Geologic Hike at Grasshopper Canyon near Glorieta

This excursion will explore the superb geology of the southern Sangre de Cristo mountains southeast of Santa Fe. The highlight will be a 3-mile round-trip hike up Deer Canyon, SW of the village of Glorieta. Along the trail are several sedimentary rocks dating to ~ 320 million years ago, when warm shallow seas covered most of New Mexico. We will also observe one of the longest and most important faults in nothern New Mexico: the Pecos-Picuris fault. This fault was particularly active during the rise of the Sangre de Cristo mountains between 70 – 40 million years ago. After our hike we will drive to an exceptional overlook of the Pecos Valley and discuss the big picture geology of the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Bring appropriate hiking gear, water, lunches, and cookies. This hike is considered easy to moderate with an elevation gain of 100 feet. Hiking poles recommended.