PDSCW Hike Report
Carlito Springs Open Space - Sandia Mountain South Region
2025-05-28
Hike Distance (mi): 2.6Elevation Change (ft): 365
Total Uphill (ft): 420
Total Downhill (ft): 420
Report:
Three people cancelled or did not show on the day of the hike. There were three on the wait list, but 15 minutes is not enough lead time. Fortunately, one optimistic hiker was waiting at the center, so an even dozen of us headed out.
There were few flowers due the lack of rain. Even the shrubs looked stressed. We saw a yellow daisy, possibly a four-nerve (Tetraneuris). The cacti were sprouting buds; one claret-cup (Echinocerus) had open blooms. We also saw a parasitic plant, broomrape (Orobanchaceae), sometimes refered to as bear’s corn. Debra showed us how to make whistles out of horsetails (Equisetum). The columbines (Aguilegia) at the springs were in full glory.
We hiked just under two (1.9) miles in a little over an hour (1:13) of hiking and were back to the center before noon. Thanks to Joe for driving and Bill for sweeping and to all the hikers for a fun morning. Stay hydrated!
Web Album 1 Name: Jody's Album
Web Album 1 Link: link
Hike Report Status: Published
Hike Leader(s): Jody Latimer
Hike Coordinator(s): Marilyn Warrant Dawn McIntyre