Category Archives: Flowers

Trips highlighting photos of flowers.

Rainforest Trail Hike and Mirador de Cristal Visit – 01/09/2023

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.

The Hike

Rain Forest Trail Hike.PatJose.2023-01-09 (incomplete GPS track)

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.

1. 1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Rain Forest Trail Drivein.PatJose.2023-01-09 (KML)	71 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Rain Forest Trail Drivein.PatJose.2023-01-09 (GPX)	46 Downloads
Rain Forest Trail Hike.PatJose.2023-01-09 (KML)	51 Downloads
Rain Forest Trail Hike.PatJose.2023-01-09 (GPX)	81 Downloads

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.

Other hikes to Capulálpam
Other hikes around Oaxaca.

References and Resources

Oaxaca Mio: Ixtlán de Juárez
Motociclo: Destinos para Llegar Rodando, Ixtlán de Juárez
ViveOaxaca: Ixtlán de Juárez, Oaxaca (Información y Ecoturismo)
AllTrails: Cerro de los Pozuelos
El Universal Oaxaca: Mirador de cristal de Ixtlá de Juárez, Oaxaca …
Escapada: Mirador de Cristal de Ixtlán, la belleza arquitectónica que atrapó a Yalitza Aparicio
Food and Pleasure: Conoce el mirador de Cristal … 100 metros más alto …
And many more via GoogleSearch

Photos

George’s Photos w/ Captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Sandia Crest North Trail – 10/09/2020

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‘Tis autumn when the aspen forests “bloom” in bright yellow. The northwest slopes of North Sandia Peak have a large forest of aspen. Back in 2017 we hiked the North Crest Trail hoping to catch them in full glory – we were late. This year, we again attempted to see the spectacle – but again we were just a bit late. Next year .. ??

The Drive In

From downtown Albuquerque: east on I-40 to the Tijeras turnoff, then north on NM 14 through Cedar Crest to Antonito and the turnoff for NM 536, Sandia Crest Road (also known as the Sandia Scenic Highway). The Crest Road has many twists and turns, many at 20 mph to change direction by 180° or more. But that’s the way to get to 10,000 feet in 17 miles. There is ample parking at the Sandia Crest House (‘tho a $3 “Amenity Fee” or an America the Beautiful Pass is required; our Senior Pass was sufficient).

The Hike

North Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-10-09

The trail begins at the north end of the parking lot by skirting the downhill (east) side of the radio antenna compound. A half mile along it follows along the edge of the Crest. We passed by the Ys in the trail (referred to in our hike earlier this year), intent on getting to the Del Agua Overlook and a view of aspen in full color. The trail descends almost all the way, from 10,645 ft to 9,950 ft at the Overlook. The surface is in places rocky (solid, not loose) and in other sections a dirt trail surface, often covered by aspen leaves that had fallen.

Along the way we could see aspen along the trail, some in bright color but many already turning “dirty yellow” or the leaves had already fallen. This did not bode well for the destination view. And … sure enough, most of the slope of North Sandia Peak was bare aspen, except of one section in the middle that still had some color.

After having lunch at the Overlook, we headed back in a mid-late afternoon sun. We took advantage of that light to enjoy some of the aspen along the trail that still had their leaves. They were so very bright against the clear blue New Mexico sky, almost like they were being lit from within. So we got a taste of aspen in the autumn.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.37 miles
Elevation: start 10,642 ft, maximum 10,655 ft, minimum 9,956 ft
Gross gain: 699 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,261 ft, descending 1,263 ft
Maximum slope: 56% ascending, 58% descending, 9.6% average
Duration: 4:17

North Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-10-09 (KML)	77 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
North Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-10-09 (GPX)	59 Downloads

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.

North Crest Trail-North Sandia Peak Hike – 06/18/2020
North Crest Hike – 10/12/2017

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service:
    Crest Trail 130 – North & South
    Sandia Mountain Trails (PDF)
Sandia Peak.com:
    Sandia Crest Trails and Trailheads (PDF – brochure and great map)
AllTrails: North Crest Trail
Dog of the Desert: North Crest Trail, North Sandia Peak, and Survey Trail
ASCHG:
      Sandia Crest Trail North Hike
         Sandia Crest to del Agua Hike

George's Photos (with captions): Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Rio Mora Trail Hike – 09/29/2020

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After spending time in the Jemez Mountains last week, and seeing the colors of autumn begin to appear, we were attracted to return to the Rio Mora. Another inducement: our hike in May was foreshortened because of the high water around a river-side outcropping prevented us from going further (without wading in the swift-flowing water).

The Drive In

I-25 east from Santa Fe to Glorieta, then NM 50 to the village of Pecos (6 miles). Turn left onto NM 63 to the old mining camp of Tererro (13.5 miles). From here the road becomes more of a forest road (‘tho paved and still NM 63); it is narrow and winds a lot. About a mile on you will pass the now-inoperative Tererro Mine. From Tererro the trailhead is at the Mora Campground/Mora Recreation Area (part of the Pecos CanyonState Park, also known as the Pecos Complex Wildlife Areas).
Note: The Campground/Recreation Area was closed when we visited; as I write this it is open only Thursday thru Sunday. We parked off the road outside the Campground; while we were hiking a kind person left a note, sort of a warning that the area is not open and we maybe shouldn’t park there. The ENMRD web site advises that Day Use are open daily; the Park Map (PDF) shows North Mora fishing area about 400 yards north of the Mora Campground, so that may be an alternative for parking.

The Hike

Rio Mora Trail Hike.Pat.2020-09-29

We were greeted with a most colorful and serene scene, the campground with the yellow colors of fallen leaves against the gray tree trunks and the green of ponderosa pine. And above us, the true blue of New Mexico’s skies.

We passed through the campground and continued on an old two-track which soon turned into a well-used trail. To our right the Rio Mora burbled along, plenty of water even this late in the season. Not quite a half mile into the hike we encountered our first of 3 “rock crawls”, an outcropping at the very edge of the river – the only way forward was to crawl over the rock.

So it went, a pleasant trail along the river, another rock crawl, meandering through wide areas in the river bottom among willows, scrub oak, river maple, and many kinds of ground cover. Some plants were already showing their autumn colors; certainly there will be more to come. We encountered two more “rock crawls”, plus a “log crawl”, getting over a large tree trunk, resting at a very steep angle into the river, that we had to get over.

At 1.6 miles we took our mid-hike break in a very pleasant alcove along the river. Of course, on the return we faced the same “rock and log crawls”, but this time with a bit more confidence arising from experience.

Highlight

New Mexico offers the most amazing array of colors. Perhaps the colors stand out because they are not overwhelmed by so much green, as exists in places where there is more rain and fertile soils. Even this late in the season, flowers abound to brighten the views. As autumn is approaching, leaves are turning colors, on the trees, vines, and other plants. And no doubt the clear air, without the haze of humidity or pollutants, contributes to the colorful scenery. And often the background, such as rocks, further enhances the beauty.

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.3 miles
Elevation: start 7,908 ft, maximum 8,103 ft, minimum 7,907 ft
Gross gain: 196 ft. Aggregate ascending 946 ft, descending 943 ft
Maximum slope: 35% ascending, 34% descending, 07.5% average
Duration: 4:26

Rio Mora Trail Hike.Pat.2020-09-29 (KML)	178 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Rio Mora Trail Hike.Pat.2020-09-29 (GPX)	233 Downloads

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.

Rio Mora Hike – 05/08/2020

References and Resources

New Mexico State Parks: Pecos Canyon State Park
ReserveAmerica: Pecos Canyon State Park, NM
ExplorNM: Mora (campground)
Stop Tererro Mine.org: Help Protect the Pecos

Photos

George's Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Upper Jaramillo Creek Hike – 08/27/2020

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This was a reconnoitering trip into the Jemez Mountains, to check out the status of campgrounds and reconnect with Valles Grande, both in advance of a camping trip with friends in September. First the campgrounds: San Antonio is open (reservations only thru Sep 14) ; Redondo is closed until next spring; and Jemez Falls is open (reservations thru Sep 14, First Come after that through November, but check by phone at (575)829-3535).

As for hiking? Our first choice was to go to the northeastern part of the reserve, to the Cerro de la Garitas Trail. But .. we’d arrived at the Visitor Center at 11:00, but must return by 4:30. The drive to the northern part of the Caldera takes nearly an hour, which meant we didn’t have time to make Cerro de la Garita hike. So .. we stopped halfway and hiked the Jaramillo Creek Trail.

The Drive In

A thorough description of driving to and into Valles Caldera is included in a previous post: Valles Caldera DriveAbout – 07/14/2019. Parking for this hike is near the top of a knoll as one leaves Valley Jaramillo, at the intersection of VC02 (the main road) and VC03.

The Hike

Upper Jaramillo Creek Hike.Pat.2020-08-27

The trail is a two-track that runs above Jaramillo Creek, in open grassland that is so characteristic of Valle Grande and the other valleys in the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Much of the Creek itself has been fenced in to protect the new growth of willow and other native plants from elk that are so prevalent in the area. The Preserve has an intense effort to restore the wildland to the condition before extensive logging and cattle grazing changed the environment.

We hiked out about 2.5 miles, then climbed onto a hill for the view and our mid-hike break. The weather was a bit on the warm side with almost no shade, but occasional clouds and breezes allowed us to stay cool most of the time. On the return we watched a red tail hawk ride a thermal above the valley and we came upon this Northern Goshawk that posed for us.

And as on nearly all our hikes around New Mexico, colors in abundance.

Highlight

A signature feature of Valles Caldera is the sheer immensity of the place. The valleys, like Valle Jaramillo above, are large open grasslands bordered by slopes of volcanic domes with ponderosa and fir forests. The central valley, Valle Grande, is even more immense, 5 miles of unobstructed view from west to east. And ever present are the -big- domes like Redondo Peak in the background.

Wildlife abounds as well. As mentioned above, we watched a red tail hawk ride a thermal and came upon a Northern Goshawk perched in a tree alongside the trail. We also saw flickers with their white backs, a form of bluebird, chipmunks of course, and on the drive out a small herd of elk in the distance. ‘Tis such an amazing place.

Statistics

Total Distance: 5.08 miles
Elevation: start 8,792 ft, maximum 8,996 ft, minimum 8,749 ft
Gross gain: 247 ft. Aggregate ascending 599 ft, descending 598 ft
Maximum slope: 16% ascending, 23% descending, 03.2% average
Duration: 3:31

Upper Jaramillo Creek Hike.Pat.2020-08-27 (KML)	69 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Upper Jaramillo Creek Hike.Pat.2020-08-27 (GPX)	271 Downloads

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.

References and Resources:

Previous posts for Valles Caldera and vicinity.
New Mexico Meanders: 2020-06-23 Valle Caldera (Jemez Mts, exploratory)

Middle Fork Lake Trail Hike – 08/21/2020

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This is our 2nd hike on a camping trip to Red River (see Middle Fork Lake Trail Hike – 08/19/2020). Our first choice was to return to Taos Ski Basin, to hike to Williams Lake (Williams Lake Hike – 10/14/2016). However, as we turned onto NM 150 at the entrance to Hondo Canyon, a big highway sign told us the Williams Lake Trail was closed along with all the others in the area. We learned that the area was closed for 10 days for native American “traditional and cultural purposes”.

Casting about for alternatives, on AllTrails we tracked down the Heart Lake Trail. The comments in particular appealed to us: “georgeous”, “very green”, and it appeared to follow a stream. We did not plan to go the full length, but set our sights in reaching the junction where it splits for the Latir Peak Loop Trail (per AllTrails).

Later when gathering References and Resources, I found that it appears AllTrails has misidentified the trail. Forest Service references identify the trail starting at Cabresto Lake as the Lake Fork Trail #82. It continues for some 7 miles to a cutoff for the Heart Lake Trail that leads to Heart Lake. And the junction noted for the Loop is the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the Bull Creek Trail #85.

The Drive In

To reach the trailhead at Cabresto Lake, from Cuesta “find” NM 563. From the main intersection in Cuesta, go east for a few yards, turn left on Cabresto Road, also identified as NM 563. (If you miss this turn, continue east on NM 38 for 2/3 mile; a sign will point left to Cabresto Lake. Look for another sign to turn left on South or North Kiowa Rd to get back on NM 563.) Continue on NM 563 for 6 miles, to a turnoff to the left; a large parking area is located there.

Now comes the challenging part – turn left onto FR 134A. It is wide enough to pass meeting vehicles, but … it is -very rough-, a very rocky surface all of the 2 miles to the lake. A medium-high clearance vehicle is required (a Subaru Forester will be able to handle the road but anything less will likely suffer damage). There is ample parking at the reservoir, Lake Cabresto. And the number of people, families and fishermen, showed this is a popular destination despite the road.

The Hike

Middle Fork Lake Trail Hike.Pat.2020-08-21

From the parking area above the lower end of the lake, the trail skirts the western shore for half a mile. It then follows the western slope above Lake Fork stream. The trail is well used and thus easy to follow. Most of it is easy walking tho’ there are occasionally rocky outcrops to be traversed. The stream is always within earshot, down in its narrow stream bed making loud water-rushing sounds – there was a strong flow of water over cascades and occasional small waterfalls. And with all that water, it was “very green”.

Highlight

While hiking here in New Mexico, things that flash colors and present interesting patterns capture my attention. Throughout the year, I encounter flowers of one kind or another on nearly every hike. And on many hikes I encounter something colorful or a new pattern that I haven’t seen before. And such it was on this hike. Now in late summer, with autumn approaching (and cooler nights particularly at the higher elevations), colors are coming from plants beginning their transition to winter. Here are examples from this hike:

George’s Photos w/ Captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Statistics

Total Distance: 5.38 miles
Elevation: start 9,190 ft, maximum 10,178 ft, minimum 9,581 ft
Gross gain: 1,010 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,849 ft, descending 1,846 ft
Maximum slope: 38% ascending, 39% descending, 9.2% average
Duration: 5:08

Middle Fork Lake Trail Hike.Pat.2020-08-21 (KML)	77 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Middle Fork Lake Trail Hike.Pat.2020-08-21 (GPX)	100 Downloads

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.

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service: Cabresto Lake Road/Lake Fork Trail
                                        Map of Latir Trails (KML)
                                    Lake Fork Trail #82
                                     Heart Lake Trail #85
                                        Bull Creek Trail #85
AllTrails: Heart Lake Trail
                  Latir Peak Loop Trail
Taos News: Summer Hiking in Taos: Heart Lake in the Latir Peak Wilderness
MountainZone.com: Heart Lake, New Mexico

Pat’s Photos w/ Captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Banco Bonito Hike – 07/22/2020

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This is our 2nd hike on this camping trip into the Jemez Mountains, camping in the Redondo Campground (see notes from the hike the day before). We ventured again into the southwestern corner of Valles Caldera, with a plan to explore the canyon that goes east out of Redondo Meadow. Without published trails to guide us, we went a-orienteering.

The Hike

Valles Caldera-Banco Bonito Hike.Pat.2020-07-22

The 2-track descent from Banco Bonito into Redondo Meadow.

Using our lesson from yesterday about orienteering, we set placemarks on USTopo, ready to read (and follow) bearings. We planned to descend into Redondo Meadow on the same 2-track we used the day before – a bearing of 130° from the campsite. Again with yesterday’s experience regarding the topography, we worked our way around the steeper mounds/ridges (see the featured image above). Soon enough found ourselves on a 2-track that took us to the descent. Along the way we came across the last remains of two log structures, presumably from the days of the Baca Ranch (see the references below for more on the Baca Ranch and the history of Valles Grande).

Thick grass on the edge between forest and meadow.

On reaching the Meadow, we skirted its southern boundary where we had some shade, then continued on into the canyon. We looked for the coyote of yesterday, but didn’t see him. However … not far from yesterday’s encounter, we startled a coyote pup; he scampered in front of us up and over a mound. I dashed up to the top of the mound to find a large tunnel and no sign of the pup; it must have gone into its den.

Entering the canyon we found ourselves near a Class 4 2-track, identified as VC-02. We remained in the open forest for half a mile or so. As the ground started rising and the canyon was narrowing, we hiked on the 2-track itself. We didn’t have a specific destination, only the length of the hike ..and.. a plan to return to the campground before the rain showers that were forecast for the afternoon. Thus, a mile up, where we found the first sign of any running water in this canyon, we stopped for our first mid-hike break.

2-track back up onto Banco Bonito.

We had kept an eye out as we came from our descent 2-track for any other 2-tracks that would take us back up on Banco Bonito. We had seen one across the canyon, so headed for it. But … just a few yards from our break spot, we spotted a 2-track that traversed the edge back up onto Banco. We took it – a 130′ easy climb. Back on top, we returned to orienteering – bearing and compass. In a quarter of a mile, we found ourselves on a nice Class 4 2-track. As we suspected, it generally followed the edge of Banco, with intersections to other descending 2-tracks. At one point we did take a couple of right turns to keep our course along that edge. After the 2nd turn, we intercepted the 2-track we had taken outbound; from there we generally retracedthat track. And, BTW, no more than a few seconds after we got back in the R-Pod, the rain started and it rained hard for 15-20 minutes.

Our Experience

We learned a lot the day before on our Redondo Meadow Hike. Our navigating (reconnoitering) was much better getting to our chosen destinations, and the increased confidence in finding our down into Redondo Meadow and back up onto Banco Bonito made the day more relaxed. A new focus was figuring out the identifications of the various 2-tracks that we came across. At most of the intersections there were somewhat newer signs identifying roads, and in 2 instances older signs announcing trail names (and for 1 there were turn and straight ahead arrows). It will be for a future update to his post to report on these sighs.

Statistics

Total Distance: 6.39 miles
Elevation: start 8,153 ft, maximum 8,650 ft, minimum 8,054 ft
Gross gain: 596 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,253 ft, descending 1,255 ft
Maximum slope: 34% ascending, 28% descending, 5.8% average
Duration: 5:32

GPS Track Files for Download	Valles Caldera-Banco Bonito Hike.Pat.2020-07-22 (KML)	137 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download	Valles Caldera-Banco Bonito Hike.Pat.2020-07-22 (GPX)	87 Downloads

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.

References and Resources

A note: I’ve greatly expanded this list because the history and geology of Valles Caldera is so interesting.
HISTORY & GEOLOGY
   Wanderlust: Wanderlusting Banco Bonito An interesting explanation of the geology of Banco Bonito
   Bivy: Valles Caldera: Banco Bonito
   Jemez Valley History: Valles Caldera A good history of Valles Grande.
   CNN: New Mexico’s Baca Ranch soon to be public land (2000)
   Washington Post: In New Mexico, Paradise Saved … (1999)
   Wikipedia: Valles Caldera
   New Mexico Nomad: The Valles Caldera Excellent: geology, history, other information
   ENS Newswire: New Mexico Ranch Transformed into National Preserve
   Backpacker: Baca Ranch: The Southwest’s Yellowstone
THE CAMPGROUND
   ExploreNM: Redondo
   USDA Forest Service: Redondo Campground
   Campendium: Redondo Campground

Pat's Photos w/ Captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show, or Click Here for Slide Show

George's Photos w/ Captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show, or Click Here for Slide Show

Flowers we didn’t see on the hike the day before.

Flower Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show, or Click Here for Slide Show

Redondo Meadow Hike – 07/21/2020

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This is our first hike during four days of camping in the Redondo Campground near the Valles Caldera. There aren’t any published trails in this area (that I can find), so this hike is based on planning using topo maps (primarily the US Topo Maps app on my Android smartphone).

Camping

First, some comments about the Redondo Campground. In the previous years Redondo was closed, so we were pleasantly surprised to find that it has been reopened. That was especially welcome information since there were no campsites available in the nearby Jemez Falls Campground. All campsites in Redondo are FF (First come-First serve), 62 of them. We are fortunate to be able to go camping during the week, and as hoped when we arrived there were many campsites available. In fact, during our three nights, only 3 other campsites occupied in the south loop were occupied.

The Hike

Valles Caldera-Redondo Meadow Hike.Pat.2020-07-21

This hike was an experience in orienteering since there are no published trails and few reports of hiking in the Valles Caldera, especially in this southwest corner of the Preserve. We set out to visit Redondo Meadow, starting from the Redondo Campground. The topography of Banco Bonito is interesting – 20′-50′ mounds and ridges with small valleys (vales?) between, with no discernible drainage pattern. That left us with hiking over the ridges and mounds or around them. The ground is even, often covered with pine needles or with wood chips from recent forest thinning – nice.

Stump and roots burned out.

All across Banco there was evidence of fire, some areas from long ago, other instances more recent. Indications of recent burns coupled with large areas of wood chips led us to suspect this was from a recent thinning project. Some trees were cut down, chipped, and chips were spread about particularly on 2-tracks. In other examples, the trees and their stumps must have been selectively burned; there was no evidence of fire beyond a few feet from the stump or trunk. For many of the burned cases, there were tunnels where roots must have completely burned out. This all seemed strange.

The greatest challenge, from looking at the topo maps, appeared to be getting down from Banco Bonito to the floor of Redondo Meadow. We identified a place where the topo lines were further apart and set that for our first waypoint. Approaching it, we came across a 2-track going down the slope giving us an easy descent.

We avoided going directly across the Meadow – it appeared to be a marshy area. Taking a bit of a detour, we crossed in deep but dry grass and headed up Redondo Creek on level and flat ground through open forest. ‘Tho we crossed a 2-track going in our direction, we kept our course, crossing Redondo Creek 2 or 3 times, then hiked along the stream until scrub oak and other bush-type plants made further progress difficult. We stopped for our mid-hike break, then “whacked” our way to the 2-track and started back towards the campground.

Lightning struck tree?

We proceeded on the 2-track, including a portion that was elevated above the Meadow – shaded and offered a great view down into the Meadow. From that vantage point we spotted an interesting feature, a circular area of burned grass, in the center a burned tree trunk. Looked to us like a lightning strike.

We remained on the 2-track into Redondo Creek canyon below the Meadow. As earlier, from the topo map we had identified a place where ascent back onto Banco Bonito would be easier; it proved to be a good choice. Back on the Banco, it was the same sort of hiking, mounds and ridges interspersed among small valleys, to return to the campsite.

Our Experience

What We Planned

A Plan for descending into Redondo Meadow.

For our first hike during this camping trip, we were attracted to the open space of Redondo Meadow and the upper reach of Redondo Creek. Looking at the topography, it appeared we would need to find a way to descend from Banco Bonito (where the campground is located) to the meadow floor; that became an “anchor point” for our track. From our campground site, we plotted a track that would take us ESE to a hook in the steep edge of Banco where it appeared the slope would be less than other places. Then our track would proceed across the meadow and up the creek as far as a Geothermal Well identified on the map. For the return, we planned to hike downstream anticipating we would find a way back up onto Banco.

What We Did

The plan vs actual.

This was truthfully our first attempt at “orienteering” and we learned a lot – particularly how important it is to use compass headings. We began by setting a course based on the topography, believing that between the topographic lines on USTopo and what we could see around us. We anticipated that we could follow the ridges and valleys of Banco Bonito and be going the right direction. Ooops .. as you see from our GoogleEarth track, we went northeast for nearly half a mile before realizing we weren’t going in the right direction. We then got out our compasses, set a waypoint for our destination, got it’s bearing from USTopo, and proceeded with compass in hand. Things went smoothly after that.

Following the bearing towards our intended descent, working our way around steep climbs onto mounds or ridges in the topography of Banco Bonito, we soon came across a 2-track (Class 5), likely an old logging road. We followed it for some distance, but when it turned away from the bearing to our waypoint, we were again bushwhacking. (Note: Bushwhacking is not an accurate description for transiting this forest; the forest is open, likely thinned in recent years with virtually no undergrowth – very easy hiking.)

Nearing our waypoint, we came upon another 2-track leading towards the edge of Banco Bonito. Upon investigation, we found that descended to the floor of Redondo Meadow; very nice. At the base of the descent we found trail signs, a couple of yellow-topped posts with arrows and on a tree, “Duke Trail”, and information that this is an equestrian and bike trail going up the 2-track.

Redondo Meadow, from ground level, Redondo Peak in the background.

Looking to cross the Meadow, we saw tall, very green grass, an indication that it might be marshy. To avoid a wet crossing, we worked our way to the right where the apparent marshy area was narrower. That proved to be dry and easy to cross. (As we started across the Meadow, we spotted a coyote near a pair of ponderosa pines. As we approached, it moved off 100 yards or so and began barking. Concerned that it was protecting something nearby, we skirted away from it and went about our business. More on this in the post for the next day’s hike.)

On the far side of the Meadow we hiked through more open forest, level ground, easy walking, generally following Redondo Creek. We crossed the Creek 2 or 3 times, working our way upstream until we found ourselves in -real- bushwhacking – thick growth of scrub oak and other plants, including one with thorns that seemed to reach out to grab us. With this, plus having been out for 3 miles, we chose to stop for our first mid-hike break, then start back to make this it our usual 6 mile hike.

After our break, we out ourselves onto the 2-track (Class 4) headed back towards the Meadow. Encountering a Y, we chose the ‘high road’ to the right which was parallel to the ‘low road’ and which gave us a great view of the Meadow below. Returning to the ‘low road’ at the western end of the Meadow, we continued on the Class 4 2-track towards a section of the edge of the Banco that appeared to be less steep slope and not so high. It proved to be a good choice – 100 feet of elevation gain, 17% average slope, easy.

Once back on Banco Bonito, using our newly learned orienteering approach we had successful return to the campground. But .. not before that day’s afternoon shower showed up. We were pelted by pea-sized hail with very few raindrops, which meant we didn’t get so wet; the hail shower subsided by the time we arrived at the camper.

Flowers

Many descriptions of hiking in New Mexico advertise the many flowers that can be encountered on the trails, particularly in the mountains. As you may have already discerned from other posts in the BLOG, I am entranced by them. And so, again during this trip, I captured photos of some beauties. You will find a collection in the gallery below.

Statistics

Total Distance: 6.18 miles
Elevation: start 8,145 ft, maximum 8,338 ft, minimum 7,933 ft
Gross gain: 405 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,098 ft, descending 1,099 ft
Maximum slope: 38% ascending, 30% descending, 5.3% average
Duration: 5:15

Valles Caldera-Redondo Meadow Hike.Pat.2020-07-21 (KML)	173 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Valles Caldera-Redondo Meadow Hike.Pat.2020-07-21 (GPX)	74 Downloads

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.

References and Resources

Wanderlust: Wanderlusting Banco Bonito
A very interesting explanation of the geology of the area, including Banco Bonito
USDA Forest Service: Redondo Campground
Bivy: Valles Caldera: Banco Bonito
ExploreNM: Redondo
Campendium: Redondo Campground

Pat's Photos w/ Captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

George's Photos w/ Captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Flower Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show

North Crest Trail-North Sandia Peak Hike – 06/18/2020

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After our hike to the summit of Mount Taylor (11,300 feet), having found we aren’t acclimated to the thinner air, we returned to a higher elevation than other trails – North Crest Trail on the Sandia Mountains(starts at 10,660 ft). The trailhead is at the north end of the parking lot for the Sandia Crest House.

The Hike

North Crest Trail-North Sandia Peak Hike.Pat.2020-06-18

The trail begins by skirting the downhill (east) side of the radio antenna compound. A half mile along it follows along the edge of the Crest. A mile down the trail we chose a Y to the left that kept us “on the edge” and afforded us the best views of the various features on this west side of Sandia and across the Rio Grande valley: Albuquerque, the West Mesa, Tierra Grande beyond Kirtland AFB & the Sunport to the south, and the Jemez Mountains in the distance to the northwest – spectacular (tho’ limited this day by smoke in the lower atmosphere from fires in Arizona).

About 2 miles another Y presents itself: to the right to continue on the North Crest Trail to the Del Agua Cañon Overlook (and ultimately to Placitas), or to the left a less used trail to the summit of North Sandia Peak (10,447 ft); we chose the Peak (we had done the former back in 2017). This leg of the Y was a bit difficult to identify because it began with a short rock scramble, not easy to identify -the- trail. Beyond that, as it is all along the Trail, the slope to the summit was gradual and easy. We paused at the Peak for our mid-hike break, then made the return to the trailhead, hopefully having gained some acclimatization to thinner air.

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.26 miles
Elevation: start 10,660 ft, maximum 10,660 ft, minimum 10,214 ft
Gross gain: 446 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,518 ft, descending 1,524 ft
Maximum slope: 45% ascending, 54% descending, 10.9% average
Duration: 4:06

North Crest Trail-North Sandia Peak Hike.Pat.2020-06-18 (KML)	157 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
North Crest Trail-North Sandia Peak Hike.Pat.2020-06-18 (GPX)	65 Downloads

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.

References and Resources:

AllTrails: North Sandia Peak Trail
North Crest Trail
SummitPost: North Sandia Peak
ondafringe: Day Hike: North Crest Trail to Del Agua Canyon Overlook
Visit Albuquerque: Some of the Best Hiking Trails in & Near Albuquerque

George's Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Flower Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Mesa Prieta Expedition – 03/17/2020

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‘Tis an ‘expedition’, planning to drive on roads not yet explored (DriveAbout), with intentions of hiking somewhere along the way.

The Drive In

From Albuquerque
- I-25 to Bernalillo,
- west on US 550 (20 miles)
- turn left Cabezon Road, continue through the Ojito Wilderness to Pipeline Road (Cabezon Ts into Pipeline at a pumping station (~13 mile)
- turn right (northwest) on Pipeline Road (~7.2 miles)
- turn left on a road that skirts the northern extent of Mesa Prieta to a 3-way intersection (~7 miles)
- turn right to the intersection with NM 279 (~7 miles)
- turn right on NM 279 and back to US 550 (~14 miles)

We’re familiar with the drive through Ojito, having enjoyed numerous hikes in the Wilderness. And I had been north on Pipeline some distance but was unsure what lay beyond: it proved to be a Class 4 road (graded dirt, no gravel, high clearance not required, not suitable when any of it is wet). After turning left, to the southwest, the road was much the same. And .. it brought us closer to Mesa Prieta, a place we would like to explore. Luckily, we can upon the two-track that I had spotted in GoogleEarth that appeared to end at the base of the slope up to the Mesa.

So we checked it out, only to find a gate that blocked our path not far off of the road. We turned back and continued southwest on the road. A pickup was following faster than we were driving, so I stopped to let them pass. -They- stopped and during a congenial conversation during which we told them of our interest, they invited us to go through the gate (and a 2nd one) to the tank where the two-track ended. Since this met our wishes, we returned to the two-track, through the gates, and to the tank, from which we made our hike. Note: Checking later on GoogleEarth with the “Surface Ownership” overlay, I discovered that we were on BLM land throughout.

…. Upon returning from the hike, we returned to the road and continued per our plan, through Cañon del Camino (mention in Nasario Garcia’s film “Nasario Remembers the Rio Puerco“) past Cerro Cochino to the intersection (turning left there would lead to the childhood homestead of Nasario Garcio which we visited in 2018). Then north passing other volcanic necks and west of Cabezon, onto NM 279 and on to US 550. There are so many interesting places to be explored – varying topography (per GoogleEarth), canyons, ridges and mesas, so much more. Note: After that first turn off of Pipeline Road, the land is BLM or NM State owned, as was the whole of the hike. Only when one gets near the top of this north slope of Mesa Prieta does it become private land.

The Hike

North Mesa Prieta Hike.Pat.2020-03-17

Having received clearance to pass through the gates, we turned back to the turnoff onto the two-track, an easy Class 5, and drove to the “tank”. Donning our packs, we set out .. uphill on a rocky surface (no trail here to follow). As we ascended the slope, the views from west to east across the Rio Puerco valley were stunning, even on this day with clouds and a hazy atmosphere. We could see volcanic necks all around, small and large (Cabezon), and the northern extent of Chivato Mesa to the west.

We reached a point where a route further up the slope appeared quite daunting, and we found a rock outcrop above a cliffside that would make a great place for our mid-hike break/lunch – a level ground with a great view. Then we reviewed our options for going down – retrace our steps (steep, rocky surface) or a less steep path down one of the ridges that we could see from that vantage point. We chose the latter, which proved to be an easier route. Reaching the base of the slope, we skirted a -very deep- arroyo (it amazes us to see such deep crevices created by erosion), climbed over a small ridge into another valley. From there it was an easy half mile back to the truck.

Statistics

Total Distance: 1.72 miles
Elevation: start 6,515 ft, maximum 6,882 ft, minimum 6,567 ft
Gross gain: 825 ft. Aggregate ascending 579 ft, descending 597 ft
Maximum slope: 32% ascending, 37% descending, 12.3% average
Duration: 3:29

Mesa Prieta Hike.Pat.2020-03-17 (KML)	187 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Mesa Prieta Hike.Pat.2020-03-17 (GPX)	256 Downloads
Mesa Prieta Driveabout.Pat.2020-03-17 (KML)	86 Downloads
Mesa Prieta Driveabout.Pat.2020-03-17 (GPX)	154 Downloads

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.

George's Photos w/ captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

George's Flowers w/ captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Llano Grande-Cuajimoloyas Hike – 02/04/2020

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Pat arranged this two day adventure months ago through Expediciones Sierra Norte, the organization who arranges hiking in the Pueblos Mancomunados. Our guide, José, picked us up at our place of lodging in Oaxaca City for the drive to Llano Grande. Passing through Cuajimoloyas, we stopped briefly to leave our overnight bag with the Ecotourism office (we would be staying the night in one of their cabańas). Then it was on to Llano Grande for the hike back to Cuajimoloyas.

The Hike

In Llano Grande we met our guide, Miguel, a young man (14 year old) who would be our guide for the hike. It is customary in the Pueblos Mancomunados to engage a guide for any hiking. I understand they want to avoid people becoming lost, and it is of economic benefit for the pueblos. Donning our packs, we set off. Signs welcomed us to the pueblo, to the forest trail, and pointed to other trails out of Llano Grande.

We’ve become familiar with the forest in these parts, but we encounter new experiences on each hike. For examples:

We passed a number of small fields, some awaiting tillage, some being tilled, some with standing crop of oats, and some harvested. This being the dry season, we could see preparations being made for planting before the rain season of May or June.
This area in particular is noted for having the largest of agave plants. We passed plants whose leaves were 10 feet or more in height, and plants with stalks maybe 20 feet in height. Jose pointed out that some of these agaves reproduce by starting small plants in the “nets” of the “mother” plant. In other cases, small “baby” plants are produced high on the stalk. When the stalk falls, the plants can then take root. (When an agave produces that tall stalk, it is in it’s last weeks of life; it dies thereafter.)

There is an amazing range of diversity in the plants in this forest. Of course, the various species of trees. Then things in the trees: bromeliads, mistletoe, hanging “mosses”. and in one case dripping pitch. Add to those the flowers in many colors. And as mentioned above, the giant agaves (which are not suitable for producing mezcal) and we saw a tepestate agave that is suitable (‘tho none are harvested in these mountains).

As we approached Cuajimoloyas, we came upon some tanks with clear, fresh water – trout were raised in these tanks and offered on menus in some of the pueblos in these mountains.

As the statistics show, we would classify this hike as easy (fortunately, at home we live at 5,000 feet elevation, so the altitude here was no bother). Upon arriving in Cuajimoloyas we settled in to our cabin, then went only a few yards away for a very nice ‘cena’. The next morning .. see the next post for the Cuajimoloyas-Benito Juarez Hike.

Our guide, José, is a remarkable young man. From the village of Teotitlan del Valle, his knowledge and enthusiasm made our two days with him really wonderful.

Statistics

Total Distance: 5.37 miles
Elevation: start 10,127 ft, maximum 10,560 ft, minimum 10,029 ft
Gross gain: 531 ft. Aggregate ups & downs: ascending 1,259 ft, descending 986 ft
Maximum slope: 24% ascending, 24% descending, 7.0% average
Duration: 4:15

Llano Grande Drivein.PatJose.2020-02-04 (KML)	130 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Llano Grande-Cuajimoloyas Hike.PatJoseMiguel.2020-02-04 (KML)	92 Downloads
Llano Grande Drivein.PatJose.2020-02-04 (GPX)	83 Downloads
Llano Grande-Cuajimoloyas Hike.PatJoseMiguel.2020-02-04 (GPX)	87 Downloads