Sticking to our plan for a weekly “outing”, and facing uncertain weather, we chose to visit Gran Quivira, one of the Pueblo ruins in the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. We’ve visited the other two, Abó and Quarai (which is quite near our cabin at Manzano), but had not ventured the 27 miles south from Mountainair to visit Gran Quivira.
The Drive In
‘Tis easy to get there: go south on SR 55 (there are a couple of jogs to the east) for 27 miles. Approaching the 4th jog, continue ahead into Gran Quivira.
The “Expedition”
Allow me to begin by recommending that you visit the web site for the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. It is an outstanding site, and provides a superb introduction to the 3 units of the Monument; particularly good is the section on Gran Quivira. (Oh, and I recommend that you visit the Visitor’s Center in Mountainair, when it is again open for visitors.)
‘Tho the Visitor’s Center at Gran Quivira was closed on the day of our visit (Covid-19), the signs throughout the area provide good descriptions of the features, often with historical information (and in English and Spanish). The trails throughout the ruins are very easy to navigate, and provide excellent views of the various features, from ancient kivas to the more recent churches.
References and Resources – there are many .. here are some interesting ones
This time of year, we avoid going north, into the Jemez, Sangre de Cristo, or other mountains – it is winter – cold, likely snowy, etc. Going west is better ‘tho it can be cold because places thereabouts are at a higher elevation. I had read about this hike some months ago (see References below) and thought it would be a good destination for our hike this week.
The Drive In
From Albuquerque, west on I-40 (68 miles), then south on NM 117 along the east edge of the Malpais. You will pass La Ventana (10 miles from I-40) then drive through the Narrows (there is a nice trail here, the Narrows Rim Trail that starts at the south end of the Narrows and goes north to a nice overlook of La Ventana). Continue on NM 117 for 16 miles, turn left onto Pie Town Road (also identified as Rd 41), a Class 3 road (New Mexico Pavement – graded and sanded). Another 3 miles, turn left onto Armijo Canyon Road, a Class 4 road. Park at the gate 1.5 miles from Pie Town Road, the boundary of the El Malpais National Conservation Area (NCA),.
The Hike
Armijo Canyon-Dittert Site Hike.Pat.2020-12-12
The Armijo Canyon Trail proceeds from the gate up the bottom of Armijo Canyon. We left the gate on a well-used trail, heading northeast on a well used trail; 125 yards on we were faced with a deep arroyo with the typical vertical sides. But from this trail we could enter the arroyo and … climb out the other side. Back on level ground, the trail we anticipated was nowhere to be found. But … I had downloaded the track from ASCHG to USTopo on my phone/GPS, so off we went towards the features of our interest.
The surface was a bit challenging – tufts/mounds of grass interspersed with soft soil – a trail would be nice to have. Our first point of interest was the Dittert Site, ruins dating from the 1000-1200 era. Situated on a mound, well constructed rock walls have been excavated including a circular enclosure, presumably a kiva. To the north of the exposed walls was more mound suggesting that only a small part of the ruins have been exposed. A few yards further to the northwest is another mound which would appear to be another ruins site.
From there we set out on a heading of 95° for the remnants of a ranchstead. About 2/3 of the way there, we encountered another of those deep, steep sided arroyos. In this case, we found a cattle (or game) trail, an easy down and back up onto the other side. Soon we came upon signs of occupancy nearby – pieces of rusted metal, even a tin can. A short distance further along was a collapsed structure of poles (juniper tree trunks) and a rock walled room – it must be a building of the ranchstead along with what appeared to be a fireplace (notice the large rock behind what must have been the hearth). Also interesting – there was a prominent mound adjacent to the building, suggesting that this might be another site of ancient ruins.
From the ranchstead, we struck out for “Igor”, a name given to the site of petroglyphs. From this point we had a gradual climb for the half mile to the rock outcrops identified on the ASCHG track as the site of Igor. About half way along, we paused to look at the large kiva, a depression in the terrain some 30 feet in diameter.
Approaching a rock outcrop that forms the end of a ridge, we started looking for signs of Igor. From the base of a steep, rocky incline, our first take was an image that looked like a face. On further inspection, it was … only lichen on the rock face. Continuing to work our way around the rocks, we spotted .. Igor. Climbing closer to the rock we found that there are other petroglyphs, some quite clear, others a bit washed out.
The weather, tho’ sunny, was a bit chilly with a light breeze blowing. Failing to find a spot out of the breeze and in sunshine for a warm spot to have our lunch, we headed back to the truck where we enjoyed hot drinks and our PB&J lunch.
Heading home, as we reached the intersection with Pie Town Road we decided .. let’s take the longer way home – to Pie Town, then to Socorro and I-25 ( and avoid the heavy truck traffic on I-40). Pie Town Road is a Class 3 (in some places 3.5 – it would be soft when wet) and passes through 3 or 4 ranches and 2 or 3 residential developments. The latter are very remote from anything, a different place to live.
As we approached US 60, we encountered a small heard of elk – the first we’ve seen up close as they crossed the road in front of us. A great treat to end our visit to these parts. Then it was eastbound on US 60, through Pie Town (didn’t stop for a pie), across the Plains of San Agustin and the VLA (Very Large Array).
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.85 miles
Elevation: start 7,257 ft, maximum 7,552 ft, minimum 7,253 ft
Gross gain: 299 ft. Aggregate ascending 388 ft, descending 387 ft
Maximum slope: 31% ascending, 21% descending, 4.7% average
Duration: 2:20
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.
‘Tis our first visit to Bosque del Apache, heading south as colder temperatures conspire against hiking north of Albuquerque or in the mountains.
The Drive In
Drive south on I-25, through Socorro, exit for San Antonio (Exit 139). Continue east through “downtown” San Antonio, turn right, south on old US Hwy 85. The Visitors Center for Bosque del Apachie is 8 miles down the road (closed when visited due to Covid-19). The entrance is a quarter of a mile further south from the visitors center.
The Hike
Rio Viejo Trail Hike.Pat.2020-11-24
We started with a drive through the north half of the Preserve. The roadway is very wide, clearly to make the driving tour comfortable while one takes in the views. There are a few stopping places with viewing stands offering a good vantage point to look for wildlife. we stopped at a couple of the viewing stands to look out across the marshes. Each time we heard the sounds of sandhill cranes as they come and go in large v-shaped formations to feeding grounds (as far north as Albuquerque). Often we were unable to locate them in the large blue sky above because of the etheral sound of their call.
When we got to the northwest corner of the preserve we came across a very large flock of snow geese sitting out in the grain field. We stopped to watch their activity – each 15-20 minutes while we were there the whole flock took flight, circled around the area, and returned to land in a new location – quite a scene.
To get in a bit of hiking. we set out on the Rio Viejo Trail. This trail, well groomed with gravel end-to-end, passed through open bosque. Finishing the hike, we returned to one of the overlooks of the marsh to have lunch.
Statistics (of the hike)
Total Distance: 1.76 miles
Elevation: start 4,512 ft, maximum 4,512 ft, minimum 4,503 ft
Gross gain: 9 ft. Aggregate ascending 10 ft, descending 10 ft
Maximum slope: 2% ascending, 1% descending, 0.2 % average
Duration: 0:51
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.
A friend has been describing some amazing geophysical features in the Rio Puerco valley, north from I-40 and the To’hajillee Indian Reservation. For this trip, we took our shot at finding the area.
The Drive About
Tohajiilee Driveabout.Pat.2020-10-23
To’hajiilee is a reservation of the Cañoncito Band of Navajos that occupies a large area of the Rio Puerco valley north of I-40. Westbound on I-40 from Albuquerque, we took the exit for the Route 66 Casino, and at the traffic circle turned north on Rio Puerco Road.
We continued on Rio Puerco road (also identified on our topo map as Trail 57) for 3.77 miles, then turned left onto Trail 57. This took us to Cañoncito (7.75 miles) where we turned right (north) on Trail 56 for a half mile to an intersection where we opted to bear to the left (Trail 7041) and towards what appeared to be more interesting terrain. A couple of miles further, we bore to the right onto Route 7041, turning left in 3.4 miles onto Rte 7076, climbing up onto La Mesa Quebrada. We continued for another 6.7 miles where the road became a 2-track (at a home site); we opted to turn back at this point, not having found the formations we were looking for.
We returned via the same route to Cañoncito, then chose to continue on the paved Trail 56 (Cañoncito School Road) to I-40 and home.
Highlight
As always, we enjoy so much getting out into New Mexico’s outback. Trips like this provide the opportunity explore the geography and see the topography in its various shapes and forms. In so many places the views across valleys and canyons, even arroyos, are magnificent. We realized that we had not found the geologic formations. We will return with plans for another route, possibly staying of Rio Puerco Road instead of turning right onto Trail 57.
Statistics (driveabout)
Total Distance: 42 miles (from exit off of I-40) Elevation: start 5,286 ft, maximum 6,482 ft, minimum 5,286 ft Duration: 3:15
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 the 2nd of 2 short hikes on a day trip to the area once inhabited by the Gallinas culture. The area is north of Cuba some 28 miles on NM 96>NM 112. In years past I’ve read about the Gallina people who occupied this area until about 1275 when they suddenly vanished. There are various explanations that make for interesting reading (see References below). But this site and the other one that we visited this trip provide a glimpse into the history of these parts.
The Drive In
To get to this area from Albuquerque, travel west on US 550 to Cuba. Continue on through Cuba for 3.6 miles, turn right (north) on NM 96. Continue for 13 miles where NM 96 turns right (east); continue north on NM 112 for 13 miles (we turned here to visit the Nogales Cliff House). Continue another 6.9 miles, turn left on NM 390 for 0.2 miles, then right onto the road to parking for Rattlesnake Ridge. There are ancient signs point the way from NM 112; the roads are Class 5, deeply rutted but Ok if one stays on the ridges.
This was more of a walk than a hike – not very long and on well groomed, gravel paths. But the paths took us on a tour of a half dozen kivas or tower bases on the ridgetop/promontory.
Statistics
Total Distance: 1.17 miles Elevation: start 7,396 ft, maximum 7,484 ft, minimum 7,392 ft Gross gain: 92 ft. Aggregate ascending 163 ft, descending 166 ft Maximum slope: 21% ascending, 17.5% descending, 05.0% average Duration: 1:20
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 is the first of two short hikes on a day trip to the area once inhabited by the Gallinas culture. The area is north of Cuba some 28 miles on NM 96>NM 112. In years past I’ve read about the Gallina people who occupied this area until about 1275 when they suddenly vanished. There are various explanations that make for interesting reading (see References below). But this site and the other one that we visited this trip provide a glimpse into the history of these parts.
The Drive In
To get to this area from Albuquerque, travel west on US 550 to Cuba. Continue on through Cuba for 3.6 miles, turn right (north) on NM 96. Continue for 13 miles where NM 96 turns right (east); continue north on NM 112 for 13 miles. Our first try to get to Nogales Cliff House (3 years ago and again this trip) was to turn onto a dirt road a half mile further – that didn’t work – recent snow had melted but not dried – even if dry it is a road for high-clearance vehicles. Rather, turn left at that 13 miles point onto Forest Road 313. This is a good Class 4 dirt road (courtesy the oil industry) unless there has been recent precipitation (rain or snow).
Six tenths of a mile in continue past the compound for oil field tanks and equipment. Although FR 313 continues west, turn right (north) on a lesser dirt road just beyond the compound. Follow this road for a bit more than 1 mile, then turn left; this will take you to a gas wellhead and the trailhead. These roads are Class 5 roads – low clearance “city” vehicles should avoid them.
The Hike
Nogales Cliff House Trail Hike.Pat.2020-11-19
This is a short, pleasant hike on a well used trail with a most interesting destination. From the parking area the trail proceeds up Spring Canyon, a pleasant easy walk with steep canyon walls left and right. Near the trailhead, check out the sign to get an idea of the extent of the ruins; this will help your exploration once reaching the bench where the ruins are located.
About 6/10ths of a mile from the trailhead, the trail turns abruptly up the left-hand canyon wall. Although steep, the trail is easy to follow with a few places over large rocks – not strenuous. About 300′ in elevation gain (2/10ths of a mile) we reached a large bench with a large blockhouse with erect walls to the right, come caves, and above a wall structure and larger cavity behind it. There were also remnants of other structures around the bench to the left.
It would appear the blockhouse was a gathering place and possibly food preparation – there is what appeared to be a firepit in the center of the floor and the walls were blackened (with smoke?)
There was a group of students at the site, so with the cautions of Covid, we did not explore beyond the blockhouse. We did pause there to enjoy our first mid-hike break in these amazing surroundings. The hike back down the to the floor of the canyon was in the shadow of the canyon wall, by now late afternoon. We plan to return in the future to explore further around the bench.
Statistics
Total Distance: 1.80 miles Elevation: start 7,206 ft, maximum 7,608 ft, minimum 7,200 ft Gross gain: 408 ft. Aggregate ascending 898 ft, descending 899 ft Maximum slope: 82% ascending, 80% descending, 14% average Duration: 2:23
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.
For this week’s hike, Pat & I chose to return to the Ojito Wilderness. It is close to home (we enjoyed a very relaxed morning before heading out for the hike) and always offers a nice hike with beautiful views all around. It is also a go-to-place for hiking in seasons other than summer – it is a hot place in the summer. For this outing, we set our sights on visiting the Dinosaur Dig and circling around to Hoodoo Pines.
The Drive In
For those who haven’t ventured into the Ojito – head north out of Albuquerque to Bernalillo, then west on US 550 at Bernalillo for 20 miles. As you approach White Mesa (on top of which there is ongoing mining of gypsum for the sheetrock plant in Bernalillo), and before making the curve over the Rio Salado into San Ysidro, turn left on Cabazon Road. This road is well cared for (access to a pipeline pumping station) and well used (many people coming to hike and to practice shooting in the area before getting to the Ojito Wilderness where shooting is not allowed).
About 4 miles on we passed by the White Mesa Bike Trails, a popular area for some wicked mountain biking. It is also an interesting place for some hiking, short to the ridge above a picturesque canyon, or along along Dragon’s Back or down into the canyon. (See “Previous Posts” below). Continuing on Cabezon for another 6 miles we parked at the trailhead for the Seismosaurus Trail (which goes to “Dino Dig” where a Seismosaurus was excavated back in 1985; “Sam” is on display at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque).
The Hike
Dinosaur Dig Hike.Pat.2020-11-11
A beautiful New Mexico day – temperature in the 60s, intense blue sky with a few clouds for effect, not even any wind. We were using the ASCHG track as a guide, but we easily followed the trail to Dinosaur Ridge. Along the way, the views out across the Ojito Wilderness are amazing: one is surrounded by mesas and intervening canyons, one can see Cabezon to the west, Red Mesa to the east, and feel the freedom that comes with such open space.
Keying off of the placemark on the ASCHG track, we took the short diversion to the ruins located 9/10ths from the trailhead. Like other ruins that we’ve visited here in the Ojito, this is the remains of a small structure, maybe 15 feet across, built with the rock that abounds in the area. Continuing another 2/10ths of a mile we came across an elongated, cylindrical rocks: tree trunks but without telltale growth rings (somewhere I read that they may have been tropical, such as palm trees, which don’t have rings).
The main feature of this hike is at the end of Dinosaur Ridge. This is where Seismosaurus was excavated – only a 30×50 foot area of loose sand marks the location. In addition ’tis here where there is a collection of petroglyphs on rock surfaces overlooking Arroyo la Jara. We paused here to have our mid-hike break/lunch.
From here we retraced our route for some distance, enough to find a descent into Arroyo la Jara to continue our hike towards Hoodoo Pines. Initially it looked daunting, but as the slope became less, we found a path down that involved only a bit of scramble. Down in the Arroyo we found fascinating rocks and other features that are so plentiful here in the Ojito. To continue west it was necessary to cross the deep ditch that nearly always lies at the bottom of these arroyos. We found a way into the ditch, then walked in the bottom for 300 yards or so until we found a break to climb out.
There was no trail per se for the route we set out on towards Hoodoo Pines – this was ‘cross country’. We encountered various conditions – areas of rock, of hard surface, even tufts of grass. There was little elevation change, a 150′ climb up and down a ridge, and gradual ascent towards Bernalallito Mesa and Hoodoo Pines. About 3 miles into the hike, and with the afternoon wearing on, we decided to cut short of our goal of Hoodoo Pines. We cut across to join up with the Hoodoo Pines trail that would take us to Cabezon Road, then return to the parking lot. It proved to be a good choice, as the sun was nearing sunset by the time we got to the truck.
Highlight
Visits to the Ojito, and to Dinosaur Ridge, are always most enjoyable. Seismosaurus Trail is well used, an easy 1.25 miles with great reward at the end: the sand pit from which Seismosaurus was excavated, the petroglyphs, the strange rocks that look like petrified tree trunks, and the views. This is an ideal trail for the occasional hiker and especially for families.
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.56 miles Elevation: start 5,876 ft, maximum 5,907 ft, minimum 5,726 ft Gross gain: 181 ft. Aggregate ascending 552 ft, descending 551 ft Maximum slope: 28% ascending, 32% descending, 3.7% average Duration: 4:29
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 2nd hike on a 3-night camping trip to the area near White Sands with friends Jay and Nancy. We camped at the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, with campsites affording superb views of the Tularosa Basin to the west (with a glimpse of White Sands 17 miles distant) and the Sacramento Mountains rising from the campground to the east. We chose this weekend to be on hand at White Sands to see the rise of the Blue Moon.
The Drive In
For a description of the drive from Albuquerque, see the post from the 1st hike: Dog Canyon Trail Hike – 10-/31/2020. As for the drive to this day’s hike: From Oliver Lee return to Alamagordo, then continue north on US 54 – we took the bypass to avoid downtown Alamagordo. At the end of the bypass, continue straight ahead onto US 82 towards Cloudcroft. In Cloudcroft, turn right off of US 82 onto NM 130, then in 1.3 miles turn right onto NM 6563 (Sunspot Highway).
Our original plan was to hike the Upper Karr Canyon Trail, but arriving at the entrance to the Recreation Area we found it closed. So we retraced our drive towards Cloudcraft, parking at one of the 4 trailheads identified with the Rim Trail; this is about 3.1 miles from the NM130-NM6563 intersection. On the west side of the road, across the roadside ditch and behind a few trees there is parking for 4 or 5 vehicles.
The Hike
Karr Canyon Road Hike.PatJayNancy.2020-11-01
So, we started at the Rim Trail trailhead Parking 3, or so we thought. From the parking area a very nice two-track headed off into the woods. Soon we were surprised to come across snow in the shaded areas. About a mile on we came across a sign that confused us – it showed the Rim Trail going back/left and forward/right, and Karr-C Road FR 636 going left and right. Not sure, we decided to continue on the very nice two-track.
Note: Later, when I reviewed maps, etc., I concluded that we had missed the Rim Trail at the parking lot; the clue was the ‘dotted line’ on USGS Topo maps. -The- Rim Trail follows somewhat parallel to FR 636 and crosses it at this intersection, continuing north to Rim Trail trailhead #2.
The two-track, FR 636, continues for another mile through mixed conifer forest. At a couple of places we had a view across the valleys and foothills of the eastern slopes Sacramento Mountains. From the tracks it is used occasionally so is in good condition with gentle slopes, 200 feet elevation gain in the first half mile, then descending 280 feet in the next 1.5 miles. At the end of the road, where the ridge ends before descending quickly into Tucker Canyon, we discovered a large camping tent – thought it might be hunters. … On the way back to the truck we did come across a gaggle of half dozen or so deer.
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.0 miles Elevation: start 8,925 ft, maximum 9,127 ft, minimum 8,837 ft Gross gain: 290 ft. Aggregate ascending 851 ft, descending 851 ft Maximum slope: 32% ascending, 29% descending, 7.2% average Duration: 2:54
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 first hike on a 3-night camping trip to the area near White Sands with friends Jay and Nancy. We camped at the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, with campsites affording superb views of the Tularosa Basin to the west (with a glimpse of White Sands 17 miles distant) and the Sacramento Mountains rising from the campground to the east. We chose this weekend to be on hand at White Sands to see the rise of the Blue Moon.
The Drive In
Malpais-Valley of Fires
The drive from Albuquerque is some 224 miles, close to 4 hours enroute. We drove south on I-25 to San Antonio, the east on US 380 to Alamagordo. Sixty miles from San Antonio, we stopped at the Valley of Fires Recreation Area for lunch and a view of this large area of malpais (lava flow).
Continuing another 5 miles, we turned south on US Hwy 54, through Alamagordo, and 11 miles further to Dog Canyon Road, turn east for 4 miles to the Oliver Lee State Park and Campground.
The Campground & Camping
Oliver Lee has a mixture of campsites, some with hookups, others with tent pads (many of which also have space enough for small campers like our 17′ R-Pod); reservations are required. The campsites are spaced nicely apart; there are water hydrants near each of them; there are a couple of pit toilets scattered about plus a building with running water (toilets and showers, ‘tho in these times of Covid the showers are closed). There is also a Visitors Center with a small museum (also closed on account of Covid) and adjoining Riparian Nature Trail and Frenchy’s Cabin.
The campground is on the gentle slope between the flat and level Tularosa Basin and the quickly-rising Sacramento Mountains. Thus the views from nearly all the campsites are really great. The area is open desert – no trees, only small shrubs (many with very nasty thorns) and cactus – no place to go bushwhacking. We enjoyed all 3 nights of camping there, starting with a nice fire on the first night (we brought our own firewood).
The Hike
Dog Canyon Trail Hike.PatJayNancy.2020-10-31
We began the hike at our campsites, proceeded to the trailhead located behind the Visitors Center. The trail starts with a quick elevation gain, steep and very rocky. When not loose rock, the trail traverses a solid rock surface with a steep slope; happily this type of rock affords a good grip for the boots – no sliding. In many places rocks form a staircase (yes, it is that steep) and in a few spots a handhold was required.
That describes the trail for the first 3/5ths of a mile and 500 feet elevation gain. This brought us to what the map at the trailhead labeled the “First Bench”. From here trail is quite level and, tho’ rocky, is much easier to ambulate, easy enough to look around and enjoy the scenery. Behind us (to the west) we had a view down Dog Canyon and across the Tularosa Basin to White Sands and the San Andres and Organ Mountains beyond. At times the trail approached the edge of the Bench providing a good look down into the canyon proper, 400′ to the bottom. And across the canyon and up towards the crest of these Sacramento Mountains, steep slopes and sheer cliff faces from the canyon floor at 5,000 feet elevation to 7,000 feet.
Having done what seemed like a lot of difficult elevation gain getting up to the Bench, at 1.7 miles into the hike we stopped for lunch, then headed back to the campground. On the ascent, because of the steep slope and rocky surface, I was concerned about the difficulties of descending on such a trail. It was no problem, easier than I thought it might be.
Jay here: I had high hopes that we could make it all the way to Frenchy’s line camp, but this was a more strenuous hike than I anticipated. Still, it was most enjoyable and far different than our hiking in the Jemez, Sandias, Sangre de Cristos, or even Ojito. The area is considered part of the Chihuahuan Desert, so the vegetation is quite different from the Northern half of New Mexico and the landscape more stark. Loads of ocotillo and more types of cactus than what we normally see. The 400′ drop of the Bench tested my vertigo and the steep portions with rocky descent has me on my butt for a while, but all in all it was a great hike.
Highlight
After the hike, we packed up fixings for supper and headed to White Sands National Park, to be there when the Blue Moon rose over the Sacramento Mountains. The ‘sand’scape is quite amazing, driving through the pure white sand dunes, 10’ to 15 feet high all around. We settled on a parking area at the west end of the loop road, then explored the nearby dunes. Not to be outdone by other groups having a good time, we picked up a couple of frisbees and tried to regain some skill in tossing them back and forth.
As sunset approached, the light began to change as the sun descended through thin clouds over the San Andres Mountains to the west. The white sand dunes created an eerie scene in the subdued light , then the red color of the sunset took over the sky all around (yes, in these open spaces sunsets are spectacular for 360 degrees around). We then waited for the Blue Moon to rise over the Sacramento Mountains (we could not stay long since the park closed at 8:00).
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.39 miles Elevation: start 4,316 ft, maximum 5,013 ft, minimum 4,316 ft Gross gain: 697 ft. Aggregate ascending 952 ft, descending 951 ft Maximum slope: 40% ascending, 38% descending, 09.1 % 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.
The 3rd day of a camping trip in the Jemez Mountains with the R-Pod at the Jemez Falls Campground. After two days of longer hikes, we planned this to be an easy one. We chose to explore the canyon of the East Fork Jemez River for which we had no references about it’s traversability.
The Drive In
We parked at the Las Conchas picnicking and fishing area, where the River crosses under the highway to the south of NM 4. (This is a quarter mile east of the Las Conchas Trailhead, and is a favorite place for rock climbers to practice climbing on the rock face just east of the parking area.)
The Hike
Las Conchas-East Hike.Pat.2020-10-15
We first headed directly the stream from the parking lot. A couple of hundred yards along we faced the end of any path in that direction on this south side of the stream, but we noticed signs of a trail on the other side. Backtracking west beyond the picnic area we discovered a way to get across and onto the trail.For some distance the canyon was wide enough for both the stream and a trail. But then we encountered rocks over which we had to climb. Soon we encountered a sheer cliff that extended down to the water. This required crossing the stream; fortunately there were a couple of ways across including a 2×8 board. After crossing, we continued on the south side of the stream until encountering another cliff-to-stream, this time without a means of crossing without wading.
Since we had not planned for a full hike (we didn’t even bring our packs), we turned back promising that we would come back here again. Upon reaching a point opposite the east end of the picnic area, we took the chance of crossing on rocks in the stream – neither of us slipped or lost our balance and succeeded in returning the the picnic/fishing area.
Statistics
Total Distance: 1.07 miles
Elevation: start 8,426 ft, maximum 8,500 ft, minimum 8,410 ft
Gross gain: 90 ft. Aggregate ascending 537 ft, descending 534 ft
Maximum slope: 66% ascending, 65% descending, 14% average
Duration: 1:10
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.
‘Tho the Visitor’s Center at Gran Quivira was closed on the day of our visit (Covid-19), the signs throughout the area provide good descriptions of the features, often with historical information (and in English and Spanish). The trails throughout the ruins are very easy to navigate, and provide excellent views of the various features, from ancient kivas to the more recent churches.
