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21299 Hits
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3 Votes
Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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35.07790°N / 106.4646°W |
Route Type:
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Hiking, Scrambling |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
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Time Required:
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Half a day |
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Difficulty:
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Class 2+ |
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Facts
Distance - 2.2 miles (one-way)Trailhead Elevation - 5960'
Summit Elevation - 7420'
Gain - 1460'
Approach
See the "Getting There" section on the Pt 7420 main page.Route Description
From the trailhead begin by heading due east up the main trail, following the orange "U-mound access" signs. This trail will follow a few switchbacks up the south side of U-Mound. Once you reach the top of the switchbacks there will be a number of trails. Head uphill towards the powerlines.
The powerlines where you leave the U-Mound Access trail
Meandering through the hills: this is typical of much of the middle portion of the hikeAt first it is just a loose rocky slope but shortly you will see a defined trail. This is the steepest portion of the climb. The trail will climb up next to a drainage and start to wrap around the hill. Along the way you'll pass many small rocky outcroppings, some of which have trails to them since they offer nice views. The trail is less steep and winds around numerous hills. After winding around the last hill the trail turns south through an open field.
The large open field coming up to the TAfter a while you will come to an old fence and the trail T's. Turn left (east) at the T and the trail will climb quickly up through some rocks for a while. Once the grade starts to ease you will be able to see the rocks that hide the "Eye of the Sandias", a popular geocache. Just past the "Eye" you will be able to see the remainder of the route. Continue on the gentle sloping trail into the rocks.
The T where you turn left (east)
The Eye of the Sandias rocksThe trail will wrap around the side, just below the summit. When the trail runs out head right. There is only about 20 feet of easy scrambling to the summit.
On the summit looking down; the trail will come through the rocks on the right side of this picture.