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GET Day 1
Sandia Tramway Trailhead to Powerline Trail – 27.24 mi
Eastern Terminus of the Grand Enchantment Trail.
Got on trail and started hiking on the Tramway Trail at 7:09 a.m. on a comfortably cool and mostly sunny morning. After 2.6 miles, I transitioned onto the La Luz Trail. The two trails gradually climbed 4200’ over nine miles through more forested terrain than I was expecting.
Rock tower on the climb to Sandia Peak.
There was a grill and gift shop once I got up to Sandia Peak, where I got a grilled cheese and Gatorade. They burnt it and were nice enough to offer to make another, but I ate it anyway. Note: The cafe only has water for purchase at this time, as the sink is out of order.
Looking south on Sandia Crest.
Once on the crest, I followed the South Crest Trail towards the Tramway. The Tramway building was the first free water source I encountered, at mile 11. There are also toilets and a Mexican restaurant up there. The fall colors were on display on the long ridge walk. I mingled through crowds until I got about a mile south of the Tramway. I only encountered a couple of people until I was near Travertine Falls.
Taylor on the South Crest Trail.
I followed the South Crest Trail for about 14.5 miles until it descended to Travertine Falls and a really interesting cave feature. I saw a puddle near the trail but never found the falls. I took Arrowhead Trail (really a road) into Tijeras and the Subway in town. I was hoping to get Wi-Fi and an outlet. I got neither, but my sandwich was good and I had enough service to do the draft.
Cave near Travertine Falls.
It was after dark by the time I got finished with the draft and started south on NM 337. I got to a ranger station with a faucet outside, toilets, and outlets. My intention was to hang out here and use the outlets for a while, but my charging block appears to be broken. I filled my water bottles and continued south to the Powerline Trail, where I found a campsite in the national forest.
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