NM Mountain Club Policies
Time for a break, but there's no Lazy Boy here
PARTICIPATION & LEADERS
Participants are responsible for their own well being while on NMMC outings. Hike leaders are not trained to administer first aid, nor do they carry a first aid kit for participants. Participants are responsible for bringing their own gear (see EQUIPMENT), including emergency gear. Our trip leaders are volunteers. They receive no compensation for their services. They are not required to take anyone not properly prepared, equipped, or experienced. Leaders have final authority to limit participation on their hikes. All participants are expected to stay with the group. The success of a NMMC outing depends on teamwork between leaders and participants. The New Mexico Mountain Club cannot remove hazards from our outings. It is the personal responsibility of each individual participant to be physically fit and properly equipped for the trip.
TRIP LEADERS
It is required that leaders obtain signed waivers of liability prior to beginning a hike or climb. This is mandatory club policy. All members and non-members must sign the waiver and a parent or legal guardian must also sign for minor children wishing to participate, Please mail all such trip “sign-in sheets” to David Smith (davidsmith192@yahoo.com). We keep a file of these for our information should problems arise on an outing and also to survey the number of participants and membership status.
POSSIBLE ACCESS CLOSURES
Hikes may be changed or cancelled due to fire closures, snow or for religious reasons. Please call and check with leader if fires or snow have been reported in the vicinity of the planned hike. Additionally, the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest always locks its forest gates between December 15 and May 15. The same holds for the forest road across Mesa Chivato from the Rio Puerco valley to the town of San Mateo, near Grants. This prevents people from getting stuck in bad weather conditions and requiring rescue. It also prevents rutting of the dirt roads that transit those areas. Tapia Canyon and environs are also closed at certain times of year for religious ceremonies by Native Americans, please be respectful. Fines may also be levied for violating their aboriginal claims at these times. Call the administering agencies to be clear about closure possibilities.
EQUIPMENT
Hiking boots are strongly recommended for protection from cactus, rocks, etc. On all trips, participants should bring food, water, layered clothing, rain gear, hat, gloves, first aid kit, flashlight, matches, emergency food, and emergency shelter (e.g., a space blanket). Be conservative in what you bring so that reserves are available for emergencies--you may have to spend an unscheduled night out if you or a member of your party is injured. See the Ten Essentials elsewhere on this website.
HIKING ETIQUETTE
Trails, campsites, and surroundings should be left in as good or better condition than found. Minimize your impact on the environment. See the Leave No Trace section elsewhere in the website.
CHILDREN under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For children under 9, call the leader in advance for permission to bring them.
DOGS are not permitted without the expressed, advance permission of the leader. All dogs are to be leashed during lunch breaks and long stops. Dust the dog with flea powder before the outing. If your dog fights, leave it home. If you bring a dog, drive yourself and your dog. Also, dogs must be on leash at all times in National Forest and designated wilderness areas.
TRANSPORTATION
To the extent possible, carpool. Passengers are expected to reimburse the driver (10 cents per mile for day trips -- for extended trips, driver and passengers should negotiate a reasonable amount ahead of time). Mileage is based on the car odometer, not on the outings schedule. The leader arranges transportation with the express understanding that those accepting transportation release the leader, the driver, the NMMC, and its officers, committees, and members from any liability for themselves or their heirs, from any injury to themselves or any loss or damage to their property arising from such transportation. All members are to abide by Local, State, and Federal laws in the conduct of Mountain Club outings and activities, including but not limited to Motor Vehicle Laws. Anyone driving on a Mountain Club outing must (if asked) show proof of license, registration, and insurance.
SEARCH AND RESCUE
Search and Rescue in New Mexico is handled by the State Police. Calling another group or individual will cause delays. In the Albuquerque area, dial 841-9256. Outside Albuquerque, get the local number from the operator. If you cannot reach the State Police directly, call 911 and ask for the State Police. If you do not receive a return phone call within 30 minutes, call the State Police again. NM State Police dispatch district phone numbers can be found in the Search and Rescue section of the website.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT
NMMC has an assortment of general equipment for car camping and backpacking. Tents can be rented for $3 a night or $12 a week; backpacks are $2 a day and $8 a week; Bluet gas canisters for the stoves are $2 each; and snowshoes are $2 and $3 per day. All other equipment is loaned free to members. Club trips have priority. There are stoves, cooking gear, and lanterns; no sleeping bags. Return all equipment promptly, clean, and ready for the next user. Report any loss or damage. It is understood that user will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of items damaged or lost through carelessness. Bill Stamm (255-2640) has the equipment.