08/29/09 - La Luz Trail

Kevin and his friends, Clint and Greg, traversed La Luz Trail. This is the trail that starts at the base of Sandia Peak and heads up 3000+ feet. The total walk was approximately 8 miles. It took 6.5 hours. Clint brought a GPS that had a great feature--it showed time in motion and time at rest. The hike was spent about 1/2 and 1/2 between moving and not. This was likely the result of two newbies on the trail (Clint and Kevin) that spent about every other step taking pictures. It was exhausting, but well worth the effort. Looking at the mountains face on from Albuquerque, you could not even begin to guess the beauty from up close. You cross through four climatic zones (see more info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Luz_Trail). Kevin was doing great until they reached the switchback trails through the rockslides. This part was very difficult (aside from the oxygen deprivation and lack of excercise on Kevin's part).

Overall, the trip was filled with beautiful views. Kevin came home afterward, took a shower and didn't move for the rest of the weekend. More pics below...