Grandson Thomas came for a weeks-long visit. Our original plan was to take the R-Pod to the Coal Mine Campground on Mount Taylor, visit El Malpais Lava Tubes and climb to the peak of Mount Taylor. After the advance visit to the Lava Tubes, and with weather forecast to be -hot-, we went instead to Red River, NM. We found our way to the Columbine Campground (Forest Service) and found a walk-in campsite that was ideal.
The Drive In
After a good night’s rest and a cool start to the day (42 degrees at daybreak), we set out to take a “short”, easy hike up the Columbine Trail. The trailhead is at the south end of the campground and proceeds up Columbine Canyon, following Columbine Creek.
The Hike
Columbine Trail Hike.PatThomas.2019-08-22
The trail is well used – we saw only a few hikers on the way up. (During our return, we did meet a large group of teenagers who were staying in the group campground.) The trail does make for an “easy” hike: it is wide with a surface for easy walking and a gentle slope/elevation gain. The combination of easy going and such pleasant surroundings – we ended up going further than planned. Having not planned on a full hike, we didn’t have the usual mid-hike vitctules, but none-the-less, we paused for a while in a nice meadow before heading back to the campground.
Two features of the Trail and Canyon contributed to our enjoyment: being constantly near the stream, hearing the rush of water and seeing the many cascades and small waterfalls, and the abundance of interesting flowers, mosses, lichen, even butterflies. As a result, we frequently paused to admire things around us, and to take photos in hopes of being able to convey to others what we were experiencing (and for our own memories).
We had planned this for a short hike to leave time to visit Red River and to attend a Chuckwagon Supper and a concert by Michael Martin Murphey at his Rocking 3M Ranch. This made for a really enjoyable evening – good food, wonderful music, in a beautiful place.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.07 miles Elevation: start 7,917 ft, maximum 8,324 ft, minimum 7,910 ft Gross gain: 414 ft. Aggregate ascending 910 ft, descending 916 ft Maximum slope: 39% ascending, 37% descending, 9.0% average Duration: 2:44
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 a collection of photos of plant life that makes these hikes in the New Mexico mountains so fascinating. The colors of the things growing catch our attention and we stop often to admire them, and attempt to capture them in photos. This collection has flowers we encountered (it was late in the summer, we imagine there are many more a month ago), brightly colorful leaves and berries, interesting lichen and mosses, and the most interesting patterns of bark on the aspen and fir trees.
With a grandson coming to visit, we thought we might explore the Lava Tubes in the El Malpais National Monument. To check it out in advance, we made it a day-trip.
The Drive In
First stop was the Visitors Center located just off I-40 on NM-53 in Grants. We obtained vital information for our visit including maps and brochures as well as an information sheet for each cave. And … to get your Visitors Permit for the Tubes along with:
A briefing on protocols for visiting the Tubes
Advisories such as:
–don’t drive into the Big Tubes unless the road is -dry-,
–call a friend before going in a cave and call them again when exiting the cave, and
–wear clothing (shoes especially), a helmet, gloves, and even kneepads for protection from from the sharp lava.
[Note: Some references refer to the “El Malpais (NPS) Information Center”, 20 miles from from the Visitors Center on NM 53, as a place to get the permits. We were told this location is permanently closed.]
So, off we went, 24 miles to our first stop, the El Calderon Area and its handful of smaller caves. The parking lot is just a very short drive off of NM 53, then short and easy walks from there to the caves.
The Hikes
El Malpais-Big Lava Tubes Hike.Pat.2019-08-15Descending down into the Junction Cave.
Visiting Junction Cave, the one closest to the parking lot, we descended maybe 20′ on large rocks that are strewn about. The cave is shallow, maybe 30′-40′ across in one direction; it must go further in the other direction but a fence blocks access. On Google Earth and the brochure, there are clearly more caves to see here, but our focus was to visit the Large Tubes. Note: Though the fence blocks access, the opening in Junction Cave is so small as to require crawling; this example lines up with the description provided at the Visitors Center about the other caves in El Caldron and … the advice to bring kneepads.
Getting to the Big Tubes, one proceeds 6 miles further on NM 53, then turn left onto Cibola County 42, a gravel road, for 4.5 miles. Then it’s a left turn onto a dirt road for another 4.5 miles to the parking lot for the Big Tubes Area. [Note: The “road” for this final 4.5 miles is not maintained, is mostly clay, and should -not- be used if it is the least bit wet, or even if there has been any rain in the past 2 days.]
On the ‘lava trail’, following the rock cairns.
The parking area is at the edge of the lava flows; entering the trail we found ourselves on a very rocky/lava surface – makes walking tough. The trail is marked with rockpile cairns every 50′ or so; without them we would not have been able to find our way. There are many features in the area: the 3 caves noted in the brochures plus lava bridges, trenches where the roof of tubes have collapsed, and simply the tortuous terrain.
The day was hot, especially on the lava flows, with no shade to speak of. We decided to visit the Big Skylight Cave first. Approaching the cave we were surprised to find the trench to be quite deep, and in the bottom – very large rocks. ‘Tho not intending to go into the cave that day, we could not find a path for descending into the trench that appeared to be navigable, at least not for us. Maybe with someone as a guide?
Arching over the trench was a lava bridge from which we followed the trail to the Four Windows Cave. Like Big Skylight, access to Four Windows required descending into a deep trench; we did identify a route that we might manage, but only on a day when we were fresh for the experience (i.e., not so hot). Experiencing some disappointment, probably induced as much by the strange terrain, etc., we decided this was not a place to go during our grandson’s visit. Maybe in cooler weather?
Statistics
Total Distance: 1.27 miles Elevation: start 7,618 ft, maximum 7,650 ft, minimum 7,615 ft Gross gain: 32 ft. Aggregate ascending 171 ft, descending 173 ft Maximum slope: 35% ascending, 26% descending, 4.2% average Duration: 1:17
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 hike isn’t technically in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, but it is so close – we’re associating them. And this Las Conchas Trail on the East Fork of the Jemez River has intrigued us for some time, but we were always on our way to somewhere else when going past it. We’re -very- happy that we stopped – it’s an amazing place.
The Drive In
The Las Conchas Trailhead is just off of NM 4, 10 miles east from La Cueva. There is parking on the left (north) side of the road for 10 or so vehicles. (This parking is a quarter of a mile west of a popular rock climbing wall; folks also climb sections of the wall downstream from the Trailhead).
The Hike
East Fork Jemez River Hike.Pat.2019-07-26
As soon as we left the parking area, we found ourselves in what was almost a tropical forest. The grasses, flowering plants, shrubs, trees, mosses, everything is very lush. Both of us tried valiantly to capture this beautiful, amazing place on “film”, but .. you must be there to fully appreciate what Mother Nature has created here.
The cañon is narrow and deep with steep walls. Through the middle flows the East Fork of the Jemez River, having come out of Valle Grande of the Valles Caldera just a mile or so upstream. This is a popular place, evidenced by the wide and well-worn trail; it crosses the River a few times — on bridges (no wading required). This summer the trail is closed somewhere beyond 1.5 miles (despite what the sign says about 1.25 miles); someday we’ll continue on down the River to the Box (we’ve hiked to the Jemez Box a couple of times from the other direction).
As mentioned above, the cañon is lush with many kinds of flowers. I’ve been collecting photos of flowers on all our hikes these past 5 or 6 years, and here along the Jemez River there are the usual suspects, plus a couple that I had not seen before.
Total Distance: 2.88 miles Elevation: start 8,413 ft, maximum 8,437 ft, minimum 8,327 ft Gross gain: 110 ft. Aggregate ascending 936 ft, descending 935 ft Maximum slope: 49% ascending, 55% descending, 9.1% average Duration: 2:59
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’ve been looking forward to visiting the northern part of Valles Caldera; we visited it a few days before – Valles Caldera Driveabout – which piqued our interest. Because I was dealing with a sore foot, we chose an easy hike in the northwest corner of the Caldera, following VC-09 in Valle San Antonio.
The Drive In
The drive in to Valle San Antonio is described in my earlier post, Valles Caldera Driveabout. For this hike, we turned left (west) on VC08, parked where VC09/the pipeline intersects 08.
The Hike
VC09 Valle San Antonio Hike.Pat.2019-07-25
Then we headed west on a very easy two-track, up and over a couple of small hills. As we proceeded, we watched cumulus clouds congeal into rain showers, with just a bit of lightning, some 3-5 miles to the west. When another cell began to form to the south, we decided to turn back, avoiding getting caught in a rain shower (and away from the lightning). We did take the opportunity as we turned back to climb a small hill which afforded a great view of the valley.
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.7 miles Elevation: start 8,506ft, maximum 8,518 ft, minimum 8,402 ft Gross gain: 116 ft. Aggregate ascending 357 ft, descending 357 ft “Maximum slope: 24% ascending, 25% descending, 4.8% average Duration: 1:47
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.
My brother, Garth, came to visit us for a week. After a few days of working together on the cabin (the usual excuse for him to come to New Mexico), on Sunday with Pat we headed to the Jemez Mountains and Valles Caldera for some cooler temperatures and the scenery. Checking in at the Visitors Center of the Valles Caldera National Preserve, we learned that the culvert that was washed out this past winter had been repaired and we could drive further into the Caldera – just what we were hoping for.
The Drive from Albuquerque to Valles Caldera
For those who haven’t visited this territory, here is a screenshot of the drive from home in Albuquerque to the entrance to the Valles Caldera National Preserve. It is an 81 mile drive, via I-25 northbound to Bernalillo (19 miles), then US 550 northwest bound to San Ysidro (23 miles). From there north on NM 4, through Jemez Pueblo, Jemez Springs, and La Cueva (26 miles), then to the entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve (13 miles). To explore it further, download the GoogleEarth .KML file from the link below. [A note: don’t exceed the 30 mph speed limit in the Jemez Pueblo; their police are serious and enforce the limit.]
Valles Caldera Driveabout.PatGarth.2019-07-14
This drive itself is worth a day trip. After Bernalillo, the scenery is interesting ‘tho distant – White Mesa ahead, the red and rugged Mesa Cuchilla a bit to the right, and the Jemez Mountains off to the north. A few miles up NM 4 you will pass through the Jemez Pueblo (keep your speed below 30 mph), then a few more miles through Walatowa where the red cliffs dominate the view; the Walatowa Visitors Center is worth a visit. Along the way NM 4 follows the Jemez River with numerous parking areas for fishing (and a Forest Service campground – Vista Linda).
Leaving Walatowa and passing the Jemez Valley High School you will enter the narrow Cañon de San Diego with Mesa de Guadelupe and then Virgin Mesa on your left, and Mesa de las Casas and then Cat Mesa on your right, rising vertically from the Jemez River. NM 4 winds its way up the cañon to Jemez Springs, an interesting small village with restaurants, a truly old-time bar (Los Ojos), and a new tap room (Second Alarm Brewhouse, a “new-time” bar?). Continuing on NM 4 you will be climbing to higher elevations (and cooler temperatures), passing Soda Dam, more fishing spots, Battle Ship Rock, and … then on your right the tallest cliffs so far. Shortly you will reach La Cueva, really just a crossroad with a general store, and .. Nomad Mountain Pizza, where you will find a really great pizza (check online for their days and hours of business).
From La Cueva the climb continues – the road is ascending the southwest rim of Valles Caldera (La Cueva 7,800 ft, . About 5.5 miles from La Cueva you will make the first crossing of the East Fork Jemez River (in Cajete Cañon), and a half mile further trailheads for the East Fork Trail; the trail goes west towards McCauley Warm Springs, and east to the Jemez River Box – both make great hikes. From there the road takes you along the southern section of the rim and then down into into the Caldera. As you break out into the open, you will enjoy a grand view of Valle Grande – it is awesome. (Beware: the space of Valle Grande is so open and vast that it thoroughly confounds one’s sense of distances.)
(A note: I overheard a Forest Service Ranger at the Visitors Center point out that this Valle Grande -is only a small part the the Caldera. From NM 4 the distance to the far side of the Valle is only 4.3 miles to the north, 5.5 miles to the northeast. The diameter of the Caldera is more that 12 miles.)
The DriveAbout in Valles Caldera
As noted above, on our previous visits we weren’t able to drive past a washed-out culvert. Since then, repairs had been completed so we could drive into Valle San Antonio, the northern portion of the Caldera (screenshot below). Driving beyond the Visitors Center requires a pass and .. a promise to be back at the Center 30 minutes before closing (5:30 during regular summer hours). The road, VC01 from the Center then VC02 heading north, is well maintained (for a graded gravel road in New Mexico). It is certainly suitable for ‘street vehicles’ (high-clearance not required – just take it slow on the rocky and washboard sections). Again – distances are hard to judge – the drive from the Visitors Center to the junction with VC09 in Valle San Antonio will require 45 minutes or longer (important for planning, to as to be sure to return to the Center by 5:30).
The drive from NM4 is downhill all the way, but the view across the Valle is stunning. From here one can often see herds of elk out in the Valle – they appear so small because they are so far away. As you approach the Visitors Center, slow down for the Prairie Dogs.
Driving west from the Visitors Center (again, drive slow, watch for the prairie dogs) you will enter the Cabin District, a collection of ranch buildings from the days when this was a working ranch. The Caldera has been the set for many movies and TV series, notable among them The Lone Ranger (2013) and Longmire (2012-2017). Garth is standing in front of the cabin that was the centerpiece for Longmire.
Proceeding north on VC02, the road gains elevation and the full extent of Valles Grande becomes apparent. The Visitors Center shrinks in the distance. Some 2 miles from the Cabin District, you will pass a road down to the Horse Corral. Then around a curve into Valle Jaramillo and across the Creek (same name); this was the washed out culvert.
Continuing on VC02 north in Valle Jaramillo between smaller mountains in the reserve, the view opens up again to the west. Jaramill Creek is bounded by lush grasses (and we have seen people fishing for trout in the creek. Some 6 miles further on you will enter into Valle San Antonio, much larger than Valle Jaramillo. Another mile or so you will come to a T in the road, with VC09 going east and west from this junction. We opted to go east, for just a short distance – time was approaching when we needed to head back to the Visitors Center before 5:30.
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 and I returned to the Jemez Mountains for a 4-night stay at the Jemez Falls Campground in our R-Pod, planning to explore further in and around Valles Caldera. For our first hike, we visited Obsidian Valley in the Valles Caldera.
The Drive In
After a relaxing morning on our first full day, we stopped by the Visitors Center to get the entrance pass, then headed out into the Caldera. With the prospect of thunderstorms, we drove only 6 miles into the Caldera, then parked at the entrance to Obsidian Valley for the day’s hike. The whole of Valles Caldera is plush with grasses, many shades of green, nearly waist high in some places; it is such a contrast with other parts of New Mexico. Flowers are abundant – many colors, sizes, styles. And the ever-present New Mexico sky, the brightest of blue and this time of year, the monsoon season, brings clouds to accentuate the sky and skyline. That is the case until afternoon, when … the convective activity heats up producing thunderclouds with lightning and rain, sometimes a deluge. This makes it advisable to hike in the first half ofthe day (and still, bring a raincover of some kind).
The Hike
VC05 Obsidian Valley Hike.Pat.2019-07-23
The ‘trails’ in Valles Caldera are typically two-tracks, now off limits to any wheeled vehicle (autos, ATVs, etc.), which makes for easy hiking. The two-track, VC05, proceeds up Obisidian Valley, a gentle slope until approaching Puerto de Abrigo, a saddle between Cerros de Abrigo on the left and Cerro del Medio on the right. It’s not much of a climb, 100 feet, to crest the saddle and descend into a side-valley at the upper reach of Valle Toledo. We continued for another half mile to check out a spring that is shown on the topo maps. And a spring we found – a large area of open water and marsh, judging by the tracks in the mud a favorite place for elk and deer.
Highlights
The views throughout our visits to Valles Caldera are stunning, huge open valleys with mountains all around. Some of the mountains are lush with forest, others recovering from fires from past years. But even the burned areas have their own appeal as we see grass, oak, and other plants bringing the mountainsides back to life. And everywhere we go other colors stand out against the green grasses, the many flowering plants in white, yellow, blue, and red. This -is- such a beautiful place.
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.05 miles Elevation: start 8,711 ft, maximum 8,947 ft, minimum 8,711 ft Gross gain: 236 ft, Aggregate ascending 584 ft, descending 584 ft Maximum slope: 27% ascending, 23% descending, 4.6% average Duration: 3:10
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.
With only a half day before heading home from this 4-day camping trip to the Jemez Mountains, we chose to make a DriveAbout rather than a hike. We had explored FR 289 on a previous visit, and developed a curiosity about driving further. After scrutinizing Forest Service and Topographic maps, and having gone most of the way, our interest was to go further, to discover if we could get to St Peter’s Dome.
The Drive About
FR 289-St Peter’s Dome Driveabout.Pat.2019-06-26
We’ve developed a classification system for roads:
Class 1 – paved in good condition
Class 2 – paved but breaking up
Class 3 – “New Mexico Paved”, graded sand or gravel in good condition
Class 4 – ungraded, in good condition, typically a two-track (don’t go if not dry)
Class 5 – a two-track but -not- in good condition (high clearance vehicle required, don’t go if not dry)
Class 6 – good for hiking!
FR 289 is clearly a Class 3 – great condition even for a New Mexico Paved road (it had even been graded since our previous visit). There was one rocky, steep section with sharp drop off that gave us pause – to take it slowly and carefully. In the past, one could take FR 289 all the way to Cochiti Highway, down by Cochiti Reservoir. These days a gate at the boundary to the Cochiti Reservation prevents through traffic; when we were there “unofficial” signs so warned us.
Seven miles from NM 4 we turned left onto FR 142; this would be a Class 5 road – high clearance vehicle advised. FR 142 ends 3.5 miles from FR 289, ending with an immediate dropoff but a spot wide enough to turn around. From here a Class 6 two-track continues beyond a closed gate to the summit of St Peter’s Dome. On Google Earth I measure it to be 1 mile to the summit, from 8,118 to 8,460 feet elevation (342 ft gain); it is there waiting for us to return.
The view approaching St Peter’s Dome from FR 289; the dome has the two ‘bumps’ on its summit, the one to the right being a rock building lookout tower. Just visible as a line in the left center of the photo is FR 142 as it climbs up to the left on the northern slope of the Dome.At the end of FR 142: To the left, Boundary Peak. To the right, the two track beyond the gate leading to the summit. In the center, across the Pajarito Plateau towards Bandelier in Frijoles Canyon, across the Rio Grande Canyon below White Rock, and the Sangre De Cristo on the horizon beyond Boundary Peak.At the end of FR 142: Looking west across the deep canyons that slice through the San Miguel Mountains: Sanchez, Cochiti, Bland – very rugged terrain. And on the horizon to the right, the mountains of Valles Caldera.
As the photos show, the mesas and cañons are denuded by fires, the Dome Fire in 1996 and the Las Conchas fire in 2011. Jay and I had visited the southern area of the Dome Wilderness back in 2016 (“Dome Wilderness, Sanchez Water Fall Hike – 9/25/2016“); the area was nearly devoid of plants. This year, at least in this northern portion of the Wilderness, plants are returning (especially this year with the snow and rain we’ve enjoyed).
As mentioned in our recent Alamo Spring hike, the absence of forest affords great views. The topo map depicts three trails that emanate from the parking place, the St Peter’s Dome trail going south, the Boundary Peak trail going east, and a third trail going north. Each connects with other trails in the Dome Wilderness or Bandelier National Monument. The canyons hereabouts are steep and deep, making such hikes daunting, but they must be quite scenic. Spending some time with Google Earth (including the EarthPoint Topo Map overlay), I can see some out-and-back hikes, and in one instance maybe even a loop of 5 or 6 miles going east of St peter’s Dome.
We look forward to returning, going to the summit of St. Peter’s Dome, and exploring these other trails. The track files below show our complete drive, from the Jemez Falls campground east on NM 4, then right on FR 289, St Peters Dome Road for 7 miles, then left on FR 142 (also St Peters Dome Road).
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.
‘Twas our third approach to Cerro Grande, the tallest mountain in Valles Caldera National Preserve. Our first visit was “exploratory” (we went half way to the top), the 2nd visit two days ago as an appendix to another hike, but today ’twas our plan to go to the top.
The Hike
Cerro Grande Hike.Pat.2019-06-25
The trail up to the saddle was much like Our first visit; the grasses are still verdant but the flowers have gone past their prime. We remained on the trail rather than making a beeline for the top of the saddle. We were (pleasantly) surprised that the trail did not attack Cerro Grande directly, not a pleasant prospect because it appeared to be a steep climb and the day was sunny – such a climb would be hot and taxing. Rather, the trail headed to the east/northeast, presenting 1) a fair amount of shade and 2) a trail not so steep, rounding the eastern side of Cerro Grande and with a few switchbacks.
Nearing the top, we left the comfort of shade headed towards the summit which is marked with a large cairn, visible from a distance, and two survey markers (neither of which gave the elevation, but from other sources we understand it to be 10,199 ft; USTopo/GPS on my Galaxy 5 reported 10,194 ft). As expected the view across Valles Grande was “expansive” (?), highlighted by cloud shadows moving across the plain. The air was hazy so the views in other directions weren’t the best, but .. when the air is clear they must be extraordinary.
We retreated from the summit to the edge of the sparsely forested area to find some shade for out mid-hike break/lunch. After enjoying cups of Ramen Soup (a first for us on a hike – these hit the spot) as well as PB&J sandwich, carrots, and a cookie, we headed down, taking time to appreciate the late flowers, green of the grasses, and .. simply being outdoors again in Mother Nature’s garden.
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.53 miles Elevation: start 8,954 ft, maximum 10,194 ft, minimum 8,952 ft Gross gain: 1,242 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,493 ft, descending 1,494 ft Maximum slope: 34% ascending, 36% descending, 11.5% average Duration: 6:16
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.
Our 2nd day of a 4 day visit to Valles Caldera. We brought our bikes to learn if we’re ready for biking on back country roads. A friend’s description of the roads in the Valle encouraged us to give it a go; he judged the roads’ surface to be fair and elevation changes would be minimal within the Valle.
The Drive In
After consulting with the Ranger at the Visitors Center and getting our entrance permit, we drove to the Horse Barn; driving further was not permitted because of the culvert washout presently undergoing repair. Leaving our bikes at the top of the hill/driveway to the Barn and parking the truck at the Barn, we started riding north on VC02. This was our first time on any uneven, rocky surface and we quickly determined that we needed some practice to become safe. Shortly we came to a steep descent that would be on a surface that was even more rocky. At that point we chose to stash our bike away from the road and make this a hike.
The Hike
Jaramillo Creek Hike.Pat.2019-06-24
We walked down the hill, saw the work being done to repair the road (we remained clear of the construction area per instructions from the Ranger) and proceed up Jaramillo Creek. We followed an ad hoc trail, an old two-track that runs parallel to Jaramillo Creek (the only recent activity evident on the two-track were bicycles). Lush grasses covered the ground all around and the forest of douglas fir, spruce, and ponderosa pine trees covered the sides of Cerro Piño on our right and Redondo on our left, with burned areas on the ridge tops ahead.
The remains of a cabin, built partially into the slope of Redondo, looking down upon Jaramillo Creek.
As we proceeded north along Jaramillo Creek the views were spectacular – to the northwest across Valle Jaramillo ahead of us and behind us the huge Valle Grande. The space of this place is hard to grasp – one can see unobstructed by -any- disturbance one mile (Valle Jaramillo) or 5 miles (Valle Grande). And through the pristine clear air, distant objects seem to be much closer (until one measures the distance on a map or starts walking towards some destination and learns .. it is much farther than perceived).
Driving from Valles Caldera back to the Campground, we stopped to take in the view from a stream that feeds the East Fork Jemez River.
Planning about a 4 mile hike, when we reached two miles we found some shade to have our mid-hike break (I might better describe it as lunch, since Pat brings more for us than the granola bars Jay & I bring). After enjoying the PB&J sandwich and sliced carrots & apples, it seemed only proper to lay back and rest a bit (.. for me, a half hour nap). Looking further north, we could see more beautiful scenery – the open (huge) meadow of Valle Jaramillo, and … what might lay beyond? But we turned back towards the bikes, road them down to the Barn, and headed back to the campground having enjoyed another wonderful day in this amazingly beautiful place.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.60 miles Elevation: start 8,655 ft, maximum 8,714 ft, minimum 8,612 ft Gross gain: 102 ft. Aggregate ascending 556 ft, descending 516 ft Maximum slope: 31% ascending, 29% descending, 4.7% average Duration: 3:23
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.
Another hike near Santa Fe (thus, having a new tag: Urban for hikes easily accessible for folks living in the city). This makes a quite nice loop, with easy trail surfaces and moderate elevation changes and slopes. It begins along the Little Tesuque Creek, which on this day had a very nice flow making this first half mile or so very pleasant – the burbling stream, many grasses and flowers, and shade from the ponderosa and other trees.
The Hike
Little Tesuque-Carol’s-Juan Trails Hike.Jay.2019-06-16
About .2 mile down the canyon we encountered a Y in the trail, we “took it” – to the left, continuing on down Tesuque Creek. At the half mile point we turned right/uphill onto Carol’s Trail – no stream here and a climb up to the boundary between Dale Ball Open Spaces and the Santa Fe National Forest. From there the trail remains on the ridgetop until a quick descent into Tesuque Creek and the Winsor Trail (1.8 miles into the hike).
We chose a spot along the fast-flowing Tesuque Creek for our mid-hike break, close to the stream (flowing over rocks: noisy). A few yards up the Creek we turned onto Juan Trail to head back to the trailhead. Juan Trail proceed up (Juan?) Canyon for a mile, then climbs quickly onto a ridge. From there it descends gently back to it’s junction with the Little Tesuque Trail/Creek; from there proceed upstream to the trailhead on Hyde Park Road.
This is one of many really great hikes near Santa Fe. Four miles, 600 ft elevation (‘tho more than 1000 feet ups/downs), two creeks offering shade. Better to go early in the day because some of the trail is on ridgetops where the sun will make it feel hot. Enjoy.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.94 miles Elevation: start 7,536 ft, maximum 7,852 ft, minimum 7,508 ft Gross gain: 621 ft. Aggregate ascending 1.132 ft, descending 1,134 ft Maximum slope: 41% ascending, 33% descending, 9.3% average Duration: 3:27
If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.
The Drive In
