Category Archives: 2022

Dale Ball Trails – Dorothy Stewart Trail Extended – 11/16/2022

May 31, 2023

‘Tis great to go hiking with Jay again, this time on one of the Dale Ball Trails on the outskirts of Santa Fe – Dorothy Stewart Trail, with extension.

The Drive In

The trailhead is on Camino De Cruz Blanca – I’m not one to give directions for navigating around Santa Fe, Jay navigates thereabouts. So I’m going to leave you with – use your favorite driving navigation tool, and follow that.

The Hike

Dale Ball Trails – Dorothy Stewart Trail Extended.Jay.2022-11-16

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

The Dale Ball trails are really great, used heavily by locals, afoot and sometimes on bikes. So they are well defined, easy to traverse (even tho’ the elevation gains and slope can be large in some places). There are great maps for download, and the maps are posted at the trailheads and major intersections of the trails.

The Dorothy Stewart Trail is a loop of about 1.6 miles in length. We opted to follow trails beyond the DST to get added distance. From the elevation profile above, you can see the changes in elevation in the trail. The first mile and half, down then up then down again, were easy going. Then the climb in the next mile is a bit strenuous (’tis the first challenging elevation change that I’ve seen in many weeks of waling around Albuquerque). From the top ’tis an easy downhill return to the trailhead (the last half mile or so down a gated residential street).

For our hike this day, we bundled up for the 30 degree temperatures (fortunately with no wind to make it -cold-). We started in sunshine but clouds soon moved in and snow flurries soon followed; that continued until we neared the finish line. For much of the trail we hiked through 1″ to 4″ of recently fallen snow – it had not melted so we saw ice in only one section. Otherwise, except for a couple of very steep sections, footing was sound with only our hiking boots.

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.55 miles
Elevation: start 7,550 ft, maximum 7,845 ft, minimum 7,290 ft
Gross gain: 655 ft. Aggregate ascending 929 ft, descending 929 ft
Maximum slope: 31% ascending, 27% descending, 9.0% average
Duration: 2:25

Dale Ball Trails - Dorothy Stewart Trail Extended.Jay.2022-11-16 (KML)	49 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Dale Ball Trails - Dorothy Stewart Trail Extended.Jay.2022-11-16 (GPX)	121 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

Dale Ball Trails Hike – 08/25/2021
Nature Conservancy-Dale Ball Trails Hike – 02/26/2021
Dale Ball Loop North Trail Hike – 05/23/2019
Hiking in the Santa Fe area

References and Resources

Santa Fe Conservation Trust: Dale Ball Trails
AllTrails: Camino Cruz Blanca to Dal Ball Trails Loop
The north extension is Dorothy Stewart
Dorothy Stewart Trail
Only in Your State: … Dorothy Stewart Trail

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

Cerrillos Hills Trails Hike – 11/03/2022

November 12, 2022

Curiosity drew us to Cerrillos Hills State Park (and with the idea we could have breakfast at Roots Farm Cafe in Tijeras on the way out, and a late lunch at The Hollar in Madrid after the hike). we visited there 4 years ago, but suspected that we didn’t fully take it in.

The Drive In

Cerrillos Hills is on the northern edge of the village of Los Cerrillos. From Albuquerque, travel north on NM 14, past Madrid about 3 miles. Turn west into Los Cerrillos before the railroad overpass. In the village, take the 1st right turn and follow the sand/gravel road to the entrance to the State Park – signs do point the way. There is a $5.00 fee for visiting – ’tis worth the contribution to NM’s state parks.

The Hike

Cerrillos Hills Trails Hike.Pat.2022-11-03

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Cerrillos Hills is … well, hilly. There are a number of trails that wend their way through the park. The trails are well groomed ‘tho at times a bit rocky – never the less easy ambulating. Between the hills are valleys some 100 feet deep which creates a moderate amount of elevation gain. When atop the hills, the views are great – to the Sandias to the southwest, Ortiz south, even Nacimientos to the west.

The calling card for Cerrillos Hills is that was a mining boom during the period 1879-1884. Silver, gold, lead, copper, iron, manganese and zinc were extract, tho’ not in quantities to make mining economically productive. There are numerous mine sites scattered throughout the Park. Some are nothing more than a small hole with piles of gravel around it. In other cases, there is a mine shaft going down 20′ or 30′ into the ground (these are cordoned off to prevent access).An added note – we did have threatening weather – a storm cell drifted towards from the Sandias, sprinkling just enough for us to don our raincoats. And throughout the hike we faced strong winds when atop the hills. Still, it was a really nice hike in an interesting place..

Cerrillos Hills makes for a nice day trip out of Albuquerque or Santa Fe, in Autumn, Winter, and Spring (it will be hot in Summer, with no shade on the trails, and may be uncomfortably windy in Spring)

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.65 miles
Elevation: start 5,764 ft, maximum 6,135 ft, minimum 5,763 ft
Gross gain: 372 ft. Aggregate ascending 745 ft, descending 745 ft
Maximum slope: 7% ascending, 7% descending, 6.9% average
Duration: 2:37

Cerrillos Hills Trails Hike.Pat.2022-11-03 (KML)	54 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Cerrillos Hills Trails Hike.Pat.2022-11-03 (GPX)	132 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

References and Resources

New Mexico ENMRD: Cerrillos Hills State Park
AllTrails: Cerrillos Hills Historic Park Trail
Amigos de Cerrillos Hills State Park
Explore Aztec: Cerrillos Hills State Park Trails

Lower Calf Creek Canyon Waterfall Trail Hike – 10/21/2022

November 12, 2022

We embarked on a short trip into southeastern Utah, to explore that territory and to eat at a special restaurant we’d heard about. We did not make this a camping/hiking trip, but stayed in commercial lodging enroute and at a BnB in Boulder, UT. See more in the BLOG post about the trip at Utah Trip – 10/19/2022-10/24/2022.

The Drive In

From Boulder, UT the trailhead is 12.7 miles south on UT 12, then turn right onto Calf Creek Road; a half mile to the trailhead. As we drove towards the trailhead, we stopped to take in the view of Calf Creek Canyon.

The Hike

Lower Calf Creek Canyon Waterfall Trail Hike.Pat.2022-10-21

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

‘Tis a popular trail – the parking lot had few spaces open in this narrow canyon when we arrived. After signing in, we started out on a well-used trail, to be greeted by the colorful canyon walls. About a half mile from the trailhead, we spotted the petroglyphs on the far wall that we had heard about.

Along the trail the canyon walls tower above us, with the spectacular colors of the various layers. And along Calf Creek, willow and other plants remind one that there is water in the Creek.

Of course, the attraction for this trail is Lower Calf Creek Falls. This is our first view of this 130 foot high waterfall. ‘Tho the day had been warm (we shed all but our last layer of clothing), the gallery around the falls was cool enough that we put a layer back on.

Statistics

Total Distance: 6.22 miles
Elevation: start 5,341 ft, maximum 5,634 ft, minimum 5,331 ft
Gross gain: 303 ft. Aggregate ascending 1342 ft, descending 1342 ft
Maximum slope: 74% ascending, 61% descending, 5.2% average
Duration: 4:52

Lower Calf Creek Canyon Waterfall Trail Hike.Pat.2022-10-21 (KML)	83 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Lower Calf Creek Canyon Waterfall Trail Hike.Pat.2022-10-21 (GPX)	46 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

Utah Trip – 10/19/2022-10/24/2022

References and Resources

BLM National Conservation Lands: Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail
Utah.com: Calf Creek Falls – Lower Gallery
VisitUtah: Lower Calf Creek Falls
AllTrails: Lower Calf Creek Falls
Road Trip Ryan: Hiking Lower Calf Creek Falls

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

Oak Flats-Pine Loop Trails Hike – 10/13/2022

November 2, 2022

Wishing to have a hike close to home, we returned to Oak Flats for its easy trails and autumn colors.

The Drive In

‘Tis an easy drive – east on I-40 through Tijeras Canyon, exit on NM 337 for Tijeras, then up to the top of the hill. Turn left on Oak Flat Rd, proceed for 1 mile, turn into the Oak Flats Open Spaces. Take the drive to the left, follow it around to the trailhead. (Depending on the time of day, consider stopping by Roots Farm Cafe on the way in for breakfast or coffee, or on the way out for lunch.)

The Hike

Oak Flats-Pine Loop Trails Hike.Pat.2022-10-13

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Like other recent hikes, we started at the Oak Flat Trailhead, proceeding on Pine Loop, Gamble Oak, then hooking up with Pine Loop to return to the trailhead.

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.92 miles
Elevation: start 7,685 ft, maximum 7,692 ft, minimum 7,343 ft
Gross gain: 350 ft. Aggregate ascending 658 ft, descending 657 ft
Maximum slope: 21% ascending, 25% descending, 5.5% average
Duration: 2:03

Oak Flats-Pine Loop Trails Hike.Pat.2022-10-13 (KML)	55 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Oak Flats-Pine Loop Trails Hike.Pat.2022-10-13 (GPX)	67 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

Other visits to Oak Flats

Cerro de la Garita North Side Hike – 09/27/2022

November 2, 2022

During past visits to Valles Caldera, we’ve thought the view would be great from atop the mountains on the north boundary of the Caldera. A trail leads from the road that crosses the north end of the Preserve, but it entails nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain to a spot -near- the peak of Cerro de la Garita.

Also, we have been curious about the Jemez Mountains north of the Preserve, between San Valles Caldera and NM 96. Checking maps and GoogleEarth, we identified Forest Roads that 1) would take us to the north slopes of those mountains, and 2) would give us an edge of 1,400 feet for the ascent to the peak. And this would also give us a chance to explore that territory.

The Drive In

The distance from Albuquerque to Youngsville is about the same, whether going up US 550 to just beyond Cuba and then NM 96 north and east to Youngsville. Or I-25 and US 285 to Abuquiu, then NM 96 west to Youngsville. We opted for Cuba on the way out (so we could grab a burrito for breakfast at the Chaco Grill in Cuba), then returned by US 285 and I-25. Either way, it is about 124 miles.

A short distance east of Youngsville, we turned south on FR 100 for 12 miles, then turned left onto FR 99. Both roads are good Class 3s, generally through flat terrain with only a couple of narrow, steep hillside sections. And along the way they climb from 6,800 feet to 10,229 feet elevation. FR 99 tee’s into FR 144 not far from the peak of Cerro de la Garita; we parked off of the road, donned our packs, and set out for the peak.

The Hike

Cerro de la Garita North Side Hike.Pat.2022-09-27

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

*An example of a “2-track opening”, a corridor cleared of trees and with faint vehicle tracks..*

With no marked trail to follow (or GPS track), set set out to go uphill in a general southerly direction. After crossing the edge of a gravel pit and into open forest, we came across what appeared to be an old 2-track, an open corridor in the forest – we followed it for some distance until we realized we were not on a track towards the peak. Getting better oriented with the help of the GPS and USTopo, we turned left onto another “2-track opening” that was at least going up hill.

At some point, we decided to take a bearing (using USTopo) and set our course towards the peak. So we continued at times along a 2-track opening, at other times proceeding through the open forest, aiming for the peak. That worked – we found ourselves on the edge of the mountain, on –the peak– of Cerro de la Garita at 10,612 feet elevation.

*Our first view into Valles Caldera, the northeast area – Valle Toledo.*

We were looking down upon what proved to be Valle Toledo in the northeast corner of the Caldera. What a view it was.

*The view of the northwest corner – Valle San Antonio.*

*And the view down the middle of this northern area of the Caldera – the road coming from Valle Grande through Valle Jaramillo and into Valle San Antonio.*

Thinking we might get a view that included the northwest area of the Caldera, we proceeded southwest along the edge of this mountain. We soon found ourselves on somewhat of a promontory, still at 10,570, looking down upon the whole north end of the Caldera. Wow, it was the view we were looking for.

A note about the photos: This was a very hazy day, and we were looking into the sun. So, then, the photos are hazy and the colors are not accurate, for either Pat’s iPhone or my Samsun phone. (Click on the photos to see them full-screen.)

Setting out to return to the Tacoma, we followed one of the 2-track openings downhill for some distance, then realized that we needed to turn north to the parking place. We were able to follow a sequence of the 2-track openings at generally the same elevation back to “our trailhead”.

A note about those “2-track openings”: As you can see from the GoogleEarth screen shot above (and your own view when you review our GPS track on GoogleEarth), thsese openings criss-cross the whole of the north side of La Garita. For a return visit in the future, I will do some pre-trip planning to lay out a GPS track that uses the openings to best advantage.

Highlight

Pat drove in from NM 96 and out as well; she expanded her experience driving on Forest Roads and I could give more time to the scenery and surroundings. And the hike proved to be an easy way to get to amazing views of Valles Caldera

Statistics

Total Distance: 4.07 miles
Elevation: start 10,228 ft, maximum 10,601 ft, minimum 10,198 ft
Gross gain: 403 ft. Aggregate ascending 860 ft, descending 860 ft
Maximum slope: 23% ascending, 21% descending, 6.9% average
Duration: 3:35

Cerro de la Garita North Side Drivein.Pat.2022-09-27 (KML)	60 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Cerro de la Garita North Side Drivein.Pat.2022-09-27 (GPX)	55 Downloads
Cerro de la Garita North Side Hike.Pat.2022-09-27 (KML)	227 Downloads
Cerro de la Garita North Side Hike.Pat.2022-09-27 (GPX)	187 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

References and Resources

AllTrails: Cerro La Garita
Peak Advisor: Cerro de la Garita
Discover Abiquiu: Abiquiu’s Neighbor – The Village of Youngsville
(Great stories and photos)

Pat’s Photos: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

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

Bosque Trail Through Hike – BioPark to Los Poblanos – 09/19/2022

October 31, 2022

We walk almost daily on the Paseo del Bosque Trail along the Rio Grande, quite close to home. Typically ’tis an out-and-back walk from 2 to as many as 5 miles. For a variation, we planned a point-to-point walk from the Bio Park to a very nice place for breakfast, Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm.

Is this a “hike” or a “walk”? Hikes commonly involve carrying a pack with extra water, lunch, and other gear and with a plan to have a mid-hike break for lunch. We don’t carry a pack for Walks. There was a time when distance influenced the category, but these days we take “walks” in the Bosque for which the distance is as much as we typically go for “hikes”. I suppose since a meal (breakfast) was included in this outing and it was long as our typical hike, I’m dubbing it a “hike”.

The Drive In

We began by parking our Subaru near Los Poblanos where there is ready access to an offshoot of the Bosque Trail, 3/10ths or a mile off of Rio Grande Blvd NW on on Dietz Farm Rd NW (just south of Montaño). We then returned with the Tacoma to the parking area for a trailhead just off of Rio Grande Blvd, adjacent to the Biopark.

The Hike

Bosque Trail Through Hike-Los Poblanos.Pat.2022-09-19

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

The Bosque Trail is so very pleasant in the early morning hour with the low angle of the sun highlighting the river, cottonwoods, and .. the New Mexico blue sky. We’ve walked the trail so many times, in sections on our morning walks, that it was a pleasure to go point-to-point, get our 5+ miles without having to retrace our steps. Oh, and Los Poblanos is a great place to have breakfast, this day sitting outdoors

Statistics

Total Distance: 5.23 miles
Elevation: start 4,961 ft, maximum 4,985 ft, minimum 4,955 ft
Gross gain: 30 ft. Aggregate ascending 233 ft, descending 218 ft
Maximum slope: 7% ascending, 10% descending, .8% average
Duration: 1:54

Bosque Trail Through Hike-Los Poblanos.Pat.2022-09-19 (KML)	98 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Bosque Trail Through Hike-Los Poblanos.Pat.2022-09-19 (GPX)	99 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

Posts for Bosque Trail

References and Resources

City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation: Paseo del Bosque Trail
AllTrails: Paseo del Bosque Trail

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

Boletsakwa Ruins Hike – 09/08/2022

October 27, 2022

This is among our favorite places, although we haven’t returned there since 2018. It is an easy hike and is interesting – a place we consider first when visitors come to town.

The Drive In

From a post for an earlier visit:

“The drive from Bernalillo up US 50 to San Ysidro, then up NM 4 that follows the Jemez River, through Jemez Pueblo (honor the speed limits here) and a visit to the Visitors Center at Jemez Springs. Then we returned south, turned left on NM 290, continued past the name-place Ponderosa and further on the Paliza Campground. At the campground, we turned left onto FR 10, crossed the River and continued up the winding ascent to the top of Ponderosa Mesa. Parking at the top, we walked south, a short 1.2 miles on an easy trail to the Boletsakwa Ruins.”

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

The trail begins on a 2-track at the top of the hill, up FR 10 from the bridge across the creek in Paliza Canyon (one could take a 2-track a short distance before the top of the hill that would shorten the hike a bite). From the top of the hill, the 2-track descends then ends about 3/4 mile on. From there, ascending a bit, one faces a large rock impediment. One -could- (I suppose) climb over it (it seems some do), but there is a trail that skirts the rock to the right.

The trail crosses a steep slope, ascends, and takes one beyond the rock and onto more flat terrain.

From there the trail is less distinct, but takes one to the Boletsakwa Ruins. This day, thanks to the heavy monsoon season this year, the ruins are thoroughly overgrown and difficult to discern, especially the first and oldest of the two sets or ruins. To get some pictures of the ruins more exposed, review the photos on the hike back in 2016. None-the-less, it is interesting to be in the presence of people from Jemez Pueblo in the 17th century (see Archeology of the Jemez Province).

We continued to the far end of the more recent ruins, wandered about a bit to view the depression that must have been a kiva, then went over the western edge of the mesa to have lunch on our favorite spot – rock benches overlooking San Juan Canyon and San Juan Mesa beyond.

On our return, we followed that alternate 2-track to assess its accessibility – it appears suitable for even standard-clearance passenger car.

Statistics

Total Distance: 2.53 miles
Elevation: start 7,220 ft, maximum 7,265 ft, minimum 7,137 ft
Gross gain: 128 ft. Aggregate ascending 502 ft, descending 502 ft
Maximum slope: 35% ascending, 42% descending, 6.4% average
Duration: 3:17

Boletsakwa Ruins Hike.Pat.2022-09-08 (KML)	64 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Boletsakwa Ruins Hike.Pat.2022-09-08 (GPX)	59 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

References and Resources

ASCHG: Goblin Rocks And Ponderosa Indian Ruins Hike
ASCHG: Ponderosa Mesa Hike
ASCHG: Ponderosa Mesa from Paliza Group CG Hike
OtherHand: Boletsakwa Ruins
Dog of the Desert: Boletsakwa in the Jemez Mountains
Museum of New Mexico, Office of Archeological Studies:
Archeology of the Jemez Province
“Archeologies of the Pueblo Revolt ..”: Extract from
School for Advanced Research:
Archaeology of the Jemez Pueblo Revolt, Overnight in Jemez Springs
San Juan Basin Archaeological Society, Field Trip Report: Jemez Mountains (pdf)
Museum of New Mexico: … Archeology of the Jemez Province … (pdf)

Oak Flats Walkabout – 09/03/2022

October 27, 2022

Taking a bit more time this morning for our customary morning walk, we drove out to Tijeras Canyon, then up NM 337 to Cedro and Albuquerque’s Oak Flats Open Spaces. In addition to this change of venue from our walks in the Bosque along the Rio Grande, we were on the lookout for oak acorns, fodder for Pat’s dyeing explorations.

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

The trails here in Oak Flats are well used – by hikers and bicyclists. Most of the trail’s surface is smooth-easy walking; there are a few rocky places. The Area is mostly open juniper and piñon pine, with small groves of oak (hence the name). As you can see from the elevation profile above (isn’t GoogleEarth great?), there isn’t much elevation change in Oak Flats.

Trails do criss-cross the area; we had a general idea how we wanted to go, but as usual we kept a GPS track for reference (and to publish on these BLOG posts). And the GPS show the trails on their maps (USTopo and especially GAIA).

On hikes here in New Mexico, I find flowers enhance the experience of nearly every hike. This holds true for this hike, even so far into autumn, and in an area that otherwise seems to be very dry.

Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

Statistics

Total Distance: 2.59 miles
Elevation: start 7,684 ft, maximum 7,703 ft, minimum 7,640 ft
Gross gain: 63 ft. Aggregate ascending 338 ft, descending 338 ft
Maximum slope: 14% ascending, 16% descending, 4.1% average
Duration: 1:29

Oak Flats Walkabout.Pat.2022-09-03 (KML)	53 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Oak Flats Walkabout.Pat.2022-09-03 (GPX)	59 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

Other Oak Flats hikes
Hikes in Tijeras Canyon

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service: Oak Flat Trailhead & Connector Trail 05637
AllTrails: Oak Flat Loop
SingleTracks: Oak Flat

Las Conchas Trail Hike – 08/23/2022

October 16, 2022

Camped for 3 nights at the Jemez Falls Campground with Jay, Nancy, and Bo. After setting up at the campsite, we took a walkabout down a trail from our campsite towards Jemez Falls. On the 2nd day with Pat and Jay we hiked the Las Conchas Trail in the morning and did another walkabout with Pat, Jay, and Bo in the afternoon.

The Drive In

From Jemez Falls Campground, we drove 4.5 miles east on NM 4. Parking at the traihead was full, so we continued another quarter mile to parking in front of a popular climbing wall (no climbers this day).

The Hike

Las Conchas Trail Hike.PatJay.2022-08-23

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

We’ve hiked this trail before, one of our favorites. Notable on this visit to the trail were the wide range of flowers in bloom, courtesy I suppose of the quite wet monsoon season we enjoyed this year. (Nancy didn’t join us, rather staying in camp to look after the new addition to our crew – Bo their Sheltie puppy).

While camping in Jemez Falls Campground, we made a couple of short hikes from our campsite, #28. These were quite pleasant hikes on lightly used trails, going to an overlook above the Jemez River and it’s Falls. One -could- go down into the cañon to the Falls, but we weren’t up to it, for the 1st after arriving after our drive from Albuquerque, and for the 2nd after our hike on the Las Conchas Trail (tracks below are for this 2nd short hike).

Jemez Falls Trail from Site 28.Pat.2022-08-24

Before returning to the Campground, we continued east on NM 4 to take a (longing) look at Valles Caldera. Check out this movie Valles Caldera from NM 4, 08/23/2022, our best shot at sharing with you the vastness and beauty of this special place in New Mexico.

Highlight

With the prodigious monsoon rains this year, New Mexico has turned green (even out in the normally brown/tan grasslands and scars from recent wildfires). And with the green comes an abundance of flowers. I counted more than 30 different blossoms on our hikes – check out the photo gallery below.

Statistics

Los Conchas East Trail
Total Distance: 3.57 miles
Elevation: start 8,400 ft, maximum 8,422 ft, minimum 8,328 ft
Gross gain: -94 ft. Aggregate ascending 881 ft, descending 884 ft
Maximum slope: 48% ascending, 40% descending, 6.1% average
Duration: 2:40

Jemez Falls Trail from Site 28
Total Distance: 1.97 miles
Elevation: start 7,965 ft, maximum 8,014 ft, minimum 7,835 ft
Gross gain: 179 ft. Aggregate ascending 548 ft, descending 548 ft
Maximum slope: 36% ascending, 43% descending, 9.4% average
Duration: 1:18

Las Conchas Trail Hike.PatJay.2022-08-23 (KML)	59 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Las Conchas Trail Hike.PatJay.2022-08-23 (GPX)	77 Downloads
Jemez Falls Trail from Site 28.Pat.2022-08-24 (KML)	46 Downloads
Jemez Falls Trail from Site 28.Pat.2022-08-24 (KML)	69 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

Hikes on Las Conchas East Trail

References and Resources

The Campground
USDA Forest Service: Jemez Falls Campground (includes line to Recreation.gov)
CampsitePhotos: Jemez Falls Campground

The Trail
USDA Forest Service: Las Conchas Trailhead
                                        Las Conchas Trail
                                      Jemez Falls Trailhead (from Group Campground to the Falls)
AllTrails: East Fork Trail via Las Conchas Trailhead
                  Jemez Falls Trail (from Group Campground to the Falls)
SummitPost: Las Conchas, Jemez (for the rock climbers)
Santa Fe New Mexican: Day Hike: Lingering along Las Conchas Trail
World of Waterfalls: Jemez Falls

Pat’s Photos w/ Captions: Click on a Photo for Gallery Show.

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

Flowers were very abundant along the Conchas trail and on the hike from the campsite. I counted 30+ different blossoms, many more than we’ve seen before. Here is a sampling of those we saw:

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

Las Vacas Trail Hike – 08/03/2022

August 28, 2022

Our 2nd hike during a 3-day camping trip to San Pedro Parks, with Jay and Nancy and their new dog, Bo. ‘Tis a trail that we’ve hiked before, a very pleasant hike through open forest, past San Gregorio Reservoir and to the edge of Vallecito Damian. (Past posts for this trail were titled “San Gregorio Lake Hikes”. The trail is also considered part of the Clear Creek Trail.)

The Drive In

From the Rio de las Vacas Campground, drive west on NM 126 for about 2 miles, turn right onto FR 70, a good Forest Road (Class3). In about 6 miles, the trailhead will be on the left. The parking will be an area on the right.

The Hike

Vacas Trail Hike.PatJayNancyBo.2022-08-02 (KML)

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

This is a very easy trail, as are many on San Pedro Parks – wide, smooth path, open forest, little elevation change. From parking, San Gregorio Reservoir is a mile in. Bo, still a puppy, was tiring from the hiking the past two days, so Jay and Nancy “lounged” around the lake while Pat & I continued on up the trail.

On arriving at Clear Creek, near where it enters into the Reservoir, we came upon a group of youngsters playing in the water. (Tents and adults were nearby, suggesting that they were camping in this beautiful place.) With the boisterous Monsoon Season this year, Clear Creek was running well, but not so high that we weren’t able to cross on a pair of logs, as the youngsters watched (or continued their play).

We continued on the trail, encountering a few deadfall trees across the trail, easily overcome (over or around). Going out far enough to get in a 4 mile hike, we turned back at the edge of Vallecito Damian and met Jay, Nancy, and Bo for lunch. Then made the easy walk back to parking.

Statistics

Total Distance: 3.94 miles
Elevation: start 9,223 ft, maximum 9,419 ft, minimum 9,223 ft
Gross gain: 196 ft. Aggregate ascending 654 ft, descending 663 ft
Maximum slope: 24% ascending, 18% descending, 5.2% average
Duration: 2:37

Vacas Trail Hike.PatJayNancyBo.2022-08-02 (KML)	155 Downloads
GPS Track Files for Download
Vacas Trail Hike.PatJayNancyBo.2022-08-02 (GPX)	71 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out Using Google Earth Track Files.

Rio de las Vacas Walkabout – 07/31/2022
Peñas Negras Trail Hike – 08/01/2022
Hikes in San Pedro Parks

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service: Vacas Trail/San Gregorio Lake Trailhead #51
AllTrails:
San Gregorio Reservoir
Clear Creek Trail
Dog of the Desert: Clear Creek in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness
Only in Your State: San Gregorio Reservoir …
The Outbound: Backpack the Vacas Trail Loop
Astec NM: San Pedro Parks Wilderness Trails (pdf)

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

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Statistics

Related Posts

References and Resources

Share this:

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Statistics

References and Resources

Share this:

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Statistics

Related Posts

References and Resources

Share this:

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Statistics

Related Posts

Share this:

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Highlight

Statistics

References and Resources

Share this:

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Statistics

Related Posts

References and Resources

Share this:

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Statistics

Related Posts

References and Resources

Share this:

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Statistics

Related Posts

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service: Oak Flat Trailhead & Connector Trail 05637AllTrails: Oak Flat LoopSingleTracks: Oak Flat

Share this:

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Highlight

Statistics

Related Posts

References and Resources

Share this:

The Drive In

The Hike

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Statistics

Related Posts

References and Resources

Share this:

USDA Forest Service: Oak Flat Trailhead & Connector Trail 05637
AllTrails: Oak Flat Loop
SingleTracks: Oak Flat