For our final outing of the trip, we took Thomas to Bandelier National Monument. After the ride from White Rock on the shuttle, we started in the shade of the cottonwoods along the river where it was cooler.
The Walkabout
Bandelier Hike.PatThomas.2018-08-16 (The track is truncated at the beginning; I forgot to start the GPS. Disregard the blue graph of speed; GPS signal was lost while in the Alcove House.)
It was a very pleasant walk up to the Alcove House. Of course, we climbed up the ladders to the House. Then back down and returning to the Visitors Center via the Tyonyi Trail.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.02 miles (added .2 mi to adjust for late start of GPS tracking) Elevation: start 6,098 ft, maximum 6,387 ft, minimum 6,068 ft Gross gain: 319 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,088 ft, descending 1,118 ft Maximum slope: 62% ascending, 60% descending, 12% average Duration: 1:59
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
Having spent the first night in the Vista Linda campground south of Jemez Springs, and its warm temperatures, and after a hike to Boletsakwa Ruins, we moved the R-Pod to the Jemez Falls campground. After setting up the camper, we drove to the back end of the campground and the trailhead to Jemez Falls.
The Hike
Jemez Falls Hike.PatThomas.2018-08-15
This was a very pleasant hike, with the cooler temperatures and easy trail to the overlook above the Falls. Returning to the camper, we set a fire to roast marshmallows and enjoy the cool of the evening.
Statistics
Total Distance: 0.66 miles Elevation: start 7,947 ft, maximum 7,947 ft, minimum 7,828ft Gross gain: 81 ft. Aggregate ascending 182 ft, descending 182 ft Maximum slope: 44% ascending, 50% descending, 10% average Duration: 0:32
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
This is the first hiking on a 3-day trip with grandson Thomas. Our original destination was one of the campgrounds further into the Jemez Mountains (and higher elevations), but with the threats of rain/thunderstorms, we holed up in the Vista Linda campground near Jemez Springs. We enjoyed the bubbling Jemez River adjacent to the campsite, but the conditions were hot. Once the R-Pod was set up, we headed to higher ground, Fenton Lake. Driving through the campground, we noted this for future camping. Near the back end of the campground, near the dam, we parked and set out on a short hike.
The Hike
Fenton Lake Hike.PatThomas.2018-08-14
This was a “walk in the woods”, really a stroll down the Rio Cebolla below the dam for Fenton Lake with Thomas. The trail is well used, easy walking even biking. Along the stream it is lush with grasses and flowers, as you can see in the photo gallery below. View the Gallery with captions for a brief narrative of the hike.
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.92 miles Elevation: start 7,676 ft, maximum 7,710 ft, minimum 7,612 ft Gross gain: 98 ft. Aggregate ascending 711 ft, descending 696 ft Maximum slope: 33% ascending, 32% descending, 7% average Duration: 2:38
If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.
I’ve been entranced on so many hikes in New Mexico by the many flowers that seem to thrive here. I’ve photographed many of them with my Samsung/Android phone, but with mixed results. Now I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100, much better at getting good photos of objects up close, especially with its zoom lens. And this walk, with its lush growth of flowers, presented a great opportunity to get photos worth sharing.
Our second day on a camping trip to the Grants area instead of heading to the Jemez (see the post for the Bluewater Lake Hike). We had considered the Coal Mine Campground for the previous night, but because this was our first trip out with the R-Pod, we took the easy route – Grants KOA. On this day, ‘tho, we set out to check out the Coal Mine Campground and after a visit to the Mount Taylor Ranger Station, hike the Gooseberry Springs Trail.
The Drive In
The campground is quite nice, with a few nicely shaded sites (no electric services, but the usual pit toilet in National Forest campgrounds). Having checked out of the KOA, we brought the R-Pod up the 9 miles and 1,000 feet elevation gain (on a very nice paved road) to Coal Mine Campground and parked it in a nice drive-through site. After brunch, we headed on up Lobo Canyon Road/NM 547 to the turnoff (FR 193, gravel) to the trailhead (5.2 miles) for the Gooseberry Springs Trail. FR 193 passes through ponderosa and juniper forest, but with many turnoffs that appeared to be quite suitable for primitive camping (RV or tent).
The Hike
Gooseberry Springs Trail Hike.Pat.2018-06-01
The trailhead is clearly marked, as is the beginning of the trail. However … at about 3/4 miles into the hike we missed a turn for the -real- trail and followed an old two-track that was quite rocky in spots. After about 1.5 miles, with the help of a trail track on US Topo on the phone/GPS, we headed up-hill (easy bushwhacking) and across where we found a well-used, easy to walk trail. We followed this uphill for another .25 miles when we found ourselves out of the forest, on more open land.
As we continued uphill, there were fewer trees until we came into completely open space with stupendous views to the south and west. Another .25 miles and we were at the top of a saddle and could now see the vista to the east. After enjoying our mid-hike coffee/snack break, we headed back downhill, passing many cows and calves which we had encountered on our way up. We stayed on that well-used trail for the distance back to the truck.
Throughout the hike, especially on the actual Gooseberry Springs Trail, the climb and descent, the slope was gentle. The trail surface was rocky in very few places; otherwise dirt or, in the forested area, covered with pine needles. It is another mile or so from our mid-hike break spot to the top of Mount Taylor. That portion of the trail is completely in the open, great for the vista views. We could see the trail as it tracked up the slope with one large switchback about 2/3rds to the top. We’ll be going back soon to make it to the top.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.94 miles Elevation: start 9,274 ft, maximum 10,253 ft, minimum 9,274 ft Gross gain: 979 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,147 ft, descending 1,147 ft Maximum slope: 38% ascending, 28% descending, 11% average Duration: 3:46
If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.
We made plans to take our R-Pod camper to the Jemez Mountains for a ‘shakedown’ trip, not having used it in a year or so. Then, the day before our planned departure, we learned that the Forest Service was to -completely close- the Santa Fe National Forest to all visitors. No camping, hiking, fishing, .. all activities. This forced us to quickly make alternate plans; we decided to head west, to Grants and visits to reconnoiter campgrounds at Bluewater Lake and Mount Taylor. So off we went, set up the R-Pod at the KOA in Grants (’tis a nice campground, ‘tho a bit expensive), and we headed to Bluewater lake (and to Mount Taylor the next day).
First, this is a quite nice lake for New Mexico. ‘Tis said the fishing is good (nice perimeter around the lake, some of which one can drive upon), and the State Park Campground is also quite nice. The campground is divided into 3 sections; Pinon Cliff has some great views of the lake, las Tusas has some sites with views (all non-electric). Canyonside and Upper Electric Loop are away from the lake, but the latter does have electric hookups. We inventoried the sites for future reference (one can make reservations for many of the sites).
The Hike
Bluewater Hike.Pat.2018-05-31
Since our goals included hiking, we set out from the end of the access road on a two-track that runs along the north side of the lake. ‘Twas an easy, pleasant hike as the two-track was away from and above the water affording great views of the lake and surrounding hills. And we made a foray down a side-track to the water where we relaxed a bit with the gentle sounds of small waves coming ashore (brought back fond memories of fishing trips with my Dad as a kid at similar lakes in northwest Kansas).
Statistics
Total Distance: 1.42 miles Elevation: start 7,421 ft, maximum 7,567 ft, minimum 7,381 ft Gross gain: 184 ft. Aggregate ascending 401 ft, descending 401 ft Maximum slope: 19% ascending, 22% descending, 6% average Duration: 1:41
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
After enjoying a lay day, following our hike above 11,000′ on the Continental Divide Trail, on this Fourth of July we skipped the big parade on Pagosa Springs and headed for a popular trail nearby.
The Drive In
The drive out on a road that was in some places quite circuitous, we enjoyed some wonderful scenic views back across the valley. As suspected, this is a well-used trail, easy surface and terrain, but we were early in the day (and the parade was ongoing) we had the trail mostly to ourselves on the way out.
The Hike
Fourmile Falls Hike.2017-07-04
At times we were in forest, along other stretches we were in more open space; occasionally we could hear the sound of Fourmile Creek running over rocks or maybe beaver dams. From about 3/4 of a mile we caught first site of one of the two waterfalls, the one on Fourmile Creek. A 1/2 mile further on the 2nd waterfall, the one on Falls Creek, came into view. Both are reported to be 300′ high. The hike back was easy enough (after the earlier hikes), during which we watched the Rocky Mountain rain cells appear, move, and dissipate, tho’ one did find it’s way to us and sprinkled for 20 minutes or so.
Jay here: This was our last hike in the Pogosa Springs area and a good choice for a finale. The rainbow at the 3 mile mark is impressive…perhaps 500-600 feet high. The hike begins with a lot of descents that only make you dread the return trip when your legs are weary and you have to hit all the ascents. We had some light rain on the return and I broke out the poncho. All in all, a great finish to 5 days of hiking.
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.04 miles Elevation: start 9,156 ft, maximum 9,569 ft, minimum 8,973 ft Gross gain: 603 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,542 ft, descending 1,541 ft Maximum slope: 33% ascending, 37% descending, 8% average Duration: 4:03
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
For our third day in the San Juan Mountains/Pagosa Springs, we headed UP, maybe above the tree line? To Wolf Creek Pass and a section of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).
The Drive In
It is a long way up a steep highway US 160, from 7,800′ elevation to 11,800′ at the trailhead above the Pass. It was obvious immediately that we -would have- scenic views.
The Hike
CDT-Wolf Creek Pass.2017-07-02
From the Lobo Trailhead we descended across a snow bank to meet up with the CDT about 1/2 mile on. For the next 1.4 miles the trail continued down, a medium width, well traveled trail but on a quite steep hillside. From here it went up a bit, at least as far as we went before stopping for our mid-hike break and return trip. The views in every direction are stunning, looking across valleys to the next section of the San Juan Mountains. ‘Tho we weren’t “above the tree line”, many of the peaks above 12,000′, some over 13,000’ and were barren.
Jay here: It was a bit chilly and windy atop the CDT trailhead. You start out behind the big radio towers and immediately walk over a snow covered trail. Most of the trail is in the open and some portions are narrow ledges along steep hillside. If you fall on that hillside you are going roll quite a way before you can stop yourself, a fact that offers little comfort to me and my vertigo. Other parts of the trail run through older forest where there is still snow on the ground. There were also a lot more corn lilies in the meadows we crossed. This was another hike that had descents at the start that made for a long slog back at the return, but we persevered.
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.07 miles Elevation: start 11,742 ft, maximum 11,742 ft, minimum 11,148 ft Gross gain: 695 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,448 ft, descending 1,447 ft Maximum slope: 34% ascending, 30% descending, 8% average Duration: 4:26
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
This was our second day of hiking in the San Juan mountains near Pagosa Springs. Our original plan was to hit the north end of the Quartz Ridge Trail, the trailhead located about 3 miles up the East Fork San Juan River on County Road 667 from the campground. After parking, we soon discovered that the trail required crossing either the East Fork San Juan River or Sand Creek, both of which were running large and fast. Not prepared for wading, we turned towards the Coal Creek trail, the trailhead being on the other side of the parking area.
The Hike
Coal Creek Hike.Jay.2017-07-01
The trail, well marked like the Turkey Creek Trail, presented us with a steady climb from the git-go. Except for an area of open hillside near the start, we were in fairly dense forest throughout – not many scenic views like those we’re accustomed to in New Mexico – with lots of aspen (-big- aspen), ponderosa pine, douglas fir, scrub oak, and more. About 2 miles into the hike on the Trail we found ourselves tracking parallel to a very nice brook – the sound of water coursing over rock falls and fallen tree trunks was quite pleasant.
We started the hike with 3 layers of clothing, the temperature being quite cool (’twas 48° when we arose in the camper that morning); even tho’ we were going to higher elevations, conditions warmed, we doffed layers, and .. it was time to take a break and head back down.
Jay here: Coal Creek really raised the bar for us in terms of elevation and some constant ascents but we were up to it. Most of the hike was in old growth forest with large aspens (that some people just can’t resisting leaving their initials on) and there were a few streams that seemed to originate as springs.
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.52 miles Elevation: start 7,914 ft, maximum 9,248 ft, minimum 7,914 ft Gross gain: 1,312 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,787 ft, descending 1,787 ft Maximum slope: 45% ascending, 43% descending, 14% average Duration: 4:36
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
Our first day of our 5-day camping and hiking trip to Pagosa Springs. We had reserved 6 nights in the East Fork Campground maintained by the Forest Service. Site #4 was a nice back-in site for the R-Pod – level spot, picnic table and fire pit, an area providing full sunlight for a good part of the day for the solar panels to keep the R-Pods batteries charged, pit toilets, and water was available – a hand-pump at the far end of the campground (near site #26). Tho’ the campground is a loop and we were near the entrance, it was still a quiet site.
The Hike
Turkey Creek Hike.jay.2017-06-30
With advice from a ranger at the Visitor’s Center in Pagosa Springs and a map he provided, we chose the Turkey Creek hike for starters. The trail head was not far from the campground and from the description would be a good introduction to hiking at this higher elevation. Initially the well-marked trail proceeded downhill, until we crossed Turkey Creek. The trail then ran parallel to the creek which was visible at times in the steep canyon to the right.
About 2.4 miles into the hike the canyon floor opened up presenting a large open, flat area obviously used frequently for camping. We had our mid-hike break at the far edge of a large open area, finding some shade (the sun made it feel hot) and breeze (to get away from the flys and mosquitoes). Tho’ a review of GoogleEarth suggests this would be a great trail for a longer hike and other attractions nearby, we headed back taking a side-trip to get closer to Turkey Creek and explore the camping area.
Jay here: This was our first hike in the Pogosa Springs area so we chose something at lower elevation (for us…we typically are hiking in the 7200′ to 8800′ elevation range). It was a good choice and had some pleasant streams to cross uneventfully. We kept running into to a plant that we thought looked like mutant corn stalks, and not surprisingly we looked it up to learn that it was called corn lily and that farmers find it to be an invasive nuisance. We followed the rushing waters of Turkey Creek for part of the hike and enjoyed the sound of the clear rushing waters,
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.00 miles Elevation: start 8,301 ft, maximum 8,656 ft, minimum 8,144 ft Gross gain: 500 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,126 ft, descending 1,126 ft Maximum slope: 33% ascending, 28% descending, 6% average Duration: 3:56
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
