Distance

0.3 mi to summit

0.6 mi total

Elevation

8,340 ft start

Vertical

330 ft gain

Time

15 min to summit

30 min total

La Sotella and the Lobato Mesa highpoint share the same saddle which can be accessed via an undesignated forest road. No trail and the climb up does involve some light bushwhacking through oak scrub. To get to this mountain: Turn off US-84 in Abiquiu onto CR-189. CR-189 is a narrow paved road with six speed bumps that are not easy to see. The pavement ends and FR-31 begins although forest service land is miles away. A forest service map is a must as many of the roads are not signed. The final road that takes you into the canyon between Lobato Mesa and La Sotella has some rough rocky sections that require a high-clearance vehicle at best with 4WD recommended. Other forest roads vary in condition but should be avoided if wet as they are not all-weather roads. The highpoint is at GPS coordinates: 36.0877, -106.2839. A cairn marks the HP.

Route to summit

None

out-and-back
Obstacles

road/access issues, bushwhacking

Key gear

trekking poles, GPS device