Category Archives: 2018

Mitla & Matatlán Tour (Oaxaca) – 01/15/2018

June 18, 2018

This is another retro-post (June 2018), about one of the excursions during our visit to Oaxaca in Jan 2018. We engaged Eduardo, a great guide, for a visit to the villages of Mitla and Matatlán.

The Tour

Mitla, in the village of San Pablo Villa de Mitla, is an important archeological site and the Zapotec culture. We visited the ruins of the Zapotec village including the courtyards and mosaics, and the San Pablo Mitla Church. These are quite amazing for the architecture and structure as well as the patterns one sees in the mosaics. And … we visited the famous “El Tule” tree in the nearby town of Santa Maria del Tule.

We then headed for Matatlán, a village known for its production of Mezcal. Driving towards and into the village we saw numerous palenques (distilleries for mezcal) along the road. Eduardo had chosen the El Sabino palenque for our visit. We learned some about the processes that take the cooked fibers of the agave pino through fermentation, then distillation of the liquid from fermentation to produce their varieties of mezcal. They served us a very nice lunch, after which we were offered the chance to sample various styles of mezcal – and of course to purchase some to take with us.

Jay here: Having Eduardo (Lalo) for a guide made this a most interesting trip. He offered up many insights into what we were seeing. E.g. stones for the zapatecan and mixtecan constructions were recycled into the Spanish built churches; the red dye used for the murals and decorative treatments contained mercury, so it kept on poisoning the painters; the short steps and tall risers in the stadium like seating were meant to make people look down out of respect. All in all, a very informative trip.

Mitla Matatlan Tour.PatJay.2018-01-15 (KML)	136 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Mitla Matatlan Tour.PatJay.2018-01-15 (GPX)	80 Downloads
Mitla Matatlan DriveInOut 2.PatJay.2018-01-15 (KML)	84 Downloads
Mitla Matatlan DriveInOut 2.PatJay.2018-01-15 (GPX)	80 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

Mitla:
Wikipedia: Mitla
TripAdvisor: Mitla

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

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

Gooseberry Springs Trail Hike #2- 06/13/2018

June 17, 2018

Two weeks ago we hiked up the Gooseberry Springs Trail on Mount Taylor near Grants. That was such a great hike, we decided to return soon with the goal of going all the way to the top. So that we could make an early-morning start, we traveled to Grants the day before and spent the night in a motel. (On the lookout for craft beer, we stumbled on the Route 66 Junk Yard Brewery – check it out on the east end of town.)

The Drive In

See the description in the previous post Gooseberry Springs Trail Hike – 06/01/2018

The Hike

After a McDonalds burrito and coffee breakfast (the only restaurant in Grants that is open early), we headed for the Goosberry Trail trailhead. See the report on our earlier hike for particulars on the first half of this hike. Oh, by the way, we made the turn onto the Trail that we missed on the previous hike. And knowing we faced a 2,000+ elevation gain, we took frequent breaks (and kept up the intake of water).

Nearing the location of our mid-hike break on the previous hike, above the tree line on this side of the mountain, we headed up towards the summit. The trail continued to be a moderate slope, well used and easy going, ‘tho on fairly steep hillsides. The views to the east, south, and west were glorious, despite the hazy atmosphere. And the views of the surrounding slopes of the mountain were stunning, particularly in the light of the early morning sun. An occasional rock outcrop added another dimension of Mother Nature’s beautiful work. ‘Tho it has been hot at lower elevations, the early start coupled with the upslope breezes made the weather conditions quite cool and pleasant.

Reaching the summit, we enjoyed an extended break with coffee and empenadas, and taking time to enjoy the sights. Heading down, again the slope and general condition of the trail made the descent reasonably easy. And looking at the scenery from this new angle or direction made it beautiful in ways different that during the ascent.

Close to a mile from the summit on the way down, we opted to follow the ‘canyon’ towards -the- Gooseberry Spring. ‘Tho not a marked trail, we found ‘trails’, tracks left by cattle, elk or deer, a maybe people, that were easy to follow and allowed us to remain in shade (the temperature was rising and the sun intense). For a short time we rejoined -the- Gooseberry Trail, but then descended again into the ‘canyon’ and followed it until the point where the Trail crosses the ‘canyon’. From there it was about 2/3rd of a mile back to the truck.

Statistics

Total Distance: 6.69 miles
Elevation: start 9,273 ft, maximum 11,314 ft, minimum 9,273 ft
Gross gain: 2,041 ft. Aggregate ascending 2,366 ft, descending 2,364 ft
Maximum slope: 32% ascending, 40% descending, 12% average
Duration: 8:44

Gooseberry Trail Hike.Pat.2018-06-13 (KML)	181 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Gooseberry Trail Hike.Pat.2018-06-13 (GPX)	114 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.

References and Resources

See Gooseberry Springs Trail Hike – 06/01/2018

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

Tree Springs-Fossil Garden Hike – 06/10/2018

June 16, 2018

Seeking cooler territory without driving too far today, we headed for the East side of the Sandias and a shaded trail we’ve hiked back in 2014 and 2015 – Tree Springs – extended this time to visit the Fossil Garden (from ASCHG’s hike). After breakfast at the Placitas Cafe, we drove up NM 165 (Las Huertas Canyon) to NM 536 (Crest Highway), then left, -downhill- to the parking area for the Tree Springs Trail (#147). [Note: NM 165 in las Huertas Canyon is a -very rough- road. It is not a road to travel on in a ‘city car’. Without a high-clearance vehicle, one risks snagging a rock with some important part under the car. And it is so rough that vehicles not designed for such rough roads are likely to suffer damage or some form of ‘hurt’. So be advised!]

The Hike

Tree Spring-Fossil Garden Hike.Jay.2018-06-2018
(Ignore the snow on the GoogleEarth image. It was a warm summer day, in the 80s on the mountain.)

The trailhead is easy to find – it has it’s own parking area off of NM 536 (crowded on this Sunday morning). The trail presents a steady climb from the trailhead to the Sandia Crest Trail and a bit further to the edge of the top of the Sandia Mountains. It is shaded most all the way leaving few opportunities for horizon views; the surface is at times quite rocky, demanding concentration on the trail (easier since the absence of views avoids such distractions). Immediately after passing through a gate into the Wilderness Area, which is just beyond the intersection with the 10k Trail, the Crest Trail crosses Tree Springs – there are no signs for guidance.

We chose to continue up to the crest for the view across Albuquerque and the Rio Grande valley. Satisfying our appetite for the view, we descended and turned south onto the Crest Trail, continuing the 1 mile to the Fossil Garden. After getting adjusted to what these fossils look like, we found many different and interesting specimens (examples in the photos below). After our mid-hike break, we headed down to lower elevation (and warmer air).

Jay here: This hike brought back the memory of the last time we hiked this trail. That would be the time I forgot to put on my hiking boots so I had to make the hike wearing slip-on shoes (it takes almost 40 minutes to get up or down the dirt road portion of NM 165, so we were not going back for my boots). The almost continuous shade makes this an ideal summer hike…assuming you have the appropriate footwear.

I’m taking a photo of Jay, while he’s taking a selfie.

Statistics

Total Distance: 6.59 miles
Elevation: start 8,467 ft, maximum 9,499 ft, minimum 8,467 ft
Gross gain: 1,032 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,787 ft, descending 1,775 ft
Maximum slope: 25% ascending, 24% descending, 9% average
Duration: 4:31

Tree Spring-Fossil Bed DriveOut.Jay.2018-06-10 (KML)	131 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Tree Spring-Fossil Bed DriveOut.Jay.2018-06-10 (GPX)	70 Downloads
Tree Spring-Fossil Bed DriveOut.Jay.2018-06-10 (KML)	114 Downloads
Tree Spring-Fossil Bed DriveOut.Jay.2018-06-10 (GPX)	114 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.

References

ASCHG: Tree Spring Trail to Fossil Garden Hike
AllTrails: Tree Spring Trail
SummitPost: Tree Springs Trail

Jay's Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show

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

Gooseberry Springs Trail Hike – 06/01/2018

June 5, 2018

Our second day on a camping trip to the Grants area instead of heading to the Jemez (see the post for the Bluewater Lake Hike). We had considered the Coal Mine Campground for the previous night, but because this was our first trip out with the R-Pod, we took the easy route – Grants KOA. On this day, ‘tho, we set out to check out the Coal Mine Campground and after a visit to the Mount Taylor Ranger Station, hike the Gooseberry Springs Trail.

The Drive In

The campground is quite nice, with a few nicely shaded sites (no electric services, but the usual pit toilet in National Forest campgrounds). Having checked out of the KOA, we brought the R-Pod up the 9 miles and 1,000 feet elevation gain (on a very nice paved road) to Coal Mine Campground and parked it in a nice drive-through site. After brunch, we headed on up Lobo Canyon Road/NM 547 to the turnoff (FR 193, gravel) to the trailhead (5.2 miles) for the Gooseberry Springs Trail. FR 193 passes through ponderosa and juniper forest, but with many turnoffs that appeared to be quite suitable for primitive camping (RV or tent).

The Hike

Gooseberry Springs Trail Hike.Pat.2018-06-01

The trailhead is clearly marked, as is the beginning of the trail. However … at about 3/4 miles into the hike we missed a turn for the -real- trail and followed an old two-track that was quite rocky in spots. After about 1.5 miles, with the help of a trail track on US Topo on the phone/GPS, we headed up-hill (easy bushwhacking) and across where we found a well-used, easy to walk trail. We followed this uphill for another .25 miles when we found ourselves out of the forest, on more open land.

As we continued uphill, there were fewer trees until we came into completely open space with stupendous views to the south and west. Another .25 miles and we were at the top of a saddle and could now see the vista to the east. After enjoying our mid-hike coffee/snack break, we headed back downhill, passing many cows and calves which we had encountered on our way up. We stayed on that well-used trail for the distance back to the truck.

Throughout the hike, especially on the actual Gooseberry Springs Trail, the climb and descent, the slope was gentle. The trail surface was rocky in very few places; otherwise dirt or, in the forested area, covered with pine needles. It is another mile or so from our mid-hike break spot to the top of Mount Taylor. That portion of the trail is completely in the open, great for the vista views. We could see the trail as it tracked up the slope with one large switchback about 2/3rds to the top. We’ll be going back soon to make it to the top.

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.94 miles
Elevation: start 9,274 ft, maximum 10,253 ft, minimum 9,274 ft
Gross gain: 979 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,147 ft, descending 1,147 ft Maximum slope: 38% ascending, 28% descending, 11% average
Duration: 3:46

Gooseberry Trail Hike.Pat.2018-06-01 (KML)	142 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Gooseberry Trail Hike.Pat.2018-06-01 (GPX)	224 Downloads
Gooseberry Trail DriveOut.Pat.2018-06-01 (KML)	183 Downloads
Gooseberry Trail DriveOut.Pat.2018-06-01 (GPX)	73 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.

References and Resources

US Forest Service: Gooseberry Springs Trail
Gooseberry Springs Trailhead
Four Corners Tourism: Gooseberry Springs Trail – Mt. Taylor
AllTrails: Gooseberry Springs Trail to Mount Taylor
SummitPost: Mount Taylor
Gooseberry Springs Trail
Hiking Project: Gooseberry Trail
ondafring: Day Hike: Mount Taylor
ASCHG: Mount Taylor From Gooseberry Spring Hike
Stav is Lost: Hike Mt. Taylor via Gooseberry Springs Trail

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

Bluewater Lake Hike – 05/31/2018

June 5, 2018

We made plans to take our R-Pod camper to the Jemez Mountains for a ‘shakedown’ trip, not having used it in a year or so. Then, the day before our planned departure, we learned that the Forest Service was to -completely close- the Santa Fe National Forest to all visitors. No camping, hiking, fishing, .. all activities. This forced us to quickly make alternate plans; we decided to head west, to Grants and visits to reconnoiter campgrounds at Bluewater Lake and Mount Taylor. So off we went, set up the R-Pod at the KOA in Grants (’tis a nice campground, ‘tho a bit expensive), and we headed to Bluewater lake (and to Mount Taylor the next day).

First, this is a quite nice lake for New Mexico. ‘Tis said the fishing is good (nice perimeter around the lake, some of which one can drive upon), and the State Park Campground is also quite nice. The campground is divided into 3 sections; Pinon Cliff has some great views of the lake, las Tusas has some sites with views (all non-electric). Canyonside and Upper Electric Loop are away from the lake, but the latter does have electric hookups. We inventoried the sites for future reference (one can make reservations for many of the sites).

The Hike

Since our goals included hiking, we set out from the end of the access road on a two-track that runs along the north side of the lake. ‘Twas an easy, pleasant hike as the two-track was away from and above the water affording great views of the lake and surrounding hills. And we made a foray down a side-track to the water where we relaxed a bit with the gentle sounds of small waves coming ashore (brought back fond memories of fishing trips with my Dad as a kid at similar lakes in northwest Kansas).

Statistics

Total Distance: 1.42 miles
Elevation: start 7,421 ft, maximum 7,567 ft, minimum 7,381 ft
Gross gain: 184 ft. Aggregate ascending 401 ft, descending 401 ft
Maximum slope: 19% ascending, 22% descending, 6% average
Duration: 1:41

Bluewater Lake Hike.Pat.2018-05-31 (KML)	157 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Bluewater Lake Hike.Pat.2018-05-31 (GPX)	68 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

New Mexico State Parks: Bluewater Lake State Park
ReserveAmerica: Bluewater Lake, NM
NM Buerau of Geology and Mineral Resources: Bluewater Lake State Park

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

Lybrook Badlands Walkabout – 05/13/2018

May 27, 2018

After visiting various places in the Ojito Wilderness, then working our way west into the area around Cuba – Mesa de Cuba West, Mesa Penistaja, and Ceja Pelon Mesa, I came upon maps of ‘all’ the badlands, extending all the way to the Chaco River (The American Southwest’s Map of the San Juan Basin Badlands and NM Magazine’s Badlands Walkabout). It only seemed reasonable to next check out Lybrook. Talking with friends at the Albuquerque Downtown Growers Market, we decided to head out that way on a nice Sunday – before summer sets in here in New Mexico.

The Drive In

Tho’ others had taken a route that brought them in to Lybrook from the west, the maps showed a shorter route – entering from the east. Well … it is a good road for most of the way, but as one enters the Badlands proper it becomes more challenging. At mile 42.4 on the Lybrook Badlands DriveInOut track for Google Earth, the road goes down a -very steep- slope (we left the Badlands going out the west road). Otherwise, thanks to the oil and gas industry, the roads are quite good.

The Walkabouts

Lybrook Badlands Walkabout.PatKelleyPatB.2018-05-13

Using ACSHG’s GoogleEarth track, Lybrook Badlands, we followed the two-track to its end, beyond their parking spot. And there we found the most amazing formations. I labeled this outing a Walkabout because we just wandered among the hoodoos, into small cañoncitos, up on top of the ridges – everywhere we looked there were fascinating views, shapes, and textures. There isn’t really much more that I can describe – the photos speak well.

We checked out a second area – it was interesting but I think we may have been saturated by that time. So we enjoyed our mid-“hike” break, wandered about a bit more, then headed for home. Tis a bit of a drive (two and a half hours one way) but absolutely well worth it. Check out the references below for the reports from others who have visited Lybrook Badlands.

The Walkabouts

Walkabout 1
Total Distance: 1.68 miles
Elevation: start 6,977 ft, maximum 7,029 ft, minimum 6,943 ft
Gross gain: 86 ft. Aggregate ascending 267 ft, descending 267 ft
Maximum slope: 30% ascending, 28% descending, 6% average
Duration: 2:04

Walkabout 2
Total Distance: 0.79 miles
Elevation: start 6,928 ft, maximum 6,968ft, minimum 6,928 ft
Gross gain: 40 ft. Aggregate ascending 95 ft, descending 91 ft
Maximum slope: 27% ascending, 16% descending, 5% average
Duration: 0:48

Lybrook Badlands DriveInOut.PatKelleyPatB.2018-05-13 (KML)	309 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Lybrook Badlands DriveInOut.PatKelleyPatB.2018-05-13 (GPX)	203 Downloads
Lybrook Badlands Walkabout - 05/13/2018 (KML)	486 Downloads
Lybrook Badlands Walkabout - 05/13/2018 (GPX)	240 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 (roads, features, hikes, great photo collections):

ASCHG: Lybrook Badlands West from South Hike
                .kml file: Lybrook Badlands – ASCHG
Here2Where: Lybrook Badlands
AllTrails: Lybrook Badlands
AztecNM: Lybrook (Badlands) Fossil Area (brochure, maps, features & formations)
   Lybrook Badlands (Badlands Features Placemarks, .kml file)
The American Southwest: San Juan Basin Badlands
                                                Map of the San Juan Basin Badlands
New Mexico Magazine: Badlands Walkabout, directory of the 5 badlands near Cuba, NM
Mike Spieth.com: A Lybrook Badlands Project
                                 Badlands of New Mexico
Fox Dreams: The Story of New Mexico: The Lybrook Badlands
Jim Caffrey Images Photo Blog: The Other Badlands
PhotoTrek New Mexico – San Juan Basin Badlands: Lybrook Badlands
Westernlady’s World: Lybrook Badlands (in German, good maps)

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

Ceja Pelón Mesa Hike – 05/08/2018

May 13, 2018

This is the next in the string of mesas going west from Mesa de Cuba, after Mesa Chijuilla and Mesa Penistaja. Various sources have described the area as rife with petrified wood – and we were not disappointed. Access is via the same road that we use for Mesa Penistaja, except that we turn to the left onto a two-track that leads to an abandoned oil/gas wellhead.

The Hike

From parking, the first leg is north proceeding up an arroyo towards the edge of Ceja Pelón Mesa. We proceeded west along the base of the mesa, finding many interesting examples of petrified wood, from small “shavings” up to complete logs. The latter were typically partially buried, with the exposed log showing signs of gradual disintegration. About a mile into the hike, we chose to ascend up on top of the Mesa, one of the few places we could get to the top.

Once on top we had marvelous views in all four directions; particularly interesting were the volcanic necks visible on the horizon to the south, in the Rio Puerco valley. Prominent was Cabezon, but also Cerro Cuate and others as well as Mesa Prieta; and on the far horizon the Sandia Mountains. And to the east the Nacimiento and Jemez Mountains. We found more petrified wood and logs atop the mesa as well as a variety of most interesting rock formations. We found a nice pinon tree for shade for our mid-hike break, with a fabulous view across the Badlands, the aforementioned Rio Puerco features, and Mesa Chivato & Mount Taylor.

Finishing up, we retraced our route along the top of the Mesa, continuing eastward (following the route from ASCHG) to descend back to the floor of the Badlands and back to the truck. Simply another wonderful day in the Land of Enchantment.

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.69 miles
Elevation: start 6,919 ft, maximum 7,240 ft, minimum 6,919 ft
Gross gain: 321 ft. Aggregate ascending 615 ft, descending 614 ft
Maximum slope: 36% ascending, 25% descending, 5% average
Duration: 5:37

Ceja Pelon Mesa DriveIn.Pat.2018-05-08 (KML)	199 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Ceja Pelon Mesa DriveIn.Pat.2018-05-08 (GPX)	317 Downloads
Ceja Pelon Mesa Hike.Pat.2018-05-08 (KML)	147 Downloads
Ceja Pelon Mesa Hike.Pat.2018-05-08 (GPX)	283 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

New Mexico Magazine: Badlands Walkabout
     Directory of the 5 badlands near Cuba, NM
PhotoTrek New Mexico: San Juan Basin Badlands
The American Southwest:
San Juan Basin Badlands
    Map of the San Juan Basin Badlands
Ceja Pelón Mesa
AllTrails: Caja Pelón
Living Wonderously: Enchanted Excursion
Two Swiss Hikers: Ceja Pelón Mesa
Jim Caffrey Images Photo Blog: The Other Badlands
Arthouse Photography: New Mexico Badlands: Ceja Pelón in color

George's Photos Click Here for slide show.

La Luz Trail Hike – 05/06/2018

May 11, 2018

Revisiting the ‘famous’ La Luz trail. We hiked it 4 years ago but went a bit further this time.

The Hike

Highlights this day were:

Of course the views ..
- across the Rio Grande Valley and the city, and
- -up- to the heights of the northern Sandia Mountains, the Crest as well as other rugged formations on this west side of the mountain.
With guidance from another hiker (who has been hiking the Sandias for 40 years) a cave in a densely wooded, narrow canyon.

Jay here: This hike was a good reminder of what we like and don’t like about hiking in the Sandias, particularly as the weather gets warmer. So the good thing about it is the fantastic views. And the bad thing is that there’s no cover to speak of, so you can end up feeling like a candy bar in a wrapper on the dashboard of a hot car. The shady glade by the hard to find cave was the only relief from the heat.

Statistics

Total Distance: 7.08 miles
Elevation: start 7,022 ft, maximum 8,692 ft, minimum 7,022 ft
Gross gain: 1,670 ft. Aggregate ascending 2,104 ft, descending 2,104 ft
Maximum slope: 41% ascending, 40% descending, 10% average
Duration: 4:59

La Luz Hike.Jay.2018-05-06 (KML)	203 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
La Luz Hike.Jay.2018-05-06 (GPX)	0 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.

References

USDA Forest Service: La Luz Trailhead and La Luz Trail 137
ASCHG: La Cueva – La Luz Scenic Loop Hike
Hiking Project: La Luz Trail
SummitPost.org: La Luz Trail
AllTrails: La Luz Trail
Wikipedia: La Luz Trail
Cloudhiking Mountains: Sandia Mountains – La Luz Trail
Backpacker: Albuquerque, NM: La Luz Trail
Backpacker’s Review: La Luz Trail – Cibola National Forest (8 miles)

Jay's Photos: Click Here for slide show.

George's Photos Click Here for slide show.

La Jara Arroyo Hike – 04/29/2018

May 10, 2018

On this hike we explored the south side of Bernalillito Mesa in the Ojito Wilderness, an area that we hadn’t visited before. I’ve labeled this a Wander rather than Hike – there aren’t any defined trails; the topography lends itself to just exploring. Like other parts of Ojito, the views are interesting, the geology varies greatly, and this time of year the early flowers are abloom.

The Hike

The first 1.25 miles of our wander allowed us to remain close to the bottom of the edge of Bernalillito Mesa. But then we faced a deep washed-out arroyo that we chose not to attempt crossing. So from there we wandered around the bottom of the “sub-mesa”, then back towards the mesa and a bit further for our mid-hike break. Along the way the geology changed continuously (rocks, outcrops, types of material); always great scenery near and far.

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.87 miles
Elevation: start 5,847 ft, maximum 6,024 ft, minimum 5,825 ft
Gross gain: 199 ft. Aggregate ascending 507 ft, descending 508 ft
Maximum slope: 16% ascending, 21% descending, 4% average
Duration: 4:00

La Jara Arroyo Wander.Jay.2018-04-29 (KML)	140 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
La Jara Arroyo Wander.Jay.2018-04-29 (GPX)	189 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

Hiking in New Mexico: Our hikes in the Ojito Wilderness Howdy, George Young
Descriptions, tracks, references, and photos

Jay's Photos: Click Here for slide show.

George's Photos: Click Here for slide show.

NW New Mexico RoadTrip – 04/25/2018

May 10, 2018

To extend our travels in New Mexico, we set out for a two-day road trip to the northwest part of the state. Our goal was to explore back country, spending a night in Farmington. A bit of research in advance brought to light some interesting places to visit (see the References below).

The Trip

So, it was on US 550 going west, passing through Cuba to Counselor (barely a wide spot in the road), and turning north on NM 403, a 50+ mile unpaved road that runs the length of Largo Canyon. ‘Tis a two lane, well graded road most of the time, thanks to it’s use by the oil and gas industry (this is ‘their’ territory). Flanked on both sides with mesas 50′ up to maybe 150′ in height, with many side canyons going off to the left and right. ‘Twas our plan to visit at least one of the Pueblitos (see reference to GoogleEarth file below); it soon became apparent that most of the Pueblitos are located on the top of the mesas. We identified one for which it appeared a road ascended to the mesa top not far off or NM 403: Kin-Yazhi Pueblito. We were able to crest the mesa, but the road towards the Pueblito was blocked, leaving us with a 1.7 mile hike. Uncertain about details of our plan for the remainder of the trip, we passed on the hike – next time.

Continuing north on NM 403 we found a Pueblito that was at the base of one of the mesas: Foothold Pueblito. Taking a 3 mile diversion up Palluche Wash, we then turned onto a two-track that would take us to the Pueblito. There was a moment of surprise when we looked down the two-track as it descended a -steep- embankment, then crossed 150 yards of sand in the bottom of the Wash. It was -dry- however, so with 4-wheel drive engaged, we crossed easily. And found our way to the Foothold Pueblito – quite interesting, as it sits atop a very large, rectangular rock at the base of Superior Mesa. It was then on to Farmington for the night at Casa Blanca Inn & Suites.

The next morning after breakfast at the Inn, we headed to Aztec to visit the Aztec Ruins National Monument to tour this 900 year old Pueblo. From there we went to check out Navajo Dam and Reservoir. We will remember mostly that the road crosses the dam; the two lanes are minimal width, no shoulder or guardrail, and it is a very long way down the steep slope of the face of the dam if one should leave the road. We’ll avoid doing that in the future.

From there we started out for home, but taking a short side trip to check out the miniature Natural Arches that have been located throughout the area (see the link below). We chose a side road off of NM 173 that led to 3 or 4 arches (according to the map). Parking at the perimeter of a gas well pad, we wandered around looking up at the rock face, and found them, small bridges over an opening to the sky beyond. After a small lunch, we hit the road, choosing to go ‘cross country’ on NM 537 through the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation. This road makes for a pleasant drive through forested hills, a change from the desert environment of Largo Canyon. Then home via US 550 – we’ll return for more exploring, particularly in Largo Canyon.

Statistics

NorthwestNM RoadTrip.Pat.2018-04-25,26b (KML)	158 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
NorthwestNM RoadTrip.Pat.2018-04-25,26b (GPX)	67 Downloads
NorthwestNM RoadTrip - Foothold Pueblito.Pat.2018-04-25,26 (KML)	439 Downloads
NorthwestNM RoadTrip - Foothold Pueblito.Pat.2018-04-25,26 (GPX)	315 Downloads
NorthwestNM RoadTrip - Arches.Pat.2018-04-25,26 (KML)	163 Downloads
NorthwestNM RoadTrip - Arches.Pat.2018-04-25,26 (GPX)	75 Downloads