Need To Know - Hike Section
For MEMBERS
PARTICIPATION:
Participation in most New Mexico Mountain Club (NMMC) outings is open to all members, and their first-time guests. All participants are required to sign a liability waiver before going on an outing. Please provide an emergency contact number on the waiver form. In all cases, participation is at the discretion of the Hike or Climb Leader. The Hike or Climb leader may declare that no guests are allowed on a particular hike. Please read the outing descriptions carefully.
EVENT RSVPS:
Participants are responsible for their own well-being while on NMMC outings and responsible for bringing their own gear (see What to Bring), including emergency gear. Participants should carefully read the outings listings, information about choosing an outing, and outing ratings. NMMC cannot ensure non-hazardous conditions during outings. Participants are personally responsible to be appropriately physically fit and properly equipped for the outing.
NO SHOW POLICY:
Please keep your RSVP current so those wait-listed can be added to the outing as soon as possible.
No-showing to a hike is unacceptable. Additionally, changing your RSVP within 24 hours of the outing is strongly discouraged. No-showing or changing an RSVP within 24 hours of outing start time is discourteous and disrespectful. If you must change your RSVP at the last minute, please be courteous and contact the leader directly after changing your RSVP to “Not going”.
No-shows and late cancellations will be noted as a “No-show” on the Meetup.com platform. Anyone with three no-shows in a year will be subject to the waitlist or exclusion from outings.
CONDUCT:
All Participants are expected to abide by the Outings Leader’s instructions, stay with the group, and be courteous and supportive of other Participants.
Choose an Outing that Fits Your Ability
Hike Ratings:
Classifications of hikes are generally based on moving pace, elevation gain and may also be classed due to conditions, (such as snow or high altitude), and mileage. Please read carefully leader’s description of the hike. Contact the event leader if more details are necessary.
Beginners are advised to start with a non-exploratory Class I outing and slowly progress to harder outings as you assess your abilities. This class is appropriate for people who have no prior hiking experience or who may have recently moved to the high altitude and dry conditions of New Mexico.
Taking on a hike more difficult than your abilities not only creates a poor experience for you, but for everyone else on the hike that had to compromise their plans.
CLASS 1: Slow pace, usually on trail, 1-1.5 miles/hour moving pace; less than 1,000 feet elevation gain
CLASS 1+: Moderate pace, 2 miles/hour or less moving pace; less than 1,000 feet elevation gain
CLASS 2-: Moderate pace, 2 miles/hour or less moving pace; 1,000-2,000 feet elevation gain
CLASS 2: Moderate pace, 2-2.5 miles/hour moving pace; 1,000-2,000 feet elevation gain
CLASS 2+: Brisk pace, 2-3 miles/hour moving pace; and/or 2,000-3,000 feet elevation gain
CLASS 3: Brisk pace or faster, 2-3 miles/hour moving pace; and/or greater than 3,000 feet elevation gain; Leaders may choose this designation at their discretion if trip has unusual difficulties.
CLASS 3+: Arduous day hikes and backpacks, requiring excellent physical condition, i.e. a 12-hour day climbing peaks over 14,000 feet above sea level.
CLASS 4: Mountaineering trip requiring use of ice axe and crampons or roping up for protection. Leaders must have a club technical climb rating. Leaders may require participants to also be rated for technical climbing or have comparable experience.
EXPLORATORY: In addition to a class rating, a trip may be designated with an “E” for exploratory. This is a trip that the leader has not done before, or not done within the last five years, or for which the leader is uncertain about some aspect of the proposed route. Participants should be experienced, expect that plans may go awry, and be prepared to use emergency gear.
Backpacking:
You carry your own eating, sleeping, and shelter gear to the campsite, as well as your share of group items.
Snowshoeing:
You provide your own snowshoes affixed to your hiking boots. High gaiters and/or water resistant pants are strongly encouraged. Ice traction is also recommended for sections of trail where snowshoes are not adequate, such as MicroSpikes or YakTrax.
Car Camping:
You can drive to where you sleep. You may setup a tent or some prefer to sleep in their vehicle. Bring your own sleeping gear, shelter, and eating utensils. The leader may choose to arrange some group meals.
What to Bring
Footwear:
Hiking boots for rugged conditions with firm ankle support and lug soles are strongly encouraged for most outings. Running, cross training, or walking shoes (except as a change of footwear when crossing streams) may be appropriate for moderate on trail terrain.. Additionally, one should wear proper hiking socks, no cotton. Not having proper footwear is grounds for the leader to turn away a participant at the meeting place.
Day Pack:
Ensure all your gear fits in a sturdy pack, size dependent on season, conditions and length of hike. You carry all you will need and emergency gear.
The Ten Essentials:
Water and food; This is outing dependent, but generally two quarts, and at least three quarts of water in the summer months or for desert hiking; electrolyte replacement recommended.
Clothing appropriate for the season (rain gear, gaiters dry socks, gloves or mittens, warm layer, warm hat); and extra in case of changing conditions or must remain outdoors through the night.
Map of the area to be hiked
Compass, which you know how to use
Sunglasses and sunscreen; extra glasses if you need them
Headlamp, flashlight with extra batteries
Fire starter and matches
First Aid Kit; whistle, moleskin, band-aids, insect repellent, tweezers, tape. Pain medication, personal medications, water purification tablets, water filter
Toilet paper and resealable plastic bag for carrying out paper waste
Pocket knife
Handling Emergencies or Unexpected Events
Injured, Ill, or Incapacitated Participant: S.T.O.P.
(Sit, Think, Observe, Plan). Everyone must remain calm. The leader must assess the situation and determine what the problem is. It may be the person just needs a short rest, some medication, or equipment adjustment. If the situation is serious, alternatives include assisting the person in returning to the trailhead, or, if necessary, sending a volunteer for assistance. It is the leader’s responsibility to tell the person that he/she can’t go on, or end the hike and assist the injured/ill person back to the trailhead. Many times people won’t want to cooperate. It is up to the leader to make the decision. If rescue is necessary, call the New Mexico State Police; they are responsible for rescue coordination. If calling 911, let them know you have a search and rescue situation and need to be transferred the state police. Have the strongest/fastest hikers return to the trailhead to seek assistance. They should stay at the trailhead to lead rescuers to the location of the injured/ill person. If possible, the advance party should have the trip sign-in sheet and call the families of those on the hike to let them know there will be a late return. Keep the injured/ill person warm, comfortable and provided with water and food if they can eat. Build a fire if necessary. Keep several people with the person until help arrives.
Unexpected Conditions:
If the weather turns bad, or the trail is in worse condition than anticipated, or the road to the trailhead is bad, or participants are becoming overly tired or stressed… the leader must make a conscientious decision whether or not to end the trip. Carefully listen to what participants have to say about a situation. Many NMMC members are experienced and have faced similar situations. It is better turn back than to become stranded or have someone get hurt or sick. Watch for and address foot problems early. Apply moleskin on the affected area. If you encounter other hikers or hunters who are exhibiting combative behavior, avoid a confrontation at all costs. If accommodation cannot be made reasonably, then turn back. Hunters have the right of way during hunting season; it is against state law to spook game, so make every effort not as to. NMMC prohibits any participant from carrying a gun on outings.
Getting Lost or Confused:
To avoid getting lost and separated from the group, pay attention to your surroundings, watch for changes in front and the person behind you. Vocalize difficulties or fatigue to leader. Request bio breaks and do not leave group without requesting to leave the line.
When faced with finding yourself lost and separated from the group. Again, S.T.O.P. Stay Calm. Stay put and stay warm and watered. Consider how to contact the leader or other participants. Check your map. Use your compass. Check where you have been. Use your whistle in 3 long bursts (each about 3 seconds long). Stay put. It gets exceedingly more difficult to find you as you wander
TRAIL ETHICS:
Hiking as a Single Group:
The leader should make clear at the trailhead whether or not they will allow participants to go ahead of the group. It is the leader’s prerogative to allow or deny anyone to go ahead of the group. If the leader allows faster hikers to go ahead, they must stop and wait for the group at the place the leader designates. It is the policy of the New Mexico Mountain Club that no one should hike alone. The leader may consider changing the overall pace (or anything else for that matter) to accommodate the group dynamics. It is expected that the members of the group will be supportive of the individuals making up your group
Leave No Trace:
Tread lightly! A good rule is to take only photographs and leave only footprints. A major part of the outdoor experience is to share the trail with others, even if it is a bit of an aggravation. There are also common courtesies that we should observe. Many NMMC groups are large -- more than 10 hikers. We can take up quite a bit of trail, and there are other outdoor enthusiasts who feel a group this large detracts from the wilderness experience. Potential problems may include wildlife, cattle, dogs and their owners, horses, mountain bikers and other slow or fast hikers. Wildlife should be left alone. This includes deer, elk, antelope, rabbits, squirrels, birds, and even rattlesnakes. Where we hike is their home, so don’t bother them and they won't bother you. Don't get between a mother bear and her cub. Never approach baby critter (mom is usually nearby).
Participants’ Dogs:
Members who want to take their dog(s) on an outing must ask advance permission and expect to be a driver. Many dogs are good pets and are experienced on the trail. Others, sadly, are not. Some interfere with hikers’ footing and some are not capable of resisting the urge to pursue wildlife. Allowing dogs is the leader's choice. Keep in mind dogs are generally not allowed in national parks, national preserves and national monuments and must be on a 6 foot or less leash in national forests when at “developed recreational areas and on interpretive trails”. Some dog owners choose to go ahead of the main group so their dog will not bother anyone. Never confront a dog on the trail if it looks the least bit hostile. Masters can also be hostile if they think their animal is in danger.
Horses:
Horses have the right of way on the trail. Some spook easily. If so, they may be hard to control, could throw a rider, run over a hiker, or bolt and run away. Yes, they make a mess of the trail under certain conditions. But according to the U.S. Forest Service (and the Code of the West) horses have a right to be on the trail. Give them all of the room they need. Step off the trail downhill of the horses and have dogs under physical control.
Cyclists:
Persons riding mountain bikes don’t always respect the right of way of hikers and horses. Cyclists looking for thrills can come downhill very fast, too fast to stop or avoid hitting a hiker. Best to let them have the right of way and avoid a confrontation. If you see cyclists in the wilderness where it is illegal for them to be, take their photograph and turn them in to the Forest Service.
Other Hikers:
Hikers going uphill have the right of way. It is much easier for a downhill hiker to get out of the way, than for an uphill hiker to pause, particularly if it is a steep section of trail. Always give families with children or groups of children the right of way. On the trail, hike single file and on the center line of the trail. Resist the urge to cut across a meadow or switchback. If you are off trail, take the least invasive route. Keep a decent space between you and the next hiker.
Bio Breaks:
Rest breaks should be taken where people can get at least 150 feet off the trail and away from water. All human waste should be buried at least eight inches deep. This can be difficult in rocky country, but do the best you can. Keep extra sealable bags with your toiletries so as to pack out any used toilet paper
Food Waste:
Carry out everything you carry in. The NMMC practice is to clean the trail as we go, hauling trash to the trailhead or wherever it can be disposed. Don't wash or clean dishes in creeks or lakes. Use biodegradable soap on camping or backpacking trips
Water Sources:
Don't trust any water source. Filter or treat any water from a spring, stream or pond before drinking it.
Weather:
Watch out for lightning. It can be a killer. If a lightning storm starts, get off ridges, lay low on a slope, stay away from metal objects such as trekking poles and external frame packs. Avoid single trees and exposed points. Stay low until the storm has passed. If possible, spread the group out but within visible sight of each other.
Noise Pollution:
Let nature's sounds prevail. This means no electronic devices except those used for safety, navigation, or taking photographs. Stand-alone Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers are common and most hikers carry cell phones for emergency communication and/or for navigation with a GPS app. Cell phone conversations should be avoided as a courtesy to the group.
DRIVER REIMBURSEMENT :
The Club encourages carpooling to minimize impact on roadways, trail heads, and create community and safety in numbers. We recognize drivers take on significant responsibility to keep their vehicles safe, fueled and road ready. Besides the cost of gasoline, drivers may bear additional costs due to the increased probability of vehicle damage during an outing; in these situations there are also intangible costs of time, effort and inconvenience to repair a vehicle after an unexpected incident.
Therefore the Club suggests each passenger pay the driver $0.15/mile plus a $0.05/mile surcharge for miles with “exceptional road conditions”. Leaders are encouraged to scout off-road conditions in advance, estimate the number of miles considered exceptional, and include that information in the outing announcement. If unexpected exceptional road conditions are discovered en route, drivers should measure those miles via odometer.
Important: use of high clearance/SUV is NOT a sole factor for surcharge; only road condition is the determining factor (i.e. low clearance vehicle drivers may collect the surcharge rate for exceptional road condition miles they are willing to drive). Additionally, leaders may require high clearance vehicles at their discretion, but only miles with exceptional conditions qualify for the surcharge rate.
Passengers should bring exact change to the meeting place. Under this policy an outing involving 120 paved miles plus 16 exceptional miles, regardless of the type of vehicle used, would cost each passenger approximately $21.00.