Santa Fe Baldy Summit Hike

Join Gwendolyn Gallagher and Tim Rennick, with PEEC and the Los Alamos Mountaineers for a classic high-country trek to the alpine summit of Santa Fe Baldy (12,622 ft). This strenuous day hike offers an incredible opportunity to get high above tree line and experience sweeping 360-degree views of the Pecos Wilderness and the Rio Grande Valley.

Location: We will meet in Los Alamos to carpool, starting the hike at the Windsor Trailhead near the base of the Santa Fe Ski Basin.

Mileage: Approximately 13 miles round-trip

Grade/Difficulty:

Strenuous. The route gains about 3,400 feet of elevation. The terrain follows a well-maintained trail through aspen and pine forests up to the saddle, followed by a steep, unmaintained talus and scree slope to reach the broad summit plateau.

What to Expect:

A long, rewarding day at high altitude. We will maintain a moderate but steady pace. Because high-alpine summits in August are prone to early afternoon monsoons, we will start early to ensure we are off the exposed ridges before potential afternoon storms roll in. Participants should be in good physical conditioning and comfortable hiking above 10,000 feet.

What to Bring:

• Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots or supportive trail shoes.
• Clothing layers for variable high-alpine weather (a waterproof rain
• jacket and a warm mid-layer are mandatory, as the summit is often
• windy and cold).
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat).
• Trekking poles (highly recommended for the steep descent).
• At least 3 liters of water and plenty of high-energy trail food/lunch.

Admission:  Free for PEEC or LAM Members and $5 for Non-Members

About Robin:

Gwendolyn Gallagher and Tim Rennick are experienced outdoor enthusiasts and active trip leaders with the Los Alamos Mountaineers. Passionate about nature, wilderness safety, high-altitude trekking, and community education, they enjoy sharing their love for the rugged landscapes of Northern New Mexico. Whether navigating technical mountain terrain or exploring local backcountry trails, Gwendolyn and Tim focus on fostering safe, collaborative, and rewarding group adventures.

Tim grew up in Ohio, where his love for the outdoors was nurtured through scouting adventures and summers with family in Ontario, Canada. During these experiences, he developed a deep appreciation for hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and the thrill of exploring the wild. Since moving to New Mexico in 2022, Tim has become even more immersed in outdoor activities, now sharing them with a great community of friends. Beyond backpacking and wilderness trekking, he is a long-time cyclist and has a growing interest in packrafting.

Gwendolyn is a biologist who loves all things nature. She encourages participants to bring binoculars so we can birdwatch. Also, to aid in wildflower identification, she will bring some hand lenses and field guides to share for the day. And her spouse - a local geologist- will most likely participate in the hike and answer your geology questions along the way.