour 20 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Note: my stats also include hiking to La Mosca Lookout, elev 11,036.
This was a very enjoyable hike, loved it!!! I started in a forested area with some aspens and pines. After hiking less than a mile there was a clearing and I was getting close to a saddle. From this saddle I could see the fire lookout tower behind me and Mt Taylor straight ahead. After hiking 1.15 miles you will get to a junction in the road. At this junction, there is a trail leading straight, going up to the Mt Taylor summit called the Gooseberry trail. You should see a sign there. I took that very nicely maintained trail up. There were a few steep areas but overall, it was a nice trail that took me around a smaller peak to another small saddle. At this saddle, I crossed another forest service road (FS 570) and continued on the trail. It was just a few switchbacks more and I was at the summit. There was a nice summit sign and amazing views in all directions. I could see rain clouds to my South and North but nothing looked too close. The temps were extremely comfortable and felt like high 60s. About 10 minutes after I was at the summit, another couple summited from the other side of the Gooseberry trail. They had a very nice golden retriever with them! I didn't even realize there was another extension coming from the other side. We chatted for 15 or 20 minutes and they headed down the same way. I stayed up on the summit for another 15 minutes to have a quick lunch.
Next, I headed back down to the saddle between Mt Taylor and the fire lookout tower. I had energy and time so I decided to walk the road to the lookout tower. At the top, I found the La Mosca Lookout, elev 11,036. I saw a white pickup truck at the top, but didn't see anyone manning the tower or working with the radio towers up there. Maybe they were taking an afternoon nap ;-). All in all, this was an excellent hike, especially to get away from the heat!!
Stats:
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5.85 miles round trip
1639 feet AEG
strava moving time 2 hrs 53 mins
strava elapsed time 4 hrs 13 mins
Driving directions
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From Gallup, NM
Follow I-40 E to NM-122 W/NM-53 E in Grants. Take exit 81B from I-40 E
50 min (59.2 mi)
Merge onto NM-122 W/NM-53 E, continue for 0.3 mi
Turn right onto W Santa Fe Ave/U.S. Rte 66, continue for 1.4 miles
Turn left on 1st Street, continue for 0.8 miles
Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto E Roosevelt Ave, continue for 0.4 mi.
Turn left onto NM-547 N/Lobo Canyon Rd. Continue to follow NM-547 N for 15.1 mi.
Turn right onto Forest Service 453 Rd/La Mosca Lookout Rd (sign has graffiti and is hard to see!)
Continue for 3.0 miles to an area labeled 'Spruce Tank' on Google Maps
If you have high clearance or 4x4 and good tires, you can continue another 0.4 miles to the next switchback or even drive further if you want. I parked at the next switchback which was a great place to start in my opinion. |
| _____________________
Michael Williams
IT Professional
Rocky Point Vacation Rentals
Ocean Front Condo in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico
www.beachfrontmexico.us
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