NMMC Hike Section - Policies & Practices
EFFECTIVE DATE: AUGUST 13, 2025
The NM Mountain Club’s Board of Directors approved these policies and practices on 08/13/2025, and they apply to all activities organized by the Hike Section.
We urge every Member to read this document in its entirety, so we all have a common understanding of the Hike Section’s purpose, practices and policies. This collective understanding will help ensure our events run safely, smoothly and efficiently.
By participating in Hike Section events, you agree to adhere to the policies and practices outlined in this document to ensure a safe environment for all Members.
GENERAL
ABOUT THE NEW MEXICO MOUNTAIN CLUB
The New Mexico Mountain Club (NMMC) was founded in January 1952 by a small group of Albuquerque outdoor enthusiasts eager to get outside to explore with other like-minded individuals. The Club posted the first hike as the summit of Ladrón Peak (9,186 ft). Beginning with that first outing, Members have since volunteered to become Club Leaders and Board Members. They have led many decades of hiking, climbing, backpacking, snowshoeing, scrambling, and car camping adventures in New Mexico and beyond. Throughout this history, the enthusiasm and commitment of our membership has built an organization that will continue long after most of us have moved on. We are thrilled to have you as a Member of the New Mexico Mountain Club and look forward to meeting you on one of our many adventures! The Mountain Club is led by elected Officers and Board Members who take on Chair level responsibilities. The Club’s membership term is January 1st - December 31st of each year and annual dues are $10, paid by all members on January 1st.
Website: www.nmmountainclub.org
Email: nmmtclub@gmail.com
ABOUT THE HIKE SECTION
The Hike Section is organized by volunteer members who are passionate about hiking, backpacking,snowshoeing, car camping, and essentially spending time outdoors. We’re composed of a diverse group of people with different levels of experience and skills who have come together through a shared love of the outdoors in all seasons.
The Hike Section’s goals are to get members outside, to share with each other new skills, increase outdoor knowledge, to mentor and encourage individual growth, and to actively participate in the larger hiking community. Members are responsible for taking an active role in acquiring the skills needed to keep themselves and their group safe while hiking. Once they’ve reached a certain level of confidence and competence, Members are encouraged to step into leadership roles to continue the long history that makes the Club what it is today.
LIABILITY, RISK AND DANGER
Outdoor activities can be dangerous. You and only you, are responsible for your own well-being!
It is essential that each participant understand the dangers that may present while outdoors. This means being aware of the possible scenarios that may occur such as storms, falls, wild animals, getting lost, hypothermia, sunstroke, etc. It is of vital importance that you know your own capabilities, endurance, and knowledge base of the activity in which you are participating. You must come fully prepared for changing environments which includes clothing, gear, and experience.
As a willing participant in Club activities, you choose to accept these risks, assume liability and accept all consequences related to your hiking pursuits. It is a given that during outdoor activities, your personal safety cannot be delegated to another person and you are responsible for keeping yourself safe and making decisions that protect your safety and well-being.
By participating in events organized by the NMMC Hike Section, you are making the decision to accept the danger and risk involved in outdoor-related activities. We work to promote good practices and aim to minimize the risk associated with our activities; however, we can never eliminate all the inherent risks that come with any of the above activities.
All Hike Section Members must sign a Release of Liability Waiver PRIOR to participating in every Hike Section event. Your Trip Leader will have a paper version of the Waiver and it should be signed when arriving at an outing. It will include space for you to list an emergency contact person and phone number that the Trip Leader can use if necessary.
These policies pertain immediately after the Release of Liability waiver is signed and do not expire until all individual Members are returned to their respective meeting places. They apply to ALL NMMC events: general meetings, board meetings, sub-section meetings, day trips, picnics, car-camps, special NMMC-sanctioned events, backpacks, and events in and out of state.
HIKE SECTION LEADERSHIP & EVENT MANAGEMENT
OUTINGS CHAIR LEADERSHIP
The Hike Section Chair, called the Outings Chair, holds an elected position on the New Mexico Mountain Club’s Board.
As provided in the Club’s bylaws, the Outings Chair may convene an Outing Committee for assistance in special club events or any other projects that the Outings Chair deems appropriate. The Committee may consist of any Club Members selected by the Outing Chair.
The Outings Chair is tasked with attending NMMC Board Meetings, administering the Outings budget, coordinating with existing Trip Leaders, responding to emails that are hiking-based, distributing information to Trip Leaders, developing and assisting new Trip Leaders and handling all matters that arise related to the Hike Section activities.
ABOUT HIKE SECTION TRIP LEADERS
Events hosted by the Hike Section are posted by Members who volunteer to be Trip Leaders. This Club would not exist without these Members stepping into leadership roles and we strongly encourage Members to make events as uncomplicated and pain-free as possible to ensure they continue to give their time and post events. Thank you, Trip Leaders, for all that you do to keep this Club active!
Though the Hike Section has developed an internal mentoring process to designate Trip Leaders, our Trip Leaders are self-taught volunteers who choose to share their knowledge; they are NOT professionally trained instructors or guides. By choosing to participate in an event organized by one of our Trip Leaders, you acknowledge that the Trip Leader is a self-taught volunteer and you are making the decision to accept the risks, both known and unknown, related to the outdoor activity, and you assume full liability related to your participation in the event.
In general, Trip Leaders run events as they see fit and make the final decisions on everything related to their event. For each event, a detailed description of the event is posted that outlines who should attend, the approximate level of difficulty in the Club’s rating scale, and what participants need to bring. Additionally, the posting will identify where to meet the group, at what time the event begins, carpool reimbursement, and any other details that need to be communicated to participants. Please read the event’s description carefully to ensure the event is a good match for you. Since the entire group stays together for an event, the end time posted is just an estimate. There are no guarantees, as it is impossible to pre-determine the group pace and actual conditions encountered. All participants are expected to abide by the Trip Leader’s instructions, stay with the group, and be courteous and supportive of other participants.
ABOUT HIKE SECTION EVENTS
Hike Section Trip Leaders post all events via our Meetup.com group (meetup.com/nmmountainclub). Events are posted for all levels of ability and experience. Events may be half-day, whole day outings or multiple-day events. Members should arrive on time at the meeting location, indicated on the Meetup App.This time posted is a leave time from the site. Please arrive 10 minutes earlier. Please be attentive to the Trip Leader's direction, hike with the group, and bring any required gear as indicated in the event’s description. If you have any questions about an event, such as whether you have the necessary skills, the location, or the required gear, please contact the event’s Trip Leader directly via the Club’s Meetup.com private messages or a comment on the event page. Frequently Trip Leaders will ask you to discuss your experience via an email address the Trip Leader will provide. If the Trip Leader requests this information, please do respond respectfully and with enough detail so the Trip Leader can assess the suitability of your skill set for the event.
DENIAL OR REMOVAL FROM AN EVENT
A Trip Leader may deny a Member or guest from participating in an event. Typical reasons include but are not limited to:
The Trip Leader is unable to confirm that a Member or Guest has the necessary skills, abilities, or equipment such as going ahead or leaving the group
The Member/guest has had significant problems on similar Club hikes and may not have the ability to successfully complete the event.
The Member/guest has a history of personal opposition with the Trip Leader or a Member of the Club.
SAFETY, CONDUCT & INCIDENT REPORTING
SAFETY
In the NMMC, safety is our foremost concern and we strive to integrate best practices into our skills, and engage in good communication with the Trip Leader and group. Commit yourself to making thoughtful decisions, learning new skills, and ensuring non-hazardous conditions during outings. Participants are personally responsible to be appropriately physically fit and properly equipped for the outing.
MEMBER CONDUCT
Exhibiting unsafe or verbalized prohibited practices or behaviors while participating in Hike Section outings is grounds for removal from the Hiking activities.
The Bylaws Article 1, paragraph 4 state, ”Any Member may be expelled by three-fourths (3/4) vote of the entire Board for such cause as it deems sufficient. No such vote shall be taken until after the Member has been given an opportunity to appear before the Board for a suitable hearing
Behaviors that may result in removal from the Club include, but are not limited to:
Willful disregard for personal and group safety during participation in NMMC activities resulting in imminent risk toward self or others.
Violence or threats of violence toward others, including but not limited to threats of or actual physical or sexual assault/battery.
Discrimination, harassment, or hostility toward others in conflict with either applicable law or NMMC’s goal of providing opportunities to the broad community.
Bullying, arguing, or aggressive behavior by one or more individuals toward another person due to opinion differences, such as political, religious, ethnic, nationality, or gender differences.
Sexual harassment; unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks, or physical advances.
Any use of any substances that influence consciousness or alertness are prohibited while actively participating in Hiking activities. Any Member determined to be under the influence of drugs including marijuana, psycho-active mushrooms, alcohol or other non-prescribed mind and cognitive altering drugs may be removed from the club. Use of prescribed medication is acceptable.
The carry and use of firearms and pyrotechnics during hiking activities. Antagonistic behavior that creates confusion or division, or blatant disregard of the Trip Leader's instructions.
Harassment or any other inappropriate behavior e.g., bullying, sexual remarks or jokes, intimidation, being antagonistic or argumentative by one Member towards another Member or others you may encounter on trails, is grounds for removal from the New Mexico Mountain Club.
For multiple day trips, alcohol and marijuana may be used in camp after the day's activities are completed if permitted by the Trip Leader. Please use in moderation and be aware of others' aversion to smoke. You must follow the legal requirements of use in the state or jurisdiction in which the activity is held.
After a hike some Members may visit a brewery or a wine and cheese get together. These events taking place after the hike are not club sanctioned. Members are signed out after the hike indicating they are no longer participating in a club sponsored event. If one participates, please drink responsibly and each car should have a designated driver.
REPORTING CONCERNS
Concerns related to activities within the Hike Section should be reported to the Outings Chair. Additionally, concerns can be reported to the Board. Leaders have the responsibility to notify the Board via an Incident Report of any untoward events or controversies which occur.
Members of the Hike Section are required to read the Policies and Procedures document in full and direct any questions to the Outings chair (nmmtnclub@gmail.com).
PARTICIPATING IN EVENTS
RSVPING FOR EVENTS
Members should always read the full description of an event before RSVPing, to assess if their skills match the Trip Leader’s expectations for participants. If you are unsure the event is a good match for you, contact the Trip Leader to discuss your concerns. If you do not have the stamina, endurance, speed, or experience to participate in an event, do not sign up. If you RSVP for an event, the Trip Leader is counting on your attendance and the group will be waiting for you at the designated meeting spot. Make sure you understand where and when the group is meeting. Please keep your Meetup reservation current. RSVPing via Meetup is the only way to sign up for a hike, please do not attempt to show up without making a Meetup reservation.
NO-SHOWS AND LAST MINUTE CANCELLATIONS
For most events, Trip Leaders limit the number of attendees to keep things manageable. By RSVPing for the event, you are taking a spot and are committing to attending. Your canceling at the last minute or not showing up is poor etiquette. Members who habitually cancel or fail to show up will be moved to the waitlist by the Trip Leader to allow other Members to attend. Members who NO-SHOW three times in a twelve month period SHALL BE REMOVED from NMMC permanently.
If you become ill or injured within 24 hours of an outing and are not fit to attend, let the Trip Leader know by private message or in the outing comment section and change your status on Meetup to “Not Going.”
DRIVER REIMBURSEMENT
Members often meet to carpool to the trail head. If you are a passenger in a vehicle, be prepared to pay the driver the specified reimbursement. This amount will usually be listed in the event description by the Trip Leader. Please bring exact change.
The Club encourages carpooling to minimize impact on roadways and trail heads, and to 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, this reimbursement partially compensates for wear and tear on a vehicle. Also drivers may bear additional costs due to the increased probability of vehicle damage during an outing; in these situations there are intangible costs of time, effort, and inconvenience to repair a vehicle after an unexpected incident.
Currently the reimbursement rate is $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 a high clearance vehicle is NOT a sole factor for adding the surcharge; road condition is the only determining factor (i.e., low clearance vehicle drivers may collect the surcharge rate for exceptional road condition miles they are willing to drive). Additionally, Trip Leaders may require high clearance vehicles at their discretion, but only miles with exceptional conditions qualify for the surcharge rate.
Carpool drivers are expected to be fully licensed, carry mandatory insurance and observe all road regulations. Drivers are expected to be safe and attentive to the road.
GUESTS AND MINORS
Members are welcome to bring a guest to outings appropriate to the guest’s skills with advance approval from the Trip Leader hosting the outing. The following policies apply to guests:
Guests must complete the Waiver of Liability form prior to attending each trip.
Guests must have appropriate gear and capabilities.
Members bringing a guest are responsible for supervising the guest's activities and ensuring the guest has the proper knowledge, equipment and skills.
Guests who attend two (2) outings should join the Club.
Minors may participate in activities only when accompanied by a parent or guardian and with explicit advance permission from the Trip Leader. The parent or guardian must complete a Guest Liability Release form for the minor.
DOGS
Trip Leaders have the right to prohibit dogs on any outing. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on outings only with prior approval from the event’s Trip Leader unless the event is identified as a dog event. If dogs are allowed on an event, your dog must be on a sturdy lead at all times. You are responsible for carrying out your dog’s waste. Do not leave it on the trail for return pickup. You will be responsible for driving yourself and the dog to the trailhead. Dogs off leash are especially prone to disturb wildlife.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
By making the decision to participate in hiking activities organized by the Hike Section, you accept that you are responsible for your personal safety. As a Member in the Hike Section, you are expected to do the following:
Follow Club policies and procedures while participating in events.
Have adequate basic skills for the particular event, come well prepared.
Be open to suggestions, guidance and direction from Trip Leaders.
Ask questions and speak up with concerns regarding safety, pace, and direction. If you are uncertain about something, ASK. If you have a safety concern, DISCUSS.
Disengage from any activity if you are not confident you can participate in a safe manner. Speak to the Trip Leader as to how you are doing and problems you may be having. Do not wait until you are feeling poorly. The consequences of making mistakes in an outdoor environment can be a matter of life or death. Don’t get ahead of your skills. Take the time to learn and understand your limitations. The group is only as strong as its weakest link.
It is the policy of the New Mexico Mountain Club that no one should hike alone. The Trip 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 Club will be supportive and pleasant to the individuals making up your group.
CHOOSE A HIKE THAT FITS YOUR ABILITIES
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 carefully read the description of the hike and contact the Trip Leader if more details are necessary.
Beginners are advised to start with a non-exploratory Class I outing and 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 the 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 for which the Trip Leader is uncertain about some aspect of the proposed route or considerable off trail time. Participants should be experienced, expect that plans may go awry, and be prepared to use emergency gear.
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. Not having proper footwear or gear is grounds for the Trip Leader to turn away a participant at the meeting place.
DAY BACKPACK
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 of water, and at least three quarts of water in the summer months or for desert hiking; electrolyte replacement recommended for hot weather.
Insulation: 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.
Emergency Shelter: tarp, mat, whistle
Navigation: Compass, maps, GPS
Sunglasses and sunscreen; extra glasses if you need them
Headlamp, flashlight with extra batteries
Fire starter method
First Aid Kit; 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
Repair tools, Pocket knife, extra batteries for navigation device.
TRAIL ETIQUETTE & OUTDOOR ETHICS
LEAVE NO TRACE
Leave No Trace principles are observed on Club events.
Disturbing or removing cultural artifacts is prohibited. All archaeological artifacts are to be observed and never to be collected. Removal of artifacts is illegal. Some places such as the Valles Caldera, will also prohibit removal of other things such as rocks, plants or antlers.
Pack out all the refuse including your toilet paper.
Don't wash or clean dishes in creeks or lakes.
Do not camp within 150 feet of a water source.
Wildlife should not be disturbed..
TRAIL RIGHT-OF-WAY & HIKING ETIQUETTE
Observe the right-of-way on the trail. Hikers must yield to horses, cyclists are supposed to yield to hikers but often will not, so look out for your own safety.
The uphill hiker has right-of- way before the downhill hiker.
Resist the urge to cut across a meadow or switchback.
If you are off trail, take the least invasive route.
For safety keep a decent space between you and the next hiker; at least 5 feet on moderate trails, more on difficult terrain and bushwhacks.
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 the Trip Leader. Request bio breaks and clothing adjustments and do not leave the group without requesting to leave the line. Consider attending classes and events which help you navigate more proficiently.
When faced with finding yourself lost and separated from the group:
STOP. Sit. Think. Observe. Plan.
And Stay Calm. Consider how to contact the Trip Leader or other participants. Check your map. Use your compass or GPS. Check where you have been. Use your whistle in 3 long bursts (each about 3 seconds long). Stay where you are as it gets exceedingly more difficult to find you as you wander. Add additional layers to stay warm, and drink water.
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. No drone use.