Frank and Meghan, Santa Fe
August 1 – 8
Water update: We didn’t struggle for water. The last stretch into Taos was hot and dry but we filled up enough at Rio Chiquito to make it comfortably into town. We filled up at the spot you took the photo in your latest water report. Every water source noted in the guidebook had water, and even a few extra small seeps that weren’t noted south of Santa Barbara.
Itinerary:
August 1 SF Plaza to Windsor/Borrego Junction
August 2 to Stewart Lake via Spirit Lake
August 3 to Pecos Baldy Lake
August 4 to Santa Barbara CG
August 5 to La Cueva Lake via resupply
August 6 to Palociento Creek Fish Gate
August 7 to ~1 mile up Drake Canyon
August 8 to Taos Plaza
We had a wonderful time on our journey from Santa Fe to Taos. The hike is a wonderfully unique combination of history, culture, urban green space, and some of the most beautiful nature you can find. We completed the hike in 8 days. Looking back 9 days may have been a nice sweet spot as a couple days were quite tough with big up and downs.
We stuck mostly to the original route from the 1st Edition of the guide book which uses more forest roads in the 2nd half but we enjoyed that quite a bit and we’re happy with the decision. We met another group of thru hikers going SOBO who were doing the same. The walks along the forest roads gave a nice opportunity to enjoy a walk through the forest without having to watch every step. We met 2 other groups doing the thru hike along the way and several others along the trail stopped to chat and offer words of encouragement.
One tip for other thru hikers who are going NOBO – the stretch from the SF Ski Basin to Lake Katherine was quite busy, so if you can avoid doing that stretch on a weekend it will make for a quieter start to the journey.
The Members Re Supply was also a highlight. I imagine it’s the same feeling desert travelers feel when they find an oasis. Thanks to the SF2T organization for making that possible.
Walking into Taos plaza (after a delicious lunch and big helping of ice cream at Taos Cow) felt like such an accomplishment. Also – a special shout out to Taos Mountain Outfitters on the Taos plaza. One of their staff came out to greet us and take our celebratory finish photo at the gazebo, and then invited us and our dog into the store for a nice drink of extra cold water and a badge to celebrate the achievement.
