South Fork Trail #19 & Placer Gold Sifting in the Lincoln National Forest
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Date and Time:
Sat, Aug 15, 2026; 9:00 AM
- 3:00 PM
(Mountain)
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08/15/2026 9:00 AM
08/15/2026 3:00 PM
America/Denver
South Fork Trail #19 & Placer Gold Sifting in the Lincoln National Forest
We'll be hiking Trail #19 that follows the South Fork of the Rio Bonito above the closed South Fork Campground. We'll discuss the devastating 2012 Little Bear Fire, the historic original and present Bonito Pipeline and history of the Nogal Mining District and discovery of gold and other mineral resources starting back in 1865. Be prepared for weather and stream crossings with an approximate 250' elevation gain and 3-4 miles of hiking. We'll also spend some time placer gold sifting, so bring your kit. Their available locally at Big Five Sporting Goods and on Amazon with lots of info on You-Tube. Bring sandals. sunscreen and lots of enthusiasm! This is a 6 hour event, so bring lunch/snacks and sturdy hiking boots/poles etc., No dogs please and appropriate for participants 18 years and older. RSVP no later than August 13, 2026
Bonito Lake Road to South Fork Campground locked gate
Webinar URL:
33.44830000,-105.75380000
John Pijawka
jastro@windstream.net
MM/DD/yyyy
amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740
Organized By: Southern New Mexico Group
Location: Bonito Lake Road to South Fork Campground locked gate
Map | Directions
Event Organizers:
John Pijawka
jastro@windstream.net
South Fork Trail #19 & Placer Gold Sifting in the Lincoln National Forest August 15, 9 am - 3 pmRSVP no later than August 13, 2026 at: https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar/We'll be hiking Trail #19 that follows the South Fork of the Rio Bonito above the closed South Fork Campground. We'll discuss the devastating 2012 Little Bear Fire, the historic original and present Bonito Pipeline and history of the Nogal Mining District and discovery of gold and other mineral resources starting back in 1865. Be prepared for weather and stream crossings with an approximate 250' elevation gain and 3-4 miles of hiking. We'll also spend some time placer gold sifting, so bring your kit. Their available locally at Big Five Sporting Goods and on Amazon with lots of info on You-Tube. Bring sandals. sunscreen and lots of enthusiasm! This is a 6 hour event, so bring lunch/snacks and sturdy hiking boots/poles etc., No dogs please and appropriate for participants 18 years and older.
RSVP no later than August 13, 2026 at: https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar/
Location: Near Ruidoso
Level: Moderate
Leader: John Pijawka jastro@windstream.netFrom Ruidoso: from intersection of Hwy 48 & 37, proceed on Hwy 37 west to Bonito Hollow Campground, then turn on Bonito Lake Road (FR 107 is dirt) 5 miles going around the lake to the first left hand turn over the bridge, look for closed sign for the South Fork Campground and proceed to locked gate and park.From North or South I-25: Exit 139, Travel 73 miles on Hwy 380 East through San Antonio and Carrizozo to Hwy 37 and travel past mm 2 and look for a brown sign for Bonito Lake and South Fork and turn right onto Bonito Lake Road, then see above directions.
Level: Moderate
Cost: free
Signup Instructions: rsvp at: https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar/
Recommended Items: Gold placer sifting kits, sunscreen, snacks, good hiking boots & sandals
Additional Directions: From Ruidoso: from intersection of Hwy 48 & 37, proceed on Hwy 37 west to Bonito Hollow Campground, then turn on Bonito Lake Road (FR 107 is dirt) 5 miles going around the lake to the first left hand turn over the bridge, look for closed sign for the South Fork Campground and proceed to locked gate and park.From North or South I-25: Exit 139, Travel 73 miles on Hwy 380 East through San Antonio and Carrizozo to Hwy 37 and travel past mm 2 and look for a brown sign for Bonito Lake and South Fork and turn right onto Bonito Lake Road, then see above directions.