This was a reconnoitering trip into the Jemez Mountains, to check out the status of campgrounds and reconnect with Valles Grande, both in advance of a camping trip with friends in September. First the campgrounds: San Antonio is open (reservations only thru Sep 14) ; Redondo is closed until next spring; and Jemez Falls is open (reservations thru Sep 14, First Come after that through November, but check by phone at (575)829-3535).
As for hiking? Our first choice was to go to the northeastern part of the reserve, to the Cerro de la Garitas Trail. But .. we’d arrived at the Visitor Center at 11:00, but must return by 4:30. The drive to the northern part of the Caldera takes nearly an hour, which meant we didn’t have time to make Cerro de la Garita hike. So .. we stopped halfway and hiked the Jaramillo Creek Trail.
The Drive In
A thorough description of driving to and into Valles Caldera is included in a previous post: Valles Caldera DriveAbout – 07/14/2019. Parking for this hike is near the top of a knoll as one leaves Valley Jaramillo, at the intersection of VC02 (the main road) and VC03.
The Hike
Upper Jaramillo Creek Hike.Pat.2020-08-27
The trail is a two-track that runs above Jaramillo Creek, in open grassland that is so characteristic of Valle Grande and the other valleys in the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Much of the Creek itself has been fenced in to protect the new growth of willow and other native plants from elk that are so prevalent in the area. The Preserve has an intense effort to restore the wildland to the condition before extensive logging and cattle grazing changed the environment.
We hiked out about 2.5 miles, then climbed onto a hill for the view and our mid-hike break. The weather was a bit on the warm side with almost no shade, but occasional clouds and breezes allowed us to stay cool most of the time. On the return we watched a red tail hawk ride a thermal above the valley and we came upon this Northern Goshawk that posed for us.
And as on nearly all our hikes around New Mexico, colors in abundance.
Highlight
A signature feature of Valles Caldera is the sheer immensity of the place. The valleys, like Valle Jaramillo above, are large open grasslands bordered by slopes of volcanic domes with ponderosa and fir forests. The central valley, Valle Grande, is even more immense, 5 miles of unobstructed view from west to east. And ever present are the -big- domes like Redondo Peak in the background.
Wildlife abounds as well. As mentioned above, we watched a red tail hawk ride a thermal and came upon a Northern Goshawk perched in a tree alongside the trail. We also saw flickers with their white backs, a form of bluebird, chipmunks of course, and on the drive out a small herd of elk in the distance. ‘Tis such an amazing place.
Statistics
Total Distance: 5.08 miles
Elevation: start 8,792 ft, maximum 8,996 ft, minimum 8,749 ft
Gross gain: 247 ft. Aggregate ascending 599 ft, descending 598 ft
Maximum slope: 16% ascending, 23% descending, 03.2% average
Duration: 3:31
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 camping trip to Red River (see Middle Fork Lake Trail Hike – 08/19/2020). Our first choice was to return to Taos Ski Basin, to hike to Williams Lake (Williams Lake Hike – 10/14/2016). However, as we turned onto NM 150 at the entrance to Hondo Canyon, a big highway sign told us the Williams Lake Trail was closed along with all the others in the area. We learned that the area was closed for 10 days for native American “traditional and cultural purposes”.
Casting about for alternatives, on AllTrails we tracked down the Heart Lake Trail. The comments in particular appealed to us: “georgeous”, “very green”, and it appeared to follow a stream. We did not plan to go the full length, but set our sights in reaching the junction where it splits for the Latir Peak Loop Trail (per AllTrails).
Later when gathering References and Resources, I found that it appears AllTrails has misidentified the trail. Forest Service references identify the trail starting at Cabresto Lake as the Lake Fork Trail #82. It continues for some 7 miles to a cutoff for the Heart Lake Trail that leads to Heart Lake. And the junction noted for the Loop is the intersection of the Lake Fork Trail and the Bull Creek Trail #85.
The Drive In
To reach the trailhead at Cabresto Lake, from Cuesta “find” NM 563. From the main intersection in Cuesta, go east for a few yards, turn left on Cabresto Road, also identified as NM 563. (If you miss this turn, continue east on NM 38 for 2/3 mile; a sign will point left to Cabresto Lake. Look for another sign to turn left on South or North Kiowa Rd to get back on NM 563.) Continue on NM 563 for 6 miles, to a turnoff to the left; a large parking area is located there.
Now comes the challenging part – turn left onto FR 134A. It is wide enough to pass meeting vehicles, but … it is -very rough-, a very rocky surface all of the 2 miles to the lake. A medium-high clearance vehicle is required (a Subaru Forester will be able to handle the road but anything less will likely suffer damage). There is ample parking at the reservoir, Lake Cabresto. And the number of people, families and fishermen, showed this is a popular destination despite the road.
The Hike
Middle Fork Lake Trail Hike.Pat.2020-08-21
From the parking area above the lower end of the lake, the trail skirts the western shore for half a mile. It then follows the western slope above Lake Fork stream. The trail is well used and thus easy to follow. Most of it is easy walking tho’ there are occasionally rocky outcrops to be traversed. The stream is always within earshot, down in its narrow stream bed making loud water-rushing sounds – there was a strong flow of water over cascades and occasional small waterfalls. And with all that water, it was “very green”.
Highlight
While hiking here in New Mexico, things that flash colors and present interesting patterns capture my attention. Throughout the year, I encounter flowers of one kind or another on nearly every hike. And on many hikes I encounter something colorful or a new pattern that I haven’t seen before. And such it was on this hike. Now in late summer, with autumn approaching (and cooler nights particularly at the higher elevations), colors are coming from plants beginning their transition to winter. Here are examples from this hike:
Total Distance: 5.38 miles
Elevation: start 9,190 ft, maximum 10,178 ft, minimum 9,581 ft
Gross gain: 1,010 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,849 ft, descending 1,846 ft
Maximum slope: 38% ascending, 39% descending, 9.2% average
Duration: 5:08
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 month we returned to Red River for a week of camping in our R-Pod (see the post of our previous hike). We had reserved a campsite at the Elephant Rock Campground and planned to make returns to the Middle Fork Trail near the town of Red River and the Williams Lake Trail out of the Santa Fe Ski Basin. And we had tickets to attend Michael Martin Murphey’s “Rockin’ 3M Chuckwagon Supper and Show“.
The Drive In
The drive in to the trailhead is via NM 578, south of Red River, to the end of pavement. Then a Class 4 tw0-track to the right (FR 58) for a bit more than a mile to a large parking area. The road is a bit rough, but a vehicle with normal clearance should be able to get through (I don’t think a Prius could make it).
The Hike
Middle Fork Lake Trail Hike.Pat.2020-08-19
The hike begins with .2 mile walk, continuing on the two-track, to the trailhead – a bridge across the Middle Fork of the Red River. From there the ascent is gradual (10% average slope) with some switchbacks, particularly at the 0.6 miles. At about 1.2 miles the slope increases a bit (13.2% average) with more switchbacks until reaching the ridge and the first view of the lake. About 1.25 miles into the hike we crossed the Middle Fork on logs conveniently placed there for “us”. Upon reaching the lake, we walked around the north side for our mid-hike break/lunch and enjoyed the view across the lake to Frazier Mountain.
Highlight
The view from our table – social distancing being practiced.
As mentioned above, again this year we bought tickets to Michael Martin Murphey’s “Rockin’ 3M Chuckwagon Supper and Show“. The drive to the Ranch is on a dirt road which is a times a bit rough but passable for anything that isn’t a low-rider. The setting at the ranch is beautiful .. seating for the amphitheater is across s picturesque lake and the mountain beyond. We enjoyed a great chuckwagon meal of brisket, beans, and coleslaw (what else?) served (in these times of Covid 19) as a box supper .. it was excellent. And as always, Murphey’s music and storytelling were most entertaining.
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.86 miles Elevation: start 9,637 ft, maximum 10,877 ft, minimum 9,633 ft Gross gain: 1,240 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,757 ft, descending 1,758 ft Maximum slope: 45% ascending, 38% descending, 11% average Duration: 5:06
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.
Another hike seeking cooler temperatures at a higher elevation – this time to Sandia Crest. And for this hike, we were joined by my brother who moved to Albuquerque a few weeks ago.
The Hike
South Crest Trail.PatGarth.2020-08-08
We parked at the Visitors Center, then headed south on the South Crest Trail as far as the Top of the Tram, then returned on the Gravel Pit Trail then Switch Back and Buried Cable trails back to the parking lot. A pleasant hike on well used trails. For more details, please see my earlier post, South Crest Trail Hike – 07/09/2020.
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.79 miles Elevation: start 10,651 ft, maximum 10,655 ft, minimum 10,276 ft Gross gain: 379 ft. Aggregate ascending 800 ft, descending 800 ft Maximum slope: 48% ascending, 39% descending, 6.8% average Duration: 5:03
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
Seeking cooler temperatures, respite from the near 100s in Albuquerque, we headed for the higher elevations of Sangre de Cristo mountains. (And, on the way through Santa Fe we could stop by Sage Bakehouse for one of their delicious specialties.) There are many hikes one can take from the Santa Fe Ski Basin, most of the starting on the upper Winsor Trail (see references below).
The Hike
Upper Winsor Tail Hike. Pat.2020-08-06
We set out to hike for 2-3 miles, out and back. About 3/4 of a mile into the hike, we came to the entrance to the Pecos Wilderness Area, well marked with signs, sign-in log sheet, and a passage through the fence.
The trail is very well used and hiking is easy through shaded forest. Elevation gain is gradual all of which make for a nice hike. About 3/4 mile along we topped the ridge at 10,831 feet, then began descending into the Rio Nambe valley. To make our usual ~5 mile hike, we stopped for our mid-hike break at 2.2 miles (10,495 feet).
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.28 miles Elevation: start 10,287 ft, maximum 10,831 ft, minimum 10,287 ft Gross gain: 544 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,461 ft, descending 1,447 ft Maximum slope: 43% ascending, 40% descending, 10% 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.
This is our 2nd hike on this camping trip into the Jemez Mountains, camping in the Redondo Campground (see notes from the hike the day before). We ventured again into the southwestern corner of Valles Caldera, with a plan to explore the canyon that goes east out of Redondo Meadow. Without published trails to guide us, we went a-orienteering.
The Hike
Valles Caldera-Banco Bonito Hike.Pat.2020-07-22
The 2-track descent from Banco Bonito into Redondo Meadow.
Using our lesson from yesterday about orienteering, we set placemarks on USTopo, ready to read (and follow) bearings. We planned to descend into Redondo Meadow on the same 2-track we used the day before – a bearing of 130° from the campsite. Again with yesterday’s experience regarding the topography, we worked our way around the steeper mounds/ridges (see the featured image above). Soon enough found ourselves on a 2-track that took us to the descent. Along the way we came across the last remains of two log structures, presumably from the days of the Baca Ranch (see the references below for more on the Baca Ranch and the history of Valles Grande).
Thick grass on the edge between forest and meadow.
On reaching the Meadow, we skirted its southern boundary where we had some shade, then continued on into the canyon. We looked for the coyote of yesterday, but didn’t see him. However … not far from yesterday’s encounter, we startled a coyote pup; he scampered in front of us up and over a mound. I dashed up to the top of the mound to find a large tunnel and no sign of the pup; it must have gone into its den.
Entering the canyon we found ourselves near a Class 4 2-track, identified as VC-02. We remained in the open forest for half a mile or so. As the ground started rising and the canyon was narrowing, we hiked on the 2-track itself. We didn’t have a specific destination, only the length of the hike ..and.. a plan to return to the campground before the rain showers that were forecast for the afternoon. Thus, a mile up, where we found the first sign of any running water in this canyon, we stopped for our first mid-hike break.
2-track back up onto Banco Bonito.
We had kept an eye out as we came from our descent 2-track for any other 2-tracks that would take us back up on Banco Bonito. We had seen one across the canyon, so headed for it. But … just a few yards from our break spot, we spotted a 2-track that traversed the edge back up onto Banco. We took it – a 130′ easy climb. Back on top, we returned to orienteering – bearing and compass. In a quarter of a mile, we found ourselves on a nice Class 4 2-track. As we suspected, it generally followed the edge of Banco, with intersections to other descending 2-tracks. At one point we did take a couple of right turns to keep our course along that edge. After the 2nd turn, we intercepted the 2-track we had taken outbound; from there we generally retracedthat track. And, BTW, no more than a few seconds after we got back in the R-Pod, the rain started and it rained hard for 15-20 minutes.
Our Experience
We learned a lot the day before on our Redondo Meadow Hike. Our navigating (reconnoitering) was much better getting to our chosen destinations, and the increased confidence in finding our down into Redondo Meadow and back up onto Banco Bonito made the day more relaxed. A new focus was figuring out the identifications of the various 2-tracks that we came across. At most of the intersections there were somewhat newer signs identifying roads, and in 2 instances older signs announcing trail names (and for 1 there were turn and straight ahead arrows). It will be for a future update to his post to report on these sighs.
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.39 miles
Elevation: start 8,153 ft, maximum 8,650 ft, minimum 8,054 ft
Gross gain: 596 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,253 ft, descending 1,255 ft
Maximum slope: 34% ascending, 28% descending, 5.8% average
Duration: 5:32
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
This is our first hike during four days of camping in the Redondo Campground near the Valles Caldera. There aren’t any published trails in this area (that I can find), so this hike is based on planning using topo maps (primarily the US Topo Maps app on my Android smartphone).
Camping
First, some comments about the Redondo Campground. In the previous years Redondo was closed, so we were pleasantly surprised to find that it has been reopened. That was especially welcome information since there were no campsites available in the nearby Jemez Falls Campground. All campsites in Redondo are FF (First come-First serve), 62 of them. We are fortunate to be able to go camping during the week, and as hoped when we arrived there were many campsites available. In fact, during our three nights, only 3 other campsites occupied in the south loop were occupied.
The Hike
Valles Caldera-Redondo Meadow Hike.Pat.2020-07-21
This hike was an experience in orienteering since there are no published trails and few reports of hiking in the Valles Caldera, especially in this southwest corner of the Preserve. We set out to visit Redondo Meadow, starting from the Redondo Campground. The topography of Banco Bonito is interesting – 20′-50′ mounds and ridges with small valleys (vales?) between, with no discernible drainage pattern. That left us with hiking over the ridges and mounds or around them. The ground is even, often covered with pine needles or with wood chips from recent forest thinning – nice.
Stump and roots burned out.
All across Banco there was evidence of fire, some areas from long ago, other instances more recent. Indications of recent burns coupled with large areas of wood chips led us to suspect this was from a recent thinning project. Some trees were cut down, chipped, and chips were spread about particularly on 2-tracks. In other examples, the trees and their stumps must have been selectively burned; there was no evidence of fire beyond a few feet from the stump or trunk. For many of the burned cases, there were tunnels where roots must have completely burned out. This all seemed strange.
The greatest challenge, from looking at the topo maps, appeared to be getting down from Banco Bonito to the floor of Redondo Meadow. We identified a place where the topo lines were further apart and set that for our first waypoint. Approaching it, we came across a 2-track going down the slope giving us an easy descent.
We avoided going directly across the Meadow – it appeared to be a marshy area. Taking a bit of a detour, we crossed in deep but dry grass and headed up Redondo Creek on level and flat ground through open forest. ‘Tho we crossed a 2-track going in our direction, we kept our course, crossing Redondo Creek 2 or 3 times, then hiked along the stream until scrub oak and other bush-type plants made further progress difficult. We stopped for our mid-hike break, then “whacked” our way to the 2-track and started back towards the campground.
Lightning struck tree?
We proceeded on the 2-track, including a portion that was elevated above the Meadow – shaded and offered a great view down into the Meadow. From that vantage point we spotted an interesting feature, a circular area of burned grass, in the center a burned tree trunk. Looked to us like a lightning strike.
We remained on the 2-track into Redondo Creek canyon below the Meadow. As earlier, from the topo map we had identified a place where ascent back onto Banco Bonito would be easier; it proved to be a good choice. Back on the Banco, it was the same sort of hiking, mounds and ridges interspersed among small valleys, to return to the campsite.
Our Experience
What We Planned
A Plan for descending into Redondo Meadow.
For our first hike during this camping trip, we were attracted to the open space of Redondo Meadow and the upper reach of Redondo Creek. Looking at the topography, it appeared we would need to find a way to descend from Banco Bonito (where the campground is located) to the meadow floor; that became an “anchor point” for our track. From our campground site, we plotted a track that would take us ESE to a hook in the steep edge of Banco where it appeared the slope would be less than other places. Then our track would proceed across the meadow and up the creek as far as a Geothermal Well identified on the map. For the return, we planned to hike downstream anticipating we would find a way back up onto Banco.
What We Did
The plan vs actual.
This was truthfully our first attempt at “orienteering” and we learned a lot – particularly how important it is to use compass headings. We began by setting a course based on the topography, believing that between the topographic lines on USTopo and what we could see around us. We anticipated that we could follow the ridges and valleys of Banco Bonito and be going the right direction. Ooops .. as you see from our GoogleEarth track, we went northeast for nearly half a mile before realizing we weren’t going in the right direction. We then got out our compasses, set a waypoint for our destination, got it’s bearing from USTopo, and proceeded with compass in hand. Things went smoothly after that.
Following the bearing towards our intended descent, working our way around steep climbs onto mounds or ridges in the topography of Banco Bonito, we soon came across a 2-track (Class 5), likely an old logging road. We followed it for some distance, but when it turned away from the bearing to our waypoint, we were again bushwhacking. (Note: Bushwhacking is not an accurate description for transiting this forest; the forest is open, likely thinned in recent years with virtually no undergrowth – very easy hiking.)
Nearing our waypoint, we came upon another 2-track leading towards the edge of Banco Bonito. Upon investigation, we found that descended to the floor of Redondo Meadow; very nice. At the base of the descent we found trail signs, a couple of yellow-topped posts with arrows and on a tree, “Duke Trail”, and information that this is an equestrian and bike trail going up the 2-track.
Redondo Meadow, from ground level, Redondo Peak in the background.
Looking to cross the Meadow, we saw tall, very green grass, an indication that it might be marshy. To avoid a wet crossing, we worked our way to the right where the apparent marshy area was narrower. That proved to be dry and easy to cross. (As we started across the Meadow, we spotted a coyote near a pair of ponderosa pines. As we approached, it moved off 100 yards or so and began barking. Concerned that it was protecting something nearby, we skirted away from it and went about our business. More on this in the post for the next day’s hike.)
On the far side of the Meadow we hiked through more open forest, level ground, easy walking, generally following Redondo Creek. We crossed the Creek 2 or 3 times, working our way upstream until we found ourselves in -real- bushwhacking – thick growth of scrub oak and other plants, including one with thorns that seemed to reach out to grab us. With this, plus having been out for 3 miles, we chose to stop for our first mid-hike break, then start back to make this it our usual 6 mile hike.
After our break, we out ourselves onto the 2-track (Class 4) headed back towards the Meadow. Encountering a Y, we chose the ‘high road’ to the right which was parallel to the ‘low road’ and which gave us a great view of the Meadow below. Returning to the ‘low road’ at the western end of the Meadow, we continued on the Class 4 2-track towards a section of the edge of the Banco that appeared to be less steep slope and not so high. It proved to be a good choice – 100 feet of elevation gain, 17% average slope, easy.
Once back on Banco Bonito, using our newly learned orienteering approach we had successful return to the campground. But .. not before that day’s afternoon shower showed up. We were pelted by pea-sized hail with very few raindrops, which meant we didn’t get so wet; the hail shower subsided by the time we arrived at the camper.
Flowers
Many descriptions of hiking in New Mexico advertise the many flowers that can be encountered on the trails, particularly in the mountains. As you may have already discerned from other posts in the BLOG, I am entranced by them. And so, again during this trip, I captured photos of some beauties. You will find a collection in the gallery below.
Statistics
Total Distance: 6.18 miles Elevation: start 8,145 ft, maximum 8,338 ft, minimum 7,933 ft Gross gain: 405 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,098 ft, descending 1,099 ft Maximum slope: 38% ascending, 30% descending, 5.3% average Duration: 5:15
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.
Back to high elevation and cooler temperatures, this time trails on the east slopes below Sandia Crest. As for many of the hikes on east slopes, drive to Tijeras, north on NM 14 to Antonito, then up the Crest Highway. Eleven miles from Antonito, there are large parking lots on the left and right; the lot on the right for trails going north; on the left for trails going south.
The Hike
Survey-10K Trails Hike.Pat.2020-07-17Trailhead for the Survey Trail.
We chose to go out via the Challenge and Switchback Trails, connecting to Survey Trail near the Ellis Trailhead parking lot. About 3 miles into the hike, at the intersection with the 10k trail, we turned left to go to the Del Agua Canyon Overlook. These are great trails – forest shade with a soft trail surface except a few sections that are rocky. The greatest elevation gain is in the first mile or so, from 9,900 to 10,400 feet. From there it is an easy downhill slope to the Del Agua Canyon Overlook.
Aspen on the north slope of North Sandia peak.
The views from the Overlook are great. To the left, nearly the whole north slope of North Sandia Peak is covered with aspen, very green this time of year but the color must be amazing in autumn. Ahead, a view of the big Del Agua Canyon. And to the right a the Rio Grande valley with the Jemez and Nacimiento Mountains in the distance. We stopped here for our first mid-hike break, then continued north on the North Crest Trail to enjoy more of the great views from rocky points at the edge of the Crest. At the intersection with the Ellis Trail, we turned south, then briefly onto the Osha Loop trail until the intersection with 10k which we then took 10k Trailhead.
Like Survey, 10k is forest shade and mostly a nice trail surface. From the Osha Loop Trail it descends 300 feet, then back up to 10,000 (hence its name, 10k). After our customary 2nd break for the remainder of our lunch, we continued to the Trailhead. This is another great hike in summertime.
Satistics
Total Distance: 6.66 miles Elevation: start 9,972 ft, maximum 10,440 ft, minimum 9,652 ft Gross gain: 320 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,930 ft, descending 1,932 ft Maximum slope: 39% ascending, 44% descending, 9.6% average Duration: 6:20
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 time of year in New Mexico we repair to higher elevations and cooler temperatures for our outdoor activities. We’re so fortunate to have options – mountains all around, choices of destinations for each, all within an hour or two drive. Staying closer to home on this day, we chose to become better acquainted with the Sandia Mountains, in particular the forested east slopes and .. shade from the high-elevation sunlight at 10,000 feet.
The Drive In
From downtown Albuquerque: east on I-40 to the Tijeras turnoff, then north on NM 14 through Cedar Crest to Antonito and the turnoff for NM 536, Sandia Crest Road (also known as the Sandia Scenic Highway). By this point we’re at 6,900 feet elevation and already noticing a drop in air temperature. The Crest Road has many twists and turns, many at 20 mph to change direction by 180° or more. But that’s the way to get to 10,000 feet in 17 miles. And on The Crest – the temperature will stay below 80 all day. There is ample parking at the Sandia Crest (‘tho a $3 “Amenity Fee” or an America the Beautiful Pass is required; our Senior Pass was sufficient).
The Hike
South Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-07-10
The trailhead is at the south end of the parking area, below to the east of the Crest House. The trail begins with the Crest House Nature Trail, a half mile loop filled with flowers and trees, and with signage that provides truly great descriptions. (I’ve put most of the signs in the Gallery below for my study and your perusing pleasure.) The view across Albuquerque and up and down the Rio Grande valley is stunning (from this sheer cliffside vantage point). In the 11 years that we’ve been in Albuquerque, we’ve been unaware of this true gem; it will be on our list of places to bring visitors, to get a (thorough) glimpse of what New Mexico has to offer.
The western leg of the Nature Trail loop (also Crest Trail #130) runs near the edge of the cliff that forms the top of the Crest (in some sections at the edge). In a couple of places a bit of “scramble” over rocks is required.
Approaching Kiwanis Cabin.
At the turnback point of the Nature Trail loop, rather than follow the South Crest Trail, we proceeded south along a track that continued to follow the edge of the Crest. This brought us to a large open area at the far end of which was the Kiwanis Cabin. After surveying the Cabin, we headed downhill to rejoin Crest Trail #130 and continue south with occasional diversions up to the edge to take in the view.
Skirting the Upper Tram Terminal and the lifts of the Sandia Peak Ski Area we continued south on the South Crest Trail for another half mile. When the trail began descending, we turned around, content with a good 5 mile hike. On the return we found ourselves on the Gravel Pit Trail (#339) running below but parallel to the South Crest Trail. It is much more a forest trail with a wide variety of plant life. After one significant ascent of some 180 feet, it was an easy hike back to the trailhead.
Highlight – Lunch at Ten 3
The highlight on this hike was reaching the Top of the Tram and the new Ten 3 restaurant. As we approached, we met Benny Abruzo, one of the owners of Ten 3; in conversation with him we learned that the restaurant would be open at 1100 (with restrictions due to Covid-19), and that we could dine in or take out. We chose takeout: the “Classic Ahi Tuna Salad” was superb and the desert cupcake was to die for. What an unexpected treat, to be hiking in the woods and enjoy such a delectable lunch; we left our usual Ramen and PB&J/carrots/apple slices in the pack.
Statistics
Total Distance: 4.62 miles Elevation: start 10,635 ft, maximum 10,648 ft, minimum 10,142 ft Gross gain: 506 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,311 ft, descending 1,308 ft Maximum slope: 45% ascending, 42% descending, 8.3% average Duration: 6:02
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
To help envision where the photos were taken, the two Galleries, George’s Photos & Pat’s Photos, are in the order in which we encountered them on the hike.
In our previous visits to the Pecos Wilderness we found some areas were closed. We learned the week before that some have been reopened. Prepared with a list of trails as options, we returned to this beautiful area with its many great trails. Our 1st choice, Jack’s Creek, was indeed open which allowed us the trail of our first choice, Beatty’s Trail.
Driving Directions
For those who are headed to this area for the first time, some description may be helpful. Take I-25 east from Santa Fe to the exit for Glorieta and Pecos-NM 50 (this is about 90 miles from Albuquerque). After crossing over I-25, turn right; in about 6 miles, turn left at the stop sign onto NM 63 through the very old village of Pecos. From here it about 20 miles to Cowles, a placename at the end of NM 63 and the entrance to Forest Service campgrounds and hiking trails. This road, paved the whole way, is relatively open at the beginning but gradually narrows and winds more as you ascend the cañon. This will take you 45 minutes or more during which you will climb from 6,900 feet at Pecos to 8,100 feet at Cowles. Along the way you will pass many pullouts and parking areas as well as 3 NM State Parks that provide access to the river for fishing. It’s a beautiful drive; take your time to enjoy it.
At Cowles, continue straight ahead to the Jack’s Creek Campground/Horse Camp and Beatty’s trailhead among others. One may also turn left onto FR 121 for the Panchuela Campground and other trailheads. This is a very popular area for hiking and backpacking, with numerous trails going into the wilderness, into the various river cañons as well as to the peaks in the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
The Hike
Beatty’s Trail Hike.Pat.2020-07-03
Beatty’s Trail: this is one of the most pleasant trails – it presents a very steady, easy climb from the trailhead for the 1st 1.8 miles, then a half mile slight descent before continuing up to our turnaround point. ‘Tho on a the side of a steep slope its width is ample for people to pass. Except in a few places the surface is free of rocks which makes it easy walking. We hiked through a healthy open forest of fir and aspen (the tallest I’ve seen) with spruce at the higher elevation. At 2.5 miles the trail splits, one leg (to the left) going towards Jack’s Creek and even Pecos Baldy, the other going to Beatty’s Flats. And as for many of the trails, .. beyond – a backpacker’s paradise.
We had planned to go out 2.8 miles, to the edge of the forest and into a large open area the on the approach to the summit of Round Mountain. The objective was to have an open view to the west, to see the highest peaks in this part of the Sangre de Cristo. We discovered that such views were unlikely without another mile or so, further up the slope of Round Mountain, to get above the healthy (and tall) forest between us and the peaks. So we “settled” for a really great view to the east and south for our mid-hike break; we could even see down Jack’s Creek to the Jack’s Valley campgrounds. (For lunch, we sought out some shade from the intense sun at this elevation. While relaxing afterwards, a small shower got us moving again. We quickly wrapped up our lunch paraphernalia, donned raincoats and pack covers, and headed back to the trail. Hardly reaching the trail the shower abated leaving a much cooler temperature for our hike back to the truck.)
Statistics
Total Distance: 5.59 miles Elevation: start 8,832 ft, maximum 9,966 ft, minimum 8,832 ft Gross gain: 1,134 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,541 ft, descending 1,541 ft Maximum slope: 27% ascending, 29% descending, 9.1% average Duration: 4:40
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 thorough description of driving to and into Valles Caldera is included in a previous post: Valles Caldera DriveAbout – 07/14/2019. Parking for this hike is near the top of a knoll as one leaves Valley Jaramillo, at the intersection of VC02 (the main road) and VC03.
The trail is a two-track that runs above Jaramillo Creek, in open grassland that is so characteristic of Valle Grande and the other valleys in the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Much of the Creek itself has been fenced in to protect the new growth of willow and other native plants from elk that are so prevalent in the area. The Preserve has an intense effort to restore the wildland to the condition before extensive logging and cattle grazing changed the environment.
We hiked out about 2.5 miles, then climbed onto a hill for the view and our mid-hike break. The weather was a bit on the warm side with almost no shade, but occasional clouds and breezes allowed us to stay cool most of the time. On the return we watched a red tail hawk ride a thermal above the valley and we came upon this Northern Goshawk that posed for us.
And as on nearly all our hikes around New Mexico, colors in abundance.
