Weather forecast sunny and temperature in the mid, to upper 50s for Saturday, January 30th.

Our next hike will be to the tramway, via the Thousand Steps trail.  This is an out and back hike that begins at the west end of Stanton Street.  Take the Executive Center exit. Turn right onto Mesa, first light is Brentwood turn left, go to Stanton Street and turn left and go to the end.  Park on the street as Sun Metro Bus uses the dirt lot to turn around.

Marathon PLUS Hike

Next Saturday, February 6th is our annual Marathon PLUS Hike.  Each year we hike the Sierra Vista Trail from end to end in one day.  That is a bit over 28 miles.  Last year Xochitl set a wicked pace and the crew did the full 28 miles in about eight hours.  Can we beat that time this year? Xochitl, are you ready?

The Sierra Vista Trail is on mostly level to gently rolling terrain.  Because of the length, this hike is rated strenuous, so make sure that you are in good condition for this hike.

We will have support vehicles at each trail head with ice chests to hold your excess water, snacks, and extra stuff.  There will be champagne, cheese and crackers at the end of the hike for everyone to enjoy.

Please register early and call Charlie Topp no later than Thursday, February 4th if you plan to hike the full 28 miles so that we can determine how many support vehicles that we will need.  Charlie's phone number is 915-253-7086

Baylor Pass Backpacking Trip - February 20, 21

Thinking about trying out backpacking?  We have scheduled a nice easy backpacking trip for newbies, as well as for those that want to take a short easy hike to get back into backpacking again.  Whether you come form the east or west, the trails up to the Baylor Pass campsite are in pretty good condition, and this trip is rated easy to moderate. Whether you are a hiking newbie, or an old pro, BackPacking 101 has trip-planning tips, gear lists, safety advice, and other essential wisdom every hiker and backpacker should know.

Mexican Canyon Trestle

Charlie received email stating the the El Paso Ridgewalkers contributed the most volunteers hour in removing the vegetation from around the trestle so the contractors can begin work on the trestle restoration project.  This was not an easy task, but many hands made the work much easier.  Thanks to all that had the opportunity to lend a helping hand.

Please cake a moment and view the photo slideshow of the Mexican Canyon Trestle Restoration effort.  In one of the photos you can see Carol Brown.

El Paso Marathon

On Sunday, March 7, 2010 the streets of El Paso will become the sight of a 26.2 mile fiesta. Over 2,000 runners are expected to take part in the 2010 Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon, Spira Half Marathon, and the Jarritos 5K, drinking in the sights and sounds that are El Paso!

Accompanying them on their journey will be more than 700 runners at COB Ader in Tallil, Iraq. At 0500, soldiers with the 4/1 Armored Division out of Ft. Bliss will lace up their running shoes to run the First International Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon and Spira Half Marathon.

Visit race360.com for more information and to sponsor a soldier in the race!

Bataan Memorial Death March

The 21st Annual Bataan Memorial Death March will be held on March 21st. The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of   White Sands Missile Range, N.M., conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and, in many cases, their very lives.  There two route to choose from.  The GREEN route is 26.2 miles, and the BLUE route is 15.2 miles.

Upcoming Hikes

Jan. 30 Thousand Steps trail up to the tramway and back.

Feb. 6 Marathon PLUS Hike - 28+ miles

Feb 7 A nice easy stroll along the Montoya Canal

Feb.13 North end of Franklin Mountains,  reverse of what we did last time

Feb. 20-21 Backpack Baylor Pass  Aguirre Springs

Feb. 27 hike to B-24 crash site on east side of mountains and up to tramway (not to be confused with B-36 crash site on West side  of mountain)

March 6 easy hike on river levee

March 7 El Paso Marathon - 26.2 miles, and Half Marathon - 15.2 miles

March 13 Meet Chuck Heinrick Park and explore some bike trails on east side of mountain, level of difficulty - easy to moderate.

March 20 Shaefer Shuffle in Tom Mays Park

March 21 Baatan Memorial Death March -- choice of 26.2 miles or 15 miles

March 27 North Mount Franklin

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