Filed under: Family Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation & Hiking

The South Boundary Trail–the Right Way

Last Sunday morning, Terry and I were looking for a hike to do alone as we needed to get an early start. We had plans to attend a free outdoor concert in the afternoon at a ski resort in the area and did not want to miss it. Therefore, we would do this one Meghan-less. He suggested that we head back out to the South Boundary Trail we had checked out earlier in the summer and hike it in the right direction from the start to see what it was like further up. Our plan was to be out about 2 hours.

We hiked out briskly, though both of us (especially me) were feeling sluggish that morning. In about ten minutes time, we reached the fork and now knew to stay to the right and keep climbing. After about half hour, we reached the point where we had turned around on our previous attempt. We pressed on.

The climb continued; the trail remained the same, a bit rocky but well worn. This Sunday morning we did see evidence of bikers using the trail, though neither of us could understand how or why anyone would want to mountain bike this trail. The left side of the trail was a cliff that dropped off abruptly to the cliffs below.

We hiked on, passing a couple carrying large packs who were clearly planning to camp somewhere along the trail. After about 58 minutes, we reached the “top” in that we stopped climbing and began walking on a level trail. The views were spectacular, of the town, the surrounding peaks, the trail on the other side of the road. Walking on, we passed an area that would be a perfect remote campsite. It was level and had a sandy surface, free of trees and shrubs. Given the circle of rocks, others had had the same idea. And this was most likely the destination of our fellow hikers. Terry and I talked about coming back and camping there one night. As we were on a deadline, however, it was time for us to turn around as we had been out over an hour.

We made good time on the way down, passing the couple still on their way up. We also encountered four mountain bikers, who courteously stopped to let us pass. We stepped aside and motioned them to come forward. I said as they passed that as a mother, I was concerned about them getting past us without falling over the edge. They laughed and we all proceeded on safely. We reached the trailhead two hours and two minutes after we started, sweaty, but having had a great workout with plans for an overnight venture in the near future.

Read more about New Mexico camping and things to do in New Mexico.

Last 5 posts by Diane Berry

• A Beautiful Spring Hike - April 28th, 2013
• A Spring Camping Adventure - April 21st, 2013
• Spring Excitement at the Taos Ski Valley, NM - April 14th, 2013
• Choosing Snowshoes 101 - April 7th, 2013
• A Winter Climb to William's Lake--Part 2: Snowshoe Issues - March 31st, 2013