I’m updating this post to include other through hikes on the Bosque Trail from the BioPark to Los Poblanos.
We walk almost daily in the Bosque, the cottonwood forest along the banks of the Rio Grande, the Bosque Trail. We typically walk 3-5 miles, out-and-back, starting from 3 locations: Rio Grand Park near Tingley Beach, the BioPark, and a parking lot under I-40, by way of Floral street. Through hikes (point-to-point) are more satisfying, especially when we finish the hike with breakfast at a really nice restaurant.
The Drive In
For these hikes we start at the parking lot just off of Central Avenue, between the BioPark and the Bosque. We start by taking one of our vehicles to Los Poblanos, then in the other vehicle return to the parking lot at the Bosque Trail trailhead between the BioPark and the Rio Grande.
The Hike
BioPark to Los Poblanos Bosque Trail.2023-03-14. This track is typical of each of our through hikes.
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
Our customary routine is to be “on the go” when the local coffee shop, Java Joes, opens at 0630. We get our drinks (chai latte for Pat, hot chocolate for me) and either walk through the Huning Castle (or Country Club) neighborhood to the Bosque, or drive to the trailhead of choice for that day. This morning, after the change to Savings Time, it was dark and a bit cold, but we were at the BioPark and on the trail by 0715.
The Bosque Trail is well used, 2-person wide and for much of its distance packed clay – very easy walking. (For the distance, as an alternative, the wide levee along the main acequia is available when it is muddy in the Bosque proper). At times the trail goes along the shoreline of the Rio Grande, throughout passing through a forest of mostly cottonwood trees. In some places the trees are quite old, in other places more recent growth. Along the way we usually see porcupines high in the trees, signs of beaver activity (trails where they have dragged branches to the water), ducks and Canada geese, occasionally a coyote, and most mornings hot air balloons.
This morning, about a mile into the hike, we were greeted with a pair of the balloons among the 10 or 12 aloft. That was quite a sight – the colorful envelope in the bright early morning sun and -blue- New Mexico sky as a backdrop. The walk/hike went smoothly and making good time, enough to make our reservation at Los Poblanos.
Highlights
First – to make a through hike of nearly six miles (’tis time to get in shape for hiking in the coming months). And second – a very good breakfast at one of the nicest restaurants in Albuquerque, Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm.
Statistics
03/14/2023 Total Distance: 5.92 miles Elevation: start 4,964 ft, maximum 4,986 ft, minimum 4,956 ft Gross gain: 30 ft. Aggregate ascending 203 ft, descending 188 ft Maximum slope: 13% ascending, 13% descending, 0.7% average Duration: 2:26
11/17/2023 Total Distance: 5.83 miles Elevation: start 4,961 ft, maximum 4,985 ft, minimum 4,956 ft Gross gain: 29 ft. Aggregate ascending 271 ft, descending 254 ft Maximum slope: 11% ascending, 11% descending, 0.8% average Duration: 2:48
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.
This was a get-out-of-town day, and our first and probably only visit to see the snow in the Jemez this year, and in particular in Valles Caldera.
The Drive In
We made the full loop around NM 4: Bernalillo, San Ysidro, Jemez Pueblo and a stop at Walatowa (they are set up to serve drinks and soon sandwiches), La Cueva, Valles Caldera, White Rock, Pojoaque (and tacos at El Parasol), then home via Santa Fe. ‘Tis a 200 mile drive, but it was wonderful to return to NM 4 and the Jemez River valley after many months.
NM 4 was clear the whole way. We first encountered snow as we neared La Cueava, nearing 7,500 feet elevation. Both campgrounds (Redondo and Jemez Falls) were closed. The road into the Visitors Center at Valles Caldera was also mostly clear of snow. But the drifts on both sides were 4 feet high (and a fellow we talked reported that was 2 feet less than a week ago). And the Valle itself was white from rim to rim (and with no grass showing, it seems that the elk went to lower elevations).
As for the hike, we stopped at the White Rock Visitors Center to pick up brochures. From there signs directed us to the White Rock Overlook and to the Blue Dot Trailhead.
The Hike
White Rock Canyon Rim Trail.Pat.2023-03-10
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
This trail is billed as an easy out-and-back hike, and that it is. At times the trail is but a few steps from the sheer cliff into the Rio Grande canyon, so the views down to the river and up the other side of the canyon are stunning. The trail is well used so it is smooth with a few areas of rocky surface.
Near the end of the designated trail, we decided to turned back. On the way out I had noticed a wide, grassy ledge a few feet below the rim trail. There appeared to be a trail along that ledge – that’s curious I thought. I had also noticed a half mile back a side trail going down off of the rim trail towards the canyon. And one more clue: GAIA GPS (on which I nowadays track our hikes) showed a trail that appeared to exist on that ledge – we decided to take it.
The ledge is 30-60 feet wide, with, yes, a nice well-used trail. It descended gradually as we headed north, and we kept an eye out for a path of some kind back up onto the rim – the cliff to our left was vertical, 20 feet tall when we started, increasing to more that 50 feet. A half mile along, I referred to GAIA and noticed a ‘narrow line’ trail going towards the cliff, and on the ground signs of a trail that corresponded to the map.
Approaching the cliff, we were looking at a cleft filled with tumbled rock. After some hesitation, Pat volunteered to check it out. And up she went. I followed – the climb went smoothly, from one rock to the next, occasionally maintaining balance with hands on nearby rocks. It was surprisingly easy. NOTE: We Would Not Recommend making this loop from the Rim Trail to the ledge in the opposite direction – descending in the rock-strewn crevice would be difficult (for me, dangerous).
Highlight
The views are spectacular: looking down at the Rio Grande nearly 1000 feet below, the sheer walls 1.25 miles across the canyon, and in the distance the Sangre de Cristo mountains and Santa Fe Ski Basin 33 miles to the east. Oh, and we could see Cañada Ancha, the wash where we did the Diablo Canyon Hike; it beckons us to do that one again. (As you may notice, the photos are a bit washed out – the sky and air were hazy that day. On a day of clear air the views would be more amazing.)
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.88 miles Elevation: start 6,274 ft, maximum 6,327 ft, minimum 6,202 ft Gross gain: 125 ft. Aggregate ascending 821 ft, descending 820 ft Maximum slope: 54% ascending, 49% descending, 7.8% average Duration: 1:50
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.
The Pueblo Magico of Capulálpam de Médez was high on our list of highlights to introduce to Steve and Sharon. We reserved 2 rooms at Hotel Chorromonte for 2 nights in the center of the Pueblo, from where we could walk to the restaurants, Traditional Medicine ‘clinics’, and generally get acquainted with the Pueblo.
The Drive In
No -drive in- was required to get from Chorromonte to the trailhead located at the office of Ecoturismo Capulálpam, it was a walk of only a 1 km (2/3 mi).
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
We met Ulyses, our guide, at the office of Ecoturismo Capulálpam at 9:00 and started shortly on the trail. The trail proceeds through the lush forest of these Sierra Norte mountains. We’re told there are 7 species of pine trees, many species of deciduous trees, a myriad of plants many with medicinal uses, and many species of bromeliads. Like other guides that have accompanied us on hikes here, Ulyses stopped often to point out one or another plant, describe its features and benefits, and answer our questions.
––
Epilogue
A new attraction near Capulálpam is the Mirador de Cristal de Ixtlán de Juárez, a glass-bottom balcony extending from the end of a ridge some 800 feet above the pueblo of Ixtlán de Juárez. We enjoyed a great view of the pueblo below and to the surrounding mountains.
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.7 miles Elevation: start 6,818 ft, maximum 7,122 ft, minimum 6,802 ft Gross gain: 314 ft. Aggregate ascending 781 ft, descending 784 ft Maximum slope: 36% ascending, 36% descending, 9.4% average Duration: 2:44
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.
Our fourth outing with Jose, this one to an area that he tells us is the only rain forest in Mexico. It was definitely worth the time and the somewhat torturous drive, to an amazing place.
The Drive In
Rain Forest Trail Drivein.PatJose.2023-01-09
After our Sunrise Mirador Trail Hike and breakfast in Capulálpam, Leonel picked us up in the Ecotourismo Capulálpam pickup for the drive to Ixtlan de Juárez. There Jose had made arrangements with Ecotourixtlan for a guide and a pickup for the drive up the mountain to the Rainforest. The “road” is what we would call in New Mexico a two-track, a one lane very rocky path through the forest. The very rocky uneven surface made for a very rough ride.
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
The forest throughout this area is lush with a tremendous diversity of plant life – trees, “shrub” plants, fungi, bromeliads, mosses, lichens, things that I wouldn’t recognize. Upon reaching near 10,000 feet elevation the forest changed. The tree trunks were covered with moss and strands of moss hung from every branch – this is clearly a different kind of forest.
The trail is wide and covered with a thick layer of leaves, needles, etc., much like a thick carpet – easy walking. And it is generally flat, tho’ does descend some distance from the parking area. So this is not so much a hike as a walk through an amazing forest, with the unusual drab green colors, the mosses and lichens on the tree trunks, and moss draped on nearly every non-vertical branch. At the end the first leg of the walk we climbed up on a 30′ tall tower, enjoying a great view across the mountain tops, over clouds above and below in the valleys, and into other valleys. We walked as far down the second leg as permitted, not far enough to reach Los Pozuelo, the pool of water mentioned in the description below.
In addition to the rainforest itself, the information on the signs tell a larger story. The story here in Ixtlán del Juárez is consistent with the overall attitude of this villate and the others in the Pueblos Moncomanados – honoring and preserving their history and the natural environment. Rather than leave you to read the Spanish, I offer the translation below.
Cerro de los Pozuelos (Mountain of the Wells)
THE SIERRA JUÁREZ DE OAXACA is considered by CONABIO as a priority region for the conservation (RTP 130), as it is a region important for its great biodiversity, directly related to their particular physiography and a mixture of ecological variables. The region is part of the Area of Importance for the Conservation of Birds number 11 (AICA 11), since In its forests inhabit 66 endemic species or quasi-endemic, such as the Dwarf Chara (Cyanolica nana). This zone is separate from the areas of high value of conservation (AVC), recognized by. the community and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which together form an approximate surface of 7,595 hectares, between tropical forests and mountain mesophiles, in the latter are concentrated species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction, recognized in national and international standards.
VISITOR’s CODE 1.- Follow all the instructions that the Guide tells you for the use of the area. 2.- Respect all trails, avoiding leaving it. 3.- Respect the area. (Do not cut, mutilate, or extract specimens of plants, animals, fungi or rocks). 4.- Make campfires only in the areas intended for this purpose. 5.- Transport all waste with you generated during your visit, both organic as inorganic. Remember that this forest is the cultural and natural heritage of the inhabitants of the community of Ixtlán de Juárez, for that reason respect all living beings They inhabit our forests.
You are here, in the camping area that has space for a campfire and a place of shelter.
THE MOUNTAIN MESOPHYLL FOREST is the type of vegetation that is endangered in Mexico, as it has been reduced to a small percentage, in it that we find vegetation relic, existing since the time of the dinosaurs.
LOS POZUELOS is located 600 m from this Point, this place is much appreciated, as here. The water that filters from the top of the hill is born and when travelers used the Camino Real, They rested and drank water, before continuing their journey to the community of Ixtlan.
EL CAMINO REAL is a pre-Hispanic road transited by the Zapotecs, which communicated to the villages of Rincón and Chinantla with the Valleys Central. With the arrival of the Spaniards, it was extended to the state of Veracruz.
THE THOUSAND-YEAR-OLD TREE is an oak (Ouercus sp.), in the center of the clearing, adorned in a way natural at its base, trunk and branches by epiphyte plants (plants that live on other plants), mosses, lichens and ferns, attributes that give it a high scenic beauty.
THE FOREST OF GOBLINS is a humid temperate forest, whose main vegetation are the dwarf pines (Pinus sp.). that do not reach the 30 meters high, developing at more than 3,000 meters above sea level.
AT THE TOP OF CERRO DE LOS POZUELOS you will find a tower of observation at 3,150 meters above sea level, where you can contemplate the formation of medium clouds, effect caused by moisture convergence coming from the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, you can also observe the Cerro del Zempoalteptl, the peak of Orizaba and the coastal plain of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Drive Out
After the hike, we drove back down the road and turned toward the Mirador de Cristal, an attraction created by Ixtlan de Juarez to offer an impressive view of their village and the surrounding valleys, mountains, and some of the other villages. The Mirador is a steel structure that extends from the sharp end of a ridge above the village of Ixtlán del Juárez. In addition of the superb view of the village and the valleys beyond, the floor of the platform is glass, a challenge for those uneasy about being high with an open supporting structure. We did make a couple of rounds to test our mettle.
The truck from Ecotourixtlan that took us to the Rainforest and then to Mirador de Cristal having left, we rode back to the village in one of the ever-present moto-taxis.
Highlight
Most impressive was the transition to the nearly all green forest common above 7,000 feet in the Sierra Norte into this Rainforest. It gave me an eerie feeling, the colors and draped moss that changed the whole feeling of the forest.
Statistics
Total Distance: 1.6 miles, 2.57 m Elevation: start 10,059 ft, maximum 10,200 ft, minimum 10,018 ft start 3,066 m, maximum 3,109 m, minimum 3,053 m Gross gain: 213 ft. Aggregate ascending 213 ft, descending 307 ft gain: 65 m Aggregate ascending 65 m, descending 94 m Maximum slope: 28% ascending, 32% descending, 8.8% average Duration: 1:45
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.
This is our 2nd hike during two days visiting Capulálpam, one of the Pueblos Mancomunados, Zapotec villages in the Sierra Norte (TripAdvisor: Pueblos Mancomunados). The day before we had driven from Oaxaca city to Capulálpam and hiked from Ecoturismo Capulálpam through the forest (see Capulálpam Trail Hike – 01/08/2023).
Staying the night in a cabin at Ecoturismo Capulálpam, the next morning we were promised amazing scenery, driving and hiking to a viewpoint (mirad0r) to watch the sun rise. Up long before the crack of dawn, we met José and Leonel for the drive to the trailhead and hike to the mirador. We were not disappointed.
We met Leonel and José at 0430 and made the 8 mile drive to the trailhead. The road from Ecoturismo Capulálpam was like many in the Sierra Norte – a rough, rocky two-track roadway, in this case climbing 2,500 feet to the trailhead near the mountaintop.
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
At 5:00, it was dark at 0600 when we hit the trail. Leonel gave each of us a headlamp, and off we went with Leonel leading the way. The trail was generally a gentle slope on soft soil and pine needles in a few places climbing up a bit of rock outcrop. A mile on, we reached a vantage point which presented marvelous view across the mountains to the east, clouds in the valleys all around, and the sun beginning to present its spectacular sunrise scenery.
Reaching the ridge, we spent the next 45 minutes enjoying the view – the sun coming above the mountains, the changing light from bright orange to yellow, the clouds below us changing position and shape, even the waning moon above us to the west. As full daylight set in, we then admired the surroundings – the pine trees and various shrubs and grasses on this mountain top at 10,000 feet (3,000 meters).
On our return to the trailhead, now in daylight we enjoyed the scenery of clouds on nearby mountains and valleys, and the lush forest.
Highlight
Clearly it was the sunrise above the mountains and clouds, followed closely by the experience of hiking at night.
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.04 miles Elevation: start 9,306 ft, maximum 10,012 ft, minimum 9,305 ft start 2,836 m, maximum 3,052 m, minimum 2,836 m Gain: gross 707 ft, aggregate ascending 836 ft, descending 836 ft gross 216 m, aggregate ascending 255 m, descending 255 m Maximum slope: 36% ascending, 38% descending, 37% average Duration: 2:34
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.
Our plans for our visit to Oaxaca this year included hiking in the Sierra Norte mountains. Pat had worked extensively with José, our guide, to plan these and other activities, including a request to make 4-5 mile hikes limited to a few hundred feet of elevation gain. Consulting with him during the first couple of days in Oaxaca, we settled on a plan to spend 2 days in Capulálpam, one of the Pueblos Mancomunados, Zapotec villages in the Sierra Norte (TripAdvisor: Pueblos Mancomunados). He suggested two hikes and other activities; we would stay overnight in the cabins with Ecoturismo Capulálpam. On our 4th day in Oaxaca we were off on our first adventure with José and Alberto, the driver that he engaged to take us to Capulálpam, .
The Drive In
Alberto dropped us off at the office for Ecoturismo Capulálpam. We were shown to our cabin for the night and left our overnight kits there. Then we met our guide Leonel and we were off into the forest.
The Hike
Capulalpam Trail Hike.PatJoseLeonel.2023-01-08
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
With Leonel in the lead (on the right), the hike began uphill on a dirt/rocky road. Soon we turned into the forest on a well used trail. After crossing a small creek, we continued uphill for a mile (500 ft elevation gain). Leonel and José paused often to point out various plants, often identifying them with their scientific names and telling us about how the plants are used, some as natural medicines, others for dyeing wool (Pat’s particular interest).
For the next mile or so the trail didn’t gain much elevation (200 feet or so), but there were ups-and-downs which added to the gains (and losses). Throughout the hike we encountered many bromeliads. These are the most colorful plants, attached to the trunks or limbs of trees, many with stalks of blossoms hanging or standing upright from the plants.
Winter at home didn’t allow us to get in good shape for hiking on this trip, and having climbed nearly a 1,000 feet (nearly 2,000 feet aggregate), Pat & I were lagging. When Leonel told us the destination was another mile or more, and we would need to hike back to the trailhead, we asked to turn back at the 3 mile point. So we turned downhill, with little evidence of a trail. It was a very steep descent (~45 degrees), but on fallen leaves and needles, so it was almost like skiing downhill. We had asked Leonel to request a vehicle to meet us on the road that would take us back to the Ecotourism office. Upon reaching the road, we continued walking until the truck arrived and rode back into Capulálpam and the Ecotourism office.
Highlight
A big one is to be back in the forest of the Sierra Norte, surrounded by so many interesting and colorful plants. And next to that, hiking with José and Leonel and learning from them about their back yard.
Video by José. George, Pat, Leonel, Chili (Leonel’s terrier).
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.56 miles, 7.32 km Elevation: start 6,815 ft, maximum 7,821 ft, minimum 6,815 ft start 2,077 m, maximum 2,384 m, minimum 2,077 m Gain: gross 1,006 ft. aggregate ascending 1,939 ft, descending 1,566 ft gross 307 m, aggregate ascending 591 m, descending 477 m Maximum slope: 43% ascending, 48% descending, 13% average Duration: 4:58
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.
The forest in the Sierra Norte is filled with many subtropical plants: deciduous and coniferous trees, mosses and lichens, and bromeliads and hanging vines. We show you a few examples in the photo galleries below.
Curiosity drew us to Cerrillos Hills State Park (and with the idea we could have breakfast at Roots Farm Cafe in Tijeras on the way out, and a late lunch at The Hollar in Madrid after the hike). we visited there 4 years ago, but suspected that we didn’t fully take it in.
The Drive In
Cerrillos Hills is on the northern edge of the village of Los Cerrillos. From Albuquerque, travel north on NM 14, past Madrid about 3 miles. Turn west into Los Cerrillos before the railroad overpass. In the village, take the 1st right turn and follow the sand/gravel road to the entrance to the State Park – signs do point the way. There is a $5.00 fee for visiting – ’tis worth the contribution to NM’s state parks.
The Hike
Cerrillos Hills Trails Hike.Pat.2022-11-03
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
Cerrillos Hills is … well, hilly. There are a number of trails that wend their way through the park. The trails are well groomed ‘tho at times a bit rocky – never the less easy ambulating. Between the hills are valleys some 100 feet deep which creates a moderate amount of elevation gain. When atop the hills, the views are great – to the Sandias to the southwest, Ortiz south, even Nacimientos to the west.
The calling card for Cerrillos Hills is that was a mining boom during the period 1879-1884. Silver, gold, lead, copper, iron, manganese and zinc were extract, tho’ not in quantities to make mining economically productive. There are numerous mine sites scattered throughout the Park. Some are nothing more than a small hole with piles of gravel around it. In other cases, there is a mine shaft going down 20′ or 30′ into the ground (these are cordoned off to prevent access).An added note – we did have threatening weather – a storm cell drifted towards from the Sandias, sprinkling just enough for us to don our raincoats. And throughout the hike we faced strong winds when atop the hills. Still, it was a really nice hike in an interesting place..
Cerrillos Hills makes for a nice day trip out of Albuquerque or Santa Fe, in Autumn, Winter, and Spring (it will be hot in Summer, with no shade on the trails, and may be uncomfortably windy in Spring)
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.65 miles Elevation: start 5,764 ft, maximum 6,135 ft, minimum 5,763 ft Gross gain: 372 ft. Aggregate ascending 745 ft, descending 745 ft Maximum slope: 7% ascending, 7% descending, 6.9% average Duration: 2:37
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 embarked on a short trip into southeastern Utah, to explore that territory and to eat at a special restaurant we’d heard about. We did not make this a camping/hiking trip, but stayed in commercial lodging enroute and at a BnB in Boulder, UT. See more in the BLOG post about the trip at Utah Trip – 10/19/2022-10/24/2022.
The Drive In
From Boulder, UT the trailhead is 12.7 miles south on UT 12, then turn right onto Calf Creek Road; a half mile to the trailhead. As we drove towards the trailhead, we stopped to take in the view of Calf Creek Canyon.
The Hike
Lower Calf Creek Canyon Waterfall Trail Hike.Pat.2022-10-21
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
‘Tis a popular trail – the parking lot had few spaces open in this narrow canyon when we arrived. After signing in, we started out on a well-used trail, to be greeted by the colorful canyon walls. About a half mile from the trailhead, we spotted the petroglyphs on the far wall that we had heard about.
Along the trail the canyon walls tower above us, with the spectacular colors of the various layers. And along Calf Creek, willow and other plants remind one that there is water in the Creek.
Of course, the attraction for this trail is Lower Calf Creek Falls. This is our first view of this 130 foot high waterfall. ‘Tho the day had been warm (we shed all but our last layer of clothing), the gallery around the falls was cool enough that we put a layer back on.
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.22 miles Elevation: start 5,341 ft, maximum 5,634 ft, minimum 5,331 ft Gross gain: 303 ft. Aggregate ascending 1342 ft, descending 1342 ft Maximum slope: 74% ascending, 61% descending, 5.2% average Duration: 4:52
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.
Wishing to have a hike close to home, we returned to Oak Flats for its easy trails and autumn colors.
The Drive In
‘Tis an easy drive – east on I-40 through Tijeras Canyon, exit on NM 337 for Tijeras, then up to the top of the hill. Turn left on Oak Flat Rd, proceed for 1 mile, turn into the Oak Flats Open Spaces. Take the drive to the left, follow it around to the trailhead. (Depending on the time of day, consider stopping by Roots Farm Cafe on the way in for breakfast or coffee, or on the way out for lunch.)
The Hike
Oak Flats-Pine Loop Trails Hike.Pat.2022-10-13
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
Like other recent hikes, we started at the Oak Flat Trailhead, proceeding on Pine Loop, Gamble Oak, then hooking up with Pine Loop to return to the trailhead.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.92 miles Elevation: start 7,685 ft, maximum 7,692 ft, minimum 7,343 ft Gross gain: 350 ft. Aggregate ascending 658 ft, descending 657 ft Maximum slope: 21% ascending, 25% descending, 5.5% average Duration: 2:03
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.
During past visits to Valles Caldera, we’ve thought the view would be great from atop the mountains on the north boundary of the Caldera. A trail leads from the road that crosses the north end of the Preserve, but it entails nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain to a spot -near- the peak of Cerro de la Garita.
Also, we have been curious about the Jemez Mountains north of the Preserve, between San Valles Caldera and NM 96. Checking maps and GoogleEarth, we identified Forest Roads that 1) would take us to the north slopes of those mountains, and 2) would give us an edge of 1,400 feet for the ascent to the peak. And this would also give us a chance to explore that territory.
The Drive In
The distance from Albuquerque to Youngsville is about the same, whether going up US 550 to just beyond Cuba and then NM 96 north and east to Youngsville. Or I-25 and US 285 to Abuquiu, then NM 96 west to Youngsville. We opted for Cuba on the way out (so we could grab a burrito for breakfast at the Chaco Grill in Cuba), then returned by US 285 and I-25. Either way, it is about 124 miles.
A short distance east of Youngsville, we turned south on FR 100 for 12 miles, then turned left onto FR 99. Both roads are good Class 3s, generally through flat terrain with only a couple of narrow, steep hillside sections. And along the way they climb from 6,800 feet to 10,229 feet elevation. FR 99 tee’s into FR 144 not far from the peak of Cerro de la Garita; we parked off of the road, donned our packs, and set out for the peak.
The Hike
Cerro de la Garita North Side Hike.Pat.2022-09-27
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
An example of a “2-track opening”, a corridor cleared of trees and with faint vehicle tracks..
With no marked trail to follow (or GPS track), set set out to go uphill in a general southerly direction. After crossing the edge of a gravel pit and into open forest, we came across what appeared to be an old 2-track, an open corridor in the forest – we followed it for some distance until we realized we were not on a track towards the peak. Getting better oriented with the help of the GPS and USTopo, we turned left onto another “2-track opening” that was at least going up hill.
At some point, we decided to take a bearing (using USTopo) and set our course towards the peak. So we continued at times along a 2-track opening, at other times proceeding through the open forest, aiming for the peak. That worked – we found ourselves on the edge of the mountain, on –the peak– of Cerro de la Garita at 10,612 feet elevation.
Our first view into Valles Caldera, the northeast area – Valle Toledo.
We were looking down upon what proved to be Valle Toledo in the northeast corner of the Caldera. What a view it was.
The view of the northwest corner – Valle San Antonio.And the view down the middle of this northern area of the Caldera – the road coming from Valle Grande through Valle Jaramillo and into Valle San Antonio.
Thinking we might get a view that included the northwest area of the Caldera, we proceeded southwest along the edge of this mountain. We soon found ourselves on somewhat of a promontory, still at 10,570, looking down upon the whole north end of the Caldera. Wow, it was the view we were looking for.
A note about the photos: This was a very hazy day, and we were looking into the sun. So, then, the photos are hazy and the colors are not accurate, for either Pat’s iPhone or my Samsun phone. (Click on the photos to see them full-screen.)
Setting out to return to the Tacoma, we followed one of the 2-track openings downhill for some distance, then realized that we needed to turn north to the parking place. We were able to follow a sequence of the 2-track openings at generally the same elevation back to “our trailhead”.
A note about those “2-track openings”: As you can see from the GoogleEarth screen shot above (and your own view when you review our GPS track on GoogleEarth), thsese openings criss-cross the whole of the north side of La Garita. For a return visit in the future, I will do some pre-trip planning to lay out a GPS track that uses the openings to best advantage.
Highlight
Pat drove in from NM 96 and out as well; she expanded her experience driving on Forest Roads and I could give more time to the scenery and surroundings. And the hike proved to be an easy way to get to amazing views of Valles Caldera
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.07 miles Elevation: start 10,228 ft, maximum 10,601 ft, minimum 10,198 ft Gross gain: 403 ft. Aggregate ascending 860 ft, descending 860 ft Maximum slope: 23% ascending, 21% descending, 6.9% average Duration: 3:35
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.
