question about Sandia Mountain (Albuquerque, La Luz: most dangerous, food, snake)

[councilor j]

I wanted to spend some time in the Sandia Mountain and go adventuring and have a cook out, but what are my chances of running into wildlife, I just dont wanna run into a mountain lion, are they scared of humans.

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by councilor j

I wanted to spend some time in the Sandia Mountain and go adventuring and have a cook out, but what are my chances of running into wildlife, I just dont wanna run into a mountain lion, are they scared of humans.

Here are my thoughts:

a) Go during the daytime (eg: no darkness)

b) If possible, go with a few other people - and do not be afraid to make a little noise

c) Stick to "main" trails

I am a runner and have done numerous runs by myself on the La Luz Trail...(one of the big trails that runs on the west-facing slope of the mountain primarily for running, hiking, etc.) and a few times, when I am 3 or 4 miles up and by myself, I think some of the same things...what if a creature just popped out now?

But I haven't had a problem...like I believe most do not...because it is the day and on a common trail - animals are typically more fearful of humans and human noise than we realize...they avoid it.

Also...and I could be wrong, but this is my semi-educated guess...if you stick to the west-facing side (the side facing Albuquerque), many parts are too open and steep to be ideal places for most dangerous creatures (besides the occasional rattlesnake). It might be easier for those creatures to roam on the more heavily wooded, narrower, cooler east side of the mountain.

You should be okay...they do an annual La Luz Trail run every year from the base of the mountain to the peak, and I would surmise if there were real dangers, there is no way they'd be able to do the run year in and year out.

Finally...you mention cooking out...I would be very careful regarding what is allowed in terms of cooking out in the mountains, and even if it is allowed, still being extremely careful. Fires and mountains in a desert do not mix well at all, even with our record year this past year with rainfall and snowfall. Fire dangers are always extremely real in Albuquerque, and especially the mountains.

These are only the thoughts though of a layperson who used the mountains occasionally to run and hike. Perhaps a more environmentally-in-tuned forum member will give more detailed (or even accurate) information.

[Zoidberg]

More advice, particularly for hiking the La Luz trail for newbies:

1. Bring WATER. LOTS of WATER. Doesn't matter what time of year it is. If it's your first trip up, a half gallon is a good amount. Some food is a good idea too, but just snacks.

2. Tell somebody else you're going up it and bring a phone. It's relatively well traveled but there have been cases of people falling off, getting injured, and going undiscovered for hours.

3. Hat and sunscreen, liberally applied. Again, doesn't matter what time of year it is.

4. If you're not acclimated to Albuquerque's altitude (4800-6000 feet), take it real slow and easy, especially as you gain in altitude. I'm a local and I still get winded at the top (about 11000 feet).

[LLD]

great advice zoidberg -- the thing about water is true no matter where you are hiking -- people often don't take enough. Hydration is especially important.