Holiday’s visit with Sarah and Charlotte: Christmas in Tucson, a stop in Phoenix, then to Flagstaff. Hoping for snow – none. Cold at night but warm daytime. Found a trail close to the AirBnB – made for a really nice walk on well maintained and used trails.
Total Distance: 2.28 miles Elevation: start 6,984 ft, maximum 7,149 ft, 6,984 minimum ft Gross gain: 165 ft. Aggregate ascending 201 ft, descending 201 ft Maximum slope: 14% ascending, 12% descending, 3% average Duration: 1:32
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
Pat & I went looking for new territory; checked for opportunities around Santa Fe since we needed to take the Tacoma in for servicing. We were pleased to find a few opportunities more or less on our way from Albuquerque … and near the canyon through which the Rio Grande flows on its way to Cochiti Lake (White Rock Canyon). Diablo Canyon appeared to be interesting, and would allow us to reach the Rio Grande.
The Drive In
‘Tis a bit of a drive from NM 599, paved for a while, then a well-used gravel/sand road; about 22 miles to the Diablo Canyon Recreation Area. The trailhead and trail are easy to find – a few yards and down into the sandy bottom of the Canyon in the Diablo Canyon Recreation Area. It is a long drive from NM 599, about five mile on pavement, then some 8 miles on a well maintained and used gravel road. From the interchange on US 84 to NM 599, drive 3.5 miles south on 599 to the exit for Camino la Tierra, (exit 282). After about 4 miles (on pavement), turn right onto Old Buckman Road (a dirt road). These may also be marked as Sandoval County Road 77. Some 7.5 miles on, pass the Recreation Area; continue another 2.5 miles to the Trailhead.
The Hike
Diablo Canyon Hike.Pat.2017-12-23
The beginning of the trail is through a -real- canyon – vertical walls on both sides, at least 300 feet high with the flo or only 50 feet wide. And we discovered that the walls are favored by rock climbers – there were two groups at it when we arrived, with climbers gripping the rock about half way up. We were in the canyon for about half a mile, then the track opened up with a mesa on the left (south) and open scrubland on the right (north).
We walked at times on the sand of the canyon’s wash (always looking for a surface more firm than loose sand), at other times among the sparse juniper brush along the wash. ‘Twas like this all the way to the river, where we enjoyed our mid-hike break listening to the Rio Grand flow over rocks creating a Class II rapids. The return hike was easy. We found a group of climbers in the Canyon, with one climber still up on the wall (see last photo below).
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.48 miles Elevation: start 5,844 ft, maximum 5,844 ft, minimum 5,459 ft Gross gain: 385 ft. Aggregate ascending 829 ft, descending 929 ft Maximum slope: NA% ascending, NA% descending, NA% average Duration: 4:30
Note for this track: Disregard what appears to be a track that goes up on the wall within the canyon. The GPS looses satellite signals in canyons like this and records erroneous positions.
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 winter’s colder weather, so ’tis time to return to the Ojito Wilderness; we chose to start this year by returning to Hoodoo Pines. The terrain makes for easy hiking and the geology is mesmerizing. At times we followed the track of previous hikes, at other times wandered about looking for anything interesting. And the Ojito didn’t disappoint.
The Hike
Hoodoo Pines Hike.PatJayNancy.2017-12-17
Jay here: We eased back into the Ojito with a relatively easy hike to start the winter exploration here in the Rio Puerco Valley. Leo the West Highland White Terrier was a great trail dog who often led the way on this hike. Besides fascinating geology there’s a lot of history in the valley that centers on the 4 villages that attracted land grant farmers for many years until the water and drought send them packing in the late 40s and mid 50s. Excellent bakers favored us with homemade Oreos and chocolate chip cookies that outshined our usual fare.
Update: A few days after the hike, Pat and flew out of Santa Fe and over the Ojito Wilderness. She took these aerial photos of Arroyo la Jara and the end of Bernalillito Mesa, where we hiked to Hoodoo Pines. The photos were taken with an iPhone; we were flying about 2000 feet above the terrain.
In this photo, the parking area is in the lower right corner. From there we hiked to the base of Bernalillito Mesa in the upper center of the photo.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.77 miles Elevation: start 5,797 ft, maximum 5,956 ft, minimum 5,790 ft Gross gain: 166 ft. Aggregate ascending 438 ft, descending 439 ft Maximum slope: 29% ascending, 29% descending, 4.5% average Duration: 3:42
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.
Wishing to have a short day, we chose to stay close to home. Looking for territory on the north end of the Sandia Mountains that we haven’t already hiked (near Placitas), I used Google Earth to identify a canyon that looked attractive.
The Drive In
GE showed a road leading to a spot near the mouth of this canyon, and I had sketched out a path to guide us with the GPS. But we discovered my starting point was from a road that is private; we decided to not park there. Instead, we headed to the Agua Sarca trailhead near Tunnel Springs.
The Hike
Sandy Bottom Canyon Hike.Jay.2017-12-10
We proceeded up the Agua Sarca trail for a ways, then headed west towards the canyon of interest. Using the GPS on the Android phone, and the topo maps in the US Topo app, we bushwhacked our way over ridges and across 2 arroyos, when we came across a trail (with many cairns, so I’ve dubbed it Cairn Trail). We followed Cairn Trail until it headed north, not the direction we needed to go. So, back to bushwhacking, across another 2 or 3 arroyos, and discovery of a very old two-track (which made things easier). When the two-track petered out, we had just a few steps into canyon.
After that bushwhacking, it was a relief to have a smooth sandy bottom in this canyon with only occasional rock outcroppings that we had to traverse; and there were very little downfall to impede our way. The slope was steady and easy going. We were in and out of sunlight; in the shade of the sides of the canyon it was quite cool and there was a dusting of snow on the ground from squalls last week. We continued up the canyon until it became narrower and there were obstructions ahead, and we wished to preserve energy for bushwhacking we expected to face on the return. So we had our mid-hike break 2.5 miles into the hike.
The return down the canyon went smoothly. We set our sights on using more of the two-tracks and trails we had discovered on the way out. That worked – we had only a short bushwhack from the two-track to the Cairn Trail, which in turn met up with the Agua Sarca Trail. Whew, that was a lot easier than the outbound portion of this hike. I’ve been unable to find any name for this canyon, so we’ve dubbed it Sandy Bottom Canyon. That aptly describes it, especially in contrast to NoName, Del Agua, and others in the area which have long sections of rocky surface and some have rock faces that are a challenge to climb up (or down).
Jay here: Just when you are convinced you’ve seen it all when it comes to the hiking opportunities in the Sandias, you realize there’s lots more out there…and some trails/canyons do not even have names. BTW, it was days later when I realized that I went to school with a girl named Sandy Bottom. What a coincidence.
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.69 miles Elevation: start 6,355 ft, maximum 7,128 ft, minimum 6,610 ft Gross gain: 518 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,534 ft, descending 1,531 ft Maximum slope: 29% ascending, 32% descending, 11% 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.
This was a combination trip – explore a Forest Road that has been on our to-do list (FR 10) and take advantage of the Forest Service’s permission to cut a Christmas tree. We first stopped by the Forest Service Ranger Station in Jemez Springs for our tree-cutting permit. For $10, we could go anywhere in the National Forest and cut any species of tree; we were given a map and suggestions on places to go. Since we had FR 10 on our minds, we chose to proceed on up NM 4, then start at the north end of FR 10 and exit at the south end, passing familiar places: Goblin Colony, Kiatsukwa and Boletsakwa ruins, and Paliza Campground on our way out.
The Drive In
FR 10 begins at NM 4, about 7 miles east of La Cueva, where one drives through the neighborhood of Vallecitos de los Indios. We travelled about 2.5 miles, including a stretch of road that is on the side of the mesa, thus a bit narrow with a steep falloff on the right. Once atop the mesa, we spontaneously decided to leave FR 10, turning right onto FR 136. This road was a two-track, but obviously heavily used. We drove along FR 136 for about 2.5 miles, where it began to get twisty and steep.
The Hike
FR10-FR136 Tree Cutting.Pat.2017-12-05
We parked and began hiking down the road with a couple of diversions toward the edge of the mesa for the impressive views down into the East Fork of the Jemez River. (We thought we were looking down upon Jemez Falls, which we visited recently. At home, looking at Google Earth, we were some distance downstream from the Falls; the view was spectacular none the less.) The second diversion led us to an area ideal for camping; with road access and opens pace, it is on our list for future overnight trips. And, from this vantage point, we looked down upon an amazing array of hoodoos; check out the photos below.
Another purpose for our diversions was to find a Christmas tree. There were many good looking trees from which to choose – we found one to our liking, cut it with the bow saw we had brought, and put it in the truck to take home. After a snack break, we headed back to FR 10 and south towards home.
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.35 miles Elevation: start 8,417 ft, maximum 8,493 ft, minimum 8,206 ft Gross gain: 287 ft. Aggregate ups & downs: ascending 665 ft, descending 666 ft Maximum slope: 48% ascending, 51% descending, 10% average Duration: 1:49
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 explored most of the canyons of of FR 144 and the lower portion of NM 126 above the Fish Hatchery, we set out to explore hiking off of FR 376. A couple of opportunities came to light by casting about via Google Earth and the topographic maps.
The Drive In
We chose to enter FR 376 from it’s north end, some 3 miles up NM 126 from La Cueva, and check out Trail Canyon, some 6 miles on FR 376 from NM 4.
The Hike
Trail Canyon Hike.Jay.2017-12-03
Our hike began where the Rio Cebolla crosses FR 376; Fenton Lake is upstream on the Rio Cebolla initially following a two-track. After crossing a fenced area (along the edge of private land), we found ourselves in an area of heavy downfall, the result of a fire sometime since 2014; the going was difficult, climbing over down tree trunks etc. Our track angled off to the left (from Rio Cebolla) to head up Trail Canyon. Here we were passing through generally forested territory (no trail, only occasional game trails) with some downfall.
The change in elevation was gradual; rock cliffs were interspersed with steep slopes to the canyon walls. As we neared the head of the canyon, it became narrower and the downfall more prevalent. We had set our sights on topping out at the canyon’s head, but having gone as far as we wished, we stopped for our mid-hike break at 3.5 miles. We hoped to find an alternative route to return to the truck, but each option we looked at seemed to involve a very steep descent back into the canyon or a large increase in distance. Thus, we returned on the outbound track, except for scirting the downfall in the burn area.
An added attraction to choosing to hike along FR 376, one can return to Albuqerque by proceeding south down the Guadalupe Canyon and the Rio Cebolla, a nice valley with a burbling stream that flows year round. At the placename Porter, the Rio Cebolla is joined by the Rio de las Vacas, becoming the Rio Guadalupe. FR 376 also leads to the Gilman Tunnels which are themselves interesting, but the canyon (also referred as the Guadalupe Box) is a surprise and it is stunning. (The road, FR 376, becomes NM 485 south of the Tunnels.)
Jay here: This hike was remarkable for both its length and distance. While the ascent was not particularly difficult, large portions of the canyon were filled with the kind of underbrush that gives you constant whiplash. The downed tree trunks section was also daunting. Getting to the head of the canyon surprised me as I truly thought we were going to be unable to reach that endpoint when I saw how the canyon narrowed more and more. A challenging hike for sure.
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.92 miles Elevation: start 7,489 ft, maximum 8,365 ft, minimum 7,489 ft Gross gain: 876 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,393 ft, descending 1,389 ft Maximum slope: 33% ascending, 32% descending, 6.6% average Duration: 4:45
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
After such a great hike in Valles Caldera at the upper end of San Antonio Canyon (FR144, San Antonio Canyon, North), I sketched out another track to explore further north on this western edge of the Caldera.
The Drive In
We proceeded further on FR 144, past where it makes a hard left turn to the west, then taking a two-track to the northeast up Road Canyon (4WD and high clearance, but otherwise straightforward) until encountering a fence. Parked here, crossed the fence into the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
The Hike
Road Canyon Hike.Jay.2017-11-19
The first few hundred feet were challenging, with a great deal of downfall. We then found ourselves on a good two-track heading south. We were on the lookout for a descent into a small canyon that would take us into the Caldera; we chose a path down which wasn’t difficult, but next time we would enter this small canyon at it’s head. Once out in the open, as on the other hike the going was easy and the views across the Caldera stupendous.
We followed a fence line heading northeast, on the lookout for the canyon that would take us back up on the ridge above the Caldera. Passing two inviting canyons, one of which had a serviceable two-track, we stuck to the planning sketch and went to the third canyon, the one with a spring (according to USGS Topo). This canyon also had a two-track, tho’ not “serviceable” in its present condition; ’twas a quite steep climb of some 450′; although the speed curve on the GoogleEarth profile shows that we weren’t going very fast, it was a really good workout.
Once atop the ridge, we found the expected two-track, followed it until the sketch indicated we should go cross-country to return to our outbound track and the truck. The two-track was in excellent condition, showing a fair amount of recent traffic. With the aspen groves in this area, it may be a prime place to visit for fall colors next year, but some exploring will be required to find an entry point to this two-track.
Jay here: I believe on top of the ridge is where we just caught the ass-end of a group of elk. They leave droppings but have so far proven to be illusive. And another steep climb once out of the Caldera.
Statistics
Total Distance: 5.00 miles Elevation: start 8,922 ft, maximum 9,076 ft, minimum 8,436 ft Gross gain: 640 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,089 ft, descending 1,097 ft Maximum slope: 33% ascending, 43% descending, 9% average Duration: 3:12
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.
On this day, we set out to explore FR 144 beyond our previous furthest hike, Pony Canyon. Specifically, we chose a route down into San Antonio Canyon, following a two-track depicted on the Topo maps. We didn’t know what to expect – GoogleEarth didn’t show much of a track down the 700 feet from FR 144 to the Canyon floor. But, it is a two-track that has been used in recent times, making for an easy descent.
The Hike
San Antonio Canyon North Hike.Jay.2017-11-12
As we hiked down the two-track, we enjoyed the views of the open valley and the Rio San Antonio. We proceeded southeast along this bend in the Rio, then rounded up northeast to follow the Rio upstream. The view across the Caldera were stunning – rolling hills covered with grass and the rim mountains on the horizon.
Following a sketched track that I had made with Google Earth, a times on a two-track and sometimes following a fence, we hiked along the Rio for a while, enjoying the sound of a steady stream of water over rocks. Where the Rio turned northeast towards the middle of the Caldera, we headed north towards a two-track that appeared on Google Earth to provide a reasonable ascent back atop the ridge. Along the way we passed three active springs, the first one feeding directly into the Rio.
As we proceeded along the edge of the open Caldera, to the left were steep slopes, sometimes cliffs, up to the top of the ridge. After crossing two or three ridges, we came to the “canyon” that seemed to offer the best chance for an “easier” ascent. After some bushwacking, we discovered an old two-track, consistent with our suspicions – those two-track makers would certainly find the best routes. It was still a challenging climb – some 500 feet in less than a mile. Once on top we stopped for our mid-hike break among a beautiful of now leaf-less aspen, their white trunks reaching up for New Mexico’s blue skies.
We continued on the two-track that brought us up on the ridge. From here we made good time on two-tracks, some with signs of recent traffic.l After a couple of intersections with other two-tracks and a brief bush-whack along a fence, we were back at the truck. This was another amazing hike.
Jay here: It was a sight stopper. The bubbling creek running through the Caldera was a bonus attraction. I never catch a break on the bushwhacking…not sure why that is. Wait, I know why. George has the maps!
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.19 miles Elevation: start 8,761 ft, maximum 8,963 ft, minimum 8,334 ft Gross gain: 629 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,212 ft, descending 1,214 ft Maximum slope: 34% ascending, 45% descending, 7% average Duration: 4:13
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 our plan on our visits to the cabin at El Cerrito to take out a day during our stay and hike in the Manzanos. On this trip we headed to the Fourth of July Campground and chose the Fourth of July Trail. One can park at a trailhead a half mile short of the campground, but we pressed on the the campground. The campground itself is closed, so people must park at the entrance, then hike through the campground to the trailhead. There are ample signs to keep one on track, at the trailhead and at major waypoints along the trail.
The Hike
Fourth Of July Hike.Pat.2017-11-17
The trail makes a steady ascent from parking, through the campground, and on up the canyon. About a mile into the hike we came upon the Fourth of July Spring. Here we found some 100 yards of occasionally damp trail, a small stream of water along which grew a jointed marsh; unusual to find in this arid climate. Along the way we passed junctions to the Spring Loop Trail (a short one), the Albuquerque Trail, Fourth of July Trail Spur (a good loop back to the main trailhead outside the campground), and near the end of our hike the Cerro Blanco Trail. We were tempted to continue on the Cerro Blanco, anticipating that it would take us to the crest of the mountains. But we were running out of time, so we headed back to the truck. Not having stopped of a “mid-hike” break, we made coffee on the tailgate before heading back to Albuquerque.
Highlight
We will return to this area in the future – there are many options for out-and-back hikes as well as loops. And the trails are in good condition.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.72 miles Elevation: start 7,506 ft, maximum 8,424 ft, minimum 7,506 ft Gross gain: 918 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,278 ft, descending 1,277 ft Maximum slope: 47% ascending, 44% descending, 11% average Duration: 2:24
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 seems to be a popular destination, although most people get to the falls on the East Fork Jemez Trail from the Battleship Rock trailhead on NM 4.
The Drive In
We chose instead to start at the Jemez Falls Campground trailhead.
The Hike
McCauley Warm Springs Hike.Pat.2017-11-10
The trail is easy to follow, seems to be well used. The first half mile is easy, a clean trail with little elevation change. It then starts a descent into the Jemez River canyon with stretches of the trail that are quite rocky. About 1.25 miles on, the trail generally follows a topo line, descends a bit more to enter the short side canyon in which the Spring resides. To reach the springs and 3 pools, one must bear to the right and climb up this side canyon .2 miles or so. (We were tempted by what appeared to be a well-used trail that bore a bit off to the left, but noticed a log had been placed across it, a common signal that -this- is not the/a trail.)
Two of the pools looked like great for soaking, although the water was at best luke-warm. The bottoms looked to be sandy. A couple who were there ahead of us were enjoying the upper pool; I judge it to be about 3 feet deep. We doffed our boots and soaked our feet for a bit, and allowed the guppies to tickle our toes.
The return was uphill, not our favorite for the last half of a hike. We were nudged on uphill, having made note on the way down of a short side trail leading to an overlook where we might have our mid-hike break. We were not disappointed – the view was great. (See the short excursion to the south on the GPS track at the 3.23 miles from start, or about half a mile from the trailhead.)
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.78 miles Elevation: start 7,942 ft, maximum 7,994 ft, minimum 7,377 ft Gross gain: 617 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,372 ft, descending 1,370 ft Maximum slope: 47% ascending, 48% descending, 12% average Duration: 4:04
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.
