Hikers and Climbers Guide to the Sandias

I've had this book since it was first published, and use it mostly for information on trails I haven't been on in awhile. Trail information is mostly accurate, but visit the Tijeras Ranger District for recent information about the trails. There's some information about the cross country ski trails near the Crest. Most of it is accurate, though there may be additional trails up at the Crest that have been blazed since publication. For climbers, most of the routes listed are big wall routes, not bouldering areas, so the book isn't of much use if a climber wants to do boulder problems. However, Mike does suggest that climbers get in touch with the New Mexico Mountain Club (NMMC) to find out more about what climbing is available. NMMC is a good information source for hikers as well. NOTE: parts of the Sandias are closed during the summer to allow falcons and other raptors to raise their young. The Shield is one of those areas, and there are others. Check with the Ranger District (or NMMC) about areas closed to climbers and hikers.

Hikers interested in the Sandia Mountains will be disappointed in this book, as it contains only the most rudimentary of trail descriptions. Most of the book is devoted to climbing routes, and the route descriptions are generally helpful, if not particularly detailed. However, new editions of this book appear only about every 8-10 years, and the route information in new editions seems to be about two years old upon publication. No mention is made in the current edition of either sport climbing routes in the area or the growing bouldering scene in the Sandia foothills. It will be interesting to see if there is ever a later edition, as Mike Hill's store went out of business and I'm not sure he even lives in the area now.