An after-the-fact post of this hike that Jay and I made before I started the BLOG. One of our early hikes, checking out trails in the Jemez Mountains.
Jay here: I had done this hike with a group way back in July of 2009 after just moving to New Mexico. It was great to get back to a hike that traverses meadow land most of the way (no cows this time). The Diego fire was burning in the Jemez that weekend, so this was an introduction to that annual summertime threat.
Statistics
Total Distance: 8.63 miles Elevation: start 8,058 ft, maximum 8,426 ft, minimum 8.058 ft Gross gain: 368 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,020 ft, descending 1,020 ft Maximum slope: 24 % ascending, 25% descending, 4% average Duration: 4:11
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 our second off-the-beaten-path hike, which I planned using GoogleEarth and topographic resources (such as Lists of John’s Interactive Map and the US Topo app on my Android tablet & phone). The goal here was to hike up Moon Canyon, then descend into the Rito Peñas Negras valley and return via the Bell Lawrence Canyon.
The Drive In
There appeared on the topo maps two routes to our selected trailhead, one from bottom of Moon Canyon from NM 126 northeast on FR 117, or one that crosses the ridge from NM 126 to FR 117 in the neighborhood of Jack Spring. Going in, we chose the latter – it is a bit rough, certainly requires a high clearance vehicle, but is passable when dry.
When leaving, we headed down FR 176 towards NM 126 – this is a -very- rough road (a challenge for my Tacoma), and ultimately was impassable because of a -huge- rock (bigger than the Tacoma) that had fallen onto the road/two-track where the road was too narrow to get around it. Thus, we turned around and headed back to the cross road and NM 126
The Hike
Moon-Rito Peñas Negras.Jay.2017-06-25
The hike began on FR 117, a two-track (it appears to be FR 117) that proceeds up the north (left) then south face of Moon Canyon and onto the ridge separating it from the Rito Peñas Negras valley. We were on the lookout for a reasonable descent into the Valley and chose to descend about 2.9 miles into the hike. The Rito Peñas Negras valley is wide and open, with a small stream flowing through its bottom fed by 2 or 3 springs (noted on the topo maps).
This is being used as pasture, and tho’ we’ve encountered cattle on other hikes, on this one it was a bull who seemed to be unhappy about our presence. So we kept our distance, staying among the trees along the edge of the valley. After eyeing each other while we had our mid-hike break, the bull finally decided he didn’t want to provoke us and headed down-valley – we didn’t see him again.
From there it was an easy hike, about 1.9 miles, to the entrance to Bell Lawrence Canyon, then up Bell Lawrence, up a steep ascent to the ridge-top, and down to parking.
Jay here: My recollection is that this was a relatively strenuous hike a lot of ups and downs and some bushwacking. Then there was the bull. While we made coffee this behemoth looked on and pawed the ground occasionally to let us know we were on his turf. It was necessary to cross a large meadow and we kept waiting for Ferdinand to come charging out of the woods and forcing us to dodge behind a tree, but he must have had a pressing appointment because we didn’t see him again.
Highlight
The Rito Peñas Negras (Black Rock Creek) is a very pleasant stream that runs the length of the canyon. We also found game trails that made some of our bushwacking a lot easier than the usual rough going.
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.67 miles Elevation: start 8,545 ft, maximum 8,882 ft, minimum 8,181 ft Gross gain: 701 ft, Aggregate ascending 1,737 ft, descending 1,738 ft Maximum slope: 45% ascending, 43% descending, 9% average Duration: 4:06
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 exploited all the trail for which I could find others’ tracks, I spent some time on GoogleEarth and top maps (for example, Lists of John’s Interactive Map) to develop a plan to hike up Telephone Canyon, descend into Calaveras Canyon via a side canyon we had visited earlier (Calaveras Canyon Hike), proceed to the upper end of Calaveras, cross over into Moon Canyon, and find our way back to parking.
The Hike
Telephone Canyon Plus.Jay.2017-06-11
Proceeding up Telephone Canyon was via a two-track – easy walking. About .7 mile along, we encountered a crossing two-track which we followed northwest for about .4 mile until finding a slope on the right that looked promising for a descent into the Calaveras side canyon. This required some bushwhacking, working around deadfall and underbrush for about .3 mile brought us to a fence and the open canyon bottom. Another .3 mile and we found ourselves in Calaveras Canyon (just as planned!).
We then headed up (north) in Calaveras Canyon; the canyon floor was open but the surface was quite rough with the large clumps of grass we’ve found in other canyons. Fortunately, the cowpath through the center of the canyon floor made walking easier. We proceeded up the canyon for about 1.3 miles, to virtually the head of the canyon, and then headed northwest (to the left), up the slop to gain the ridge top from which we planned to descend from there in to Moon Canyon. Because I got a bit confused and didn’t take an easy descent into Moon Canyon, we hiked south on the ridgetop until we found another reasonable slope down into Moon Canyon. This required some bushwacking, so after about .4 mile we stopped for our mid-hike break.
Then we descended into Moon Canyon where the canyon floor made for easy hiking. We soon came upon a two-track which we followed for about .7 miles, then ascended up a medium steep slop to the ridge top, back down into Telephone Canyon where we picked up the outbound two-track and returned to parking.
Highlight
I was pleased with the lessons learned from this first off-the-beaten path hike. Heretofore we’ve followed tracks published by others; I hope this and our reports of such hikes in the future will be helpful for others wishing to enjoy these wonderful Jemez Mountains.
Jay here: This was a challenging hike for total length and ascents. And don’t forget the bushwacking…there was plenty of that as well. We departed the 2-track at one point and plunged down a steep hill, followed by a barbed wire fence that had to be crawled under….just another walk in the woods.
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.88 miles Elevation: start ft, maximum 8,987 ft, minimum 8,525 ft Gross gain: 462 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,495 ft, descending 1,491 ft Maximum slope: 34% ascending, 45% descending, 7% average Duration: 4:13
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.
We returned again to the Jemez Mountains, to explore the canyons north of Fenton Lake.
The Drive In
This time we drove up FR 378, to the head of the set of canyons that branch off of Calaveras Canyon – Barley, Bear, Oat and Hay, this day to hike Pony Canyon and an unnamed canyon north of and parallel to Pony.
The Hike
Pony Canyon.Jay.2017-06-04
From parking, we surmounted a ridge to descend into the upper reaches of Pony Canyon. Some distance down the slope we found ourselves on a 2-track (which we later discovered we had passed on our way up FR 378 to parking). We followed the 2-track the length of Pony Canyon, generally open meadow-like in the canyon floor but, as with the other canyons, a rock wall on the right (north) side and steep slope on the south side of the canyon.
About 1.8 miles from where we started, we found the north side of the canyon permitted ascent to the ridge above – perfect to cross that ridge into the unnamed canyon to the north. Near the ridge-top we had our mid-hike break, then angled down into the unnamed canyon. This canyon’s floor wasn’t as open as the others, and at times we found ourselves skirting many down trees and occasionally clumps of underbrush.
Jay here: This was a surprisingly pleasant hike for the fact that we were surrounded by large aspen groves most of the way. It didn’t take long for it to dawn on us that this would be a magnificent walk in the fall when all the apsens have turned gold. And once again, the detritus was both interesting and puzzling. The bones of a foreleg and hoof we surmised to be that of an elk perhaps. The electric broom style vacuum cleaner is another story. Who brings a vacuum on a hike only to dispose of it? Or was it tossed out of an airplane? We’ll never know but we can dream up some strange scenarios to explain it.
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.08 miles Elevation: start ft, maximum 9,010 ft, minimum 8,587 ft Gross gain: 423 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,055 ft, descending 1,060 ft Maximum slope: 35% ascending, 37% descending, 9% average Duration: 3:12
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.
‘Tis summer, and the Jemez Mountains offer temperatures that are not so high as elsewhere near Albuquerque. So we’ve returned again to the area of other recent hikes, Oat-Hay Canyon and Barley Canyon, to another of the numerous canyons above Fenton Lake and the Fish Hatchery.
The Drive In
To get there, continue on NM 126 past the Hatchery about a mile, park on the right where Calaveras Canyon goes northeast; large rocks now block access to a 2-track that goes up the canyon.
The Hike
Calaveras Canyon.Jay.2017-05-28
A bit tight at the beginning, the canyon opens up to a wide bottom, mostly like a meadow. About a quarter of a mile up the canyon we found numerous sampling holes and other instrumentation which we presume is used to assess conditions arising from a spring; there was some water flowing which appears to be captured in a pipe near the road. Check SmugMug in the references below for more great photos of features and findings in Calaveras Canyon.
Our hike continued up the canyon with a nice wide, grass covered bottom with steep rock wall on the left and a steep slope to the ridge on the right. About 1.7 miles up the canyon we chose to take a side canyon to the left to see what was up there – it was much like the the main canyon ‘tho a bit narrower. Now 2.3 miles into the hike we stopped for our mid-hike break.
We returned to the main canyon, and thinking we might find circumstances that would permit a loop, we proceeded further up the main canyon looking for a place where we could make reasonable ascent up the left wall. We didn’t find anything promising enough to -plan- a revisit, but on GoogleEarth this area does hold promise for exploring further on our own, i.e. without reference to others who have posted their hikes (thanks ASCHG for getting us this far).
Jay here: I’m not sure if it says something about me or it’s just fate, but on many such hikes as this I run into detritus of the dead kind. In this instance it appeared to be the skull and jaw of perhaps a young calf. There was also a spine (not pictured) that would seem to fit with our supposition.
Statistics
Total Distance: 5.28 miles Elevation: start 8,115 ft, maximum 8,405 ft, minimum 8,115ft Gross gain: 390 ft. Aggregate ascending 895 ft, descending 900 ft Maximum slope: 28% ascending, 32% descending, 5% average Duration: 3:27
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.
Seeking trails new to us, we came upon ASCHG’s Barley Canyon hike. The Jemez Mountains are better this time of year, a higher elevation than around Albuquerque and generally nicely wooded forest. ‘Tis a bit distant from Albuquerque (90+ miles to La Cueva), but we find it worth the drive. On this day, instead of having breakfast in Bernalillo, we opted to eat at Highway 4 Coffee in Jemez Springs. And the scenery going up NM 4, through Canon de San Diego, through which flows the Jemez River, is stunning.
The Drive In
To get to Barley Canyon, at La Cueva turn left off of NM 4 onto NM 126. Continue past Fenton Lake; .4 mi beyond the lake turn right on a two track, FR 378. Continue up the road as far as you’re comfortable with your vehicle; we went about a mile. On weekends particularly, you can expect to pass 3, 4, or more occupied campsites. Once you decide you’ve gone far enough, park and continue up FR 378. The adventurous could continue some 3 miles further to the intersection with NM 144 which can take one back to NM 126.
The Hike
Barley Canyon.Jay.2017-05-07
We chose to hike up this two-track, which had some serious rock obstacles. Reaching the aforementioned intersection, and orienting ourselves with the aid of the GPS, rather than retrace our steps as did the ASCHG folks, we chose to head back via an adjacent canyon. We did not have tracks to follow from another hike, but we saw on the GPS Topo map that this canyon eventually descended back into Barley Canyon, not far from our parking spot. (Thanks to the US Topo app on the Android tablet to give us this picture.)
This adjacent canyon, shall I name it Barley Canyoncito?, was similar to Oat and Hay Canyons from our hike two weeks prior: an open meadow-like bottom with mainly ponderosa pine with smaller plants (shrubs) on the sides of the canyon; it was easy walking and at times we were able to follow what we believe was an animal trail, deer, cattle, maybe elk. The descent into Barley Canyon was quite easy, no rock falls to overcome.
Jay here: Another two track hike for the first half and once again the scenery made up for the lack of challenge. Not really sure how some of the campers we passed got their vehicles up the rough two track road but they got to enjoy some great weather in a secluded area of the Jemez. Returning via an adjacent canyon gave us the opportunity to do some of the overland hiking that is more typical of our hikes.
Statistics
Total Distance: 5.77 miles Elevation: start 7,992 ft, maximum 8,805 ft, minimum 7,992 ft Gross gain: 813 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,320 ft, descending 1,317 ft Maximum slope: 27% ascending, 35% descending, 7% average Duration: 3:18
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.
Time for another visit to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Pat & I visited this on one of our first visits to New Mexico together, back before it became a national monument; that is a memorable time for us both. And we have fond memories of visiting it with grandsons from Oakland as well as visits with friends.
The Hike
Kasha-Katuwe.Pat.2017-04-24
On this visit we set out to hike the complete trail, through the slot canyon and up to the crest of the mesa overlooking the hoodoos (the Slot Canyon Trail), then returning by way of the Cave Loop Trail. After the hike we continued on BLM 1101 to the Veteran’s Memorial Scenic Overlook, our first visit here and we recommend it for others who visit Kasha-Katuwe. The view down into Cochiti Canyon and its many more hoodoos, and across the southeast corner of the Jemez Mountains, including the Dome Wilderness, is spectacular.
Statistics Note: GPS data spotty in the slot canyon, unable to receive GPS signals from satellites
Total Distance: 3.04 miles Elevation: start 5,748 ft, maximum 6,379 ft, minimum 5,748 ft Gross gain: 631 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,291 ft, descending 1,285 ft Maximum slope: ??% ascending, ??% descending, ??% average Duration: 3:11
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.
To get to the trailhead in Cebolla Canyon, go west out of on NM 126, past Fenton Lake, then turn right onto FR 314, continue past the Seven Springs Hatchery; this is a very rough road – high clearance vehicle recommended. Park about 1.6 miles up FR 314 where a gate blocks further access.
The Hike
Oat & Hay Canyons.Jay.2017-04-23
The first half mile is on the forest road; then turn right to cross the Rio Cebolla towards the entrance to Oat Canyon (the first canyon on your right). This day the bottom was quite soggy, nice flow of water in Rio Cebolla and some coming out of Oat Canyon – melting snow from a storm a week before. The “trail” is on a little-used two track for about a mile through open forest in the bottom of the canyon, then for another six tenths on a mile on a two-track with easier walking.
Flora for the day: These canyons and adjacent mesas have many stands of healthy aspen.
Following ASCHG’s track with the GPS, we turned left and up over the ridge between Oat and Hay Canyons following a clearly defined trail. At the top we stopped for mid-hike break, then down the north side of the ridge – a bit steeper but an easy descent. The bottom of Hay Canyon is a wide meadow for about half a mile, then becomes wooded.
Before descending through the lower part of the canyon, we took a side trip along the top of a near-cliff face with the idea we might be able to descend, or at least have a vista view. But since we decided we would likely have to backtrack a half mile or more, we returned to the bottom of the canyon and descended the steepest part of the hike. This section was not at all difficult – rocky at times but no big-rock obstacles.
Upon reaching the Rio Cebolla bottomland, it was a half mile back to where we entered Oat Canyon, then the last half mile back to the parking.
Jay here: Another satisfying hike in the Jemez thanks to cooler temperatures at 8,000+ ft of elevation. It was more two track than we would have wanted, but the scenery made up for it. Coming upon a significant grouping of hoodoos was an unexpected bonus to the hike.
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.50 miles Elevation: start 8,067 ft, maximum 8,801 ft, minimum 8,067 ft Gross gain: 734 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,047 ft, descending 1,088 ft Maximum slope: 41% ascending, 46% descending, 7.6% average Duration: 3:19
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 a day trip out of Albuquerque, with lunch in Santa Fe on the way to Puye. After checking in with the Welcome Center on NM 30, we were directed up to the Visitor’s Center below ruins site. Since there had been snow recently, we rode up to the top of the mesa with our guide in a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
The Hike
Puye Tour.Pat.2016-01-25
The ruins on top of the mesa are extensive, as one can see on Google Earth. The guide made the visit more interesting by relating some of the history of these ruins and the Pueblo people related to the site. We descended down the face of the cliff on ladders and a path, and visited some of the many caves carved into the pumice ejected from the Jemez volcano that forms the mesa. We found the visit to be worth the trip.
Statistics
Total Distance: 0.50 miles Elevation: start 7,070 ft, maximum 7,070 ft, minimum 6,873ft Gross gain: NAft. Aggregate ascending NA ft, descending 197 ft Maximum slope: NA% ascending, 75% descending, 8% average Duration: 0:45
The track shows only part of our tour. We got on top of the mesa with a tour bus. The track then records our tour of the mesa top and then back down to the visitor’s center.
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.
Paliza Canyon to Goblin Colony, the hard way. 07/19/2015.
This hike is an easy one, leaving the parking area on a two-track, past some strip mines and what looks like the ruins of a one-room Pueblo structure. We took the wrong turn .3 miles into the hike, going to the right through a fence. After climbing to the top of the mesa/ridge, we figured out our mistake and followed a two-track down into Paliza Canyon and southwest to the Colony. The view from atop the ridge, looking south down Paliza Canyon, was amazing. As were the Goblins.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.86 miles Elevation: 6,847 start, 7,357 maximum, 6,847 minimum Gross gain: 510 ft. Aggregate ascending 824 ft, descending: 824 ft Maximum slope: 27% ascending, 31% descending, 7% average Duration: 3:03
