Redondo Peak 11,254' - Sandoval County Highpoint 11/06/2005

Sunday morning began with a chill in the air at 5:00 am after paying the fee to enter the campground. I negotiated the meadow before the sun was up and enjoyed the hoots of an owl in the distance. The solitude and undisturbed nature of this area is quite astounding. I began the south ridge soon enough (photo on right), dodging oak thicket and trying to progress efficiently. There is a somewhat steep talus slope that can avoid the oak thicket, but the rock was loose. I spot several animal skeletons and a really large rack of horns from an elk. The seemingly unending ridge of oak thicket finally starts to thin out at 10,000'. There is a stiff chill (for this part of the country) that is pervading the morning.
	The upper reaches of the peak finally come into view upon entering a high meadow, once again displaying remaining aspen foliage. The route now takes a turn northeast as I head up through the trees. Eventually I encounter the spiraling road shown on the map. The first snow now appears on sun-protected slopes, though rather sparse. The hike goes relatively quickly to the summit plateau and a moderate stroll north reaches the high point, which might not have been obvious without a GPS urging me to continue north. The views aren't that great given the amount of trees present, but it is a special place. After arriving at the base of the peak again, I am careful to remain inconspicuous on the south side of the expasive meadow, cloaking myself with trees slightly above the valley floor. All goes well, and I am back at camp to head out.