The Great 1999 Venture Patrol Backpacking Trek

Story and photos by Mr. Dan Pucetti.

On Friday, July 9, 1999 four scouts from Troop 285's Venture Patrol and three grannies (adult scouters) left Albuquerque at 1:30 PM for a three day backpacking trek in the northern end of the Pecos Wilderness. The Scouts were Jordan S., Dan P., Kurt D., and Ollie C. Grannies were Dan Stephens, Paul Nigrey and Dan Puccetti, Sr.

After a two hour drive northwards through Santa Fe, Espanola, Dixon and Penasco, we arrived at the Santa Barbara campground on the northern end of the wilderness. The day was cloudy with a slight drizzle, just enough for rain gear as we left the parking lot at about 4:30 PM. We began at an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet and hiked about 4 1/2 miles south along the west fork of the Rio Santa Barbara until we reached a beautiful spot overlooking the river. We stopped for the night and set up camp at 7 PM. By then it had stopped raining, although the sky was still overcast. We ate a hot meal (Mr. Nigrey makes great fajitas!) and talked late into the night.

On Saturday morning the weather was still overcast and we chose to sleep in. We had a leisurely breakfast and took our time taking down camp. When we hit the trail at about 9:30 AM, the sky was beginning to clear. We continued our ascent southward toward the ridge and paused for occasional pack drops and snacks. The weather continued to improve as we climbed. We could see snow on the northern face of Chimayosos Peak (above the tree line) as we advanced. By 1 PM we had reached "No Fish Lake" at approximately 10,600 feet where we ate lunch and set up camp. This site was about 11 miles from the Santa Barbara campground. Most of the group took a nap.

However, Mr. Nigrey and Mr. Puccetti decided to continue up the trail about another mile. They hiked up to the ridge which marks the watershed between the north slope and the headwaters of the Pecos River to the south. Once they reached the ridge, about 11,400 feet, the next challenge was to scale the peak (no name) immediately to the west. As they ascended to over 12,000 feet (above the tree line) they encountered Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep and approached to within 15 feet of one ram. To the southwest they were able to see Truchas Peak, the second highest peak in New Mexico at 13,103 feet. The views were stunning but, by now, the sky had become cloudy and the possibility of rain, and possibly lightening, curtailed further hiking. They returned to camp by 5 PM and enjoyed a well-deserved nap. The group had dinner at dusk and, once again, stayed up late talking and roasting marshmallows over the campfire.

Sunday morning was beautiful and sunny with few clouds in the sky. We got an earlier start and hiked at a rapid pace. We covered the 11 miles to the Santa Barbara campground in 3 1/2 hours with only one pack drop and arrived a little after noon. It had been an enjoyable day so we all treated ourselves to hamburgers at Victor's Kitchen in Penasco before leaving for Albuquerque around 2 PM.

Here's a photo gallery of some of the highlights of the hike! Click on a photo for the enlarged version.

1999 High Adventure Hike Photos

The Venture Backpacking Trek group. From the left: Kurt D., Jordan S., Mr. Nigrey, Dr. Stephens, Olie C., Dan P., Mr. Pucetti.	Dining under a light rainfall: Dan P., Kurt D., Olie C., and Dr. Stephens	Dan P. exiting his tent.
Mr. Nigrey, followed by his new friend, a Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep (in rags, due to shedding it's winter coat).	Mr. Nigrey and Mr. Pucetti in the high country in the Pecos - above timberline.	Part of the trek crew on the trail: (from left) Olie C., Mr. Pucetti, Dan P., Dr. Stephens, Jordan S., and Mr. Nigrey.
A view toward the bowl of the Pecos Wilderness.

Last updated: 1999-09-01 (interchanged names on a couple of group pictures)