Pat & I are working ourselves back into hiking, after nearly a year off-trail, me with issues with stenosis. We’re rebuilding our hiking muscles with lots of walking along the Rio Grande (in the bosque) and getting out on a trail each week., each week a bit more challenging.
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). The Tecolote Trailhead is not far up the Crest Road: six miles from San Antonio/NM 14 to the Dry Camp Picnic Ground – parking and a pit toilet.
The Hike
Tecolote Trail Hike.Pat.2025-07-11
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
We haven’t done much hiking on the east slopes of the Sandia Mountains. This trail fit our current criteria – reasonable length and elevation change.
The trail starts out with an easy climb (10% slope) from 8,620 to 8,820 feet in 2/3rd of a mile. It remains at that elevation for 1/3rd of a mile, then makes again an easy descent to the end of the ridge on which the trail is situated (another 1/3rd of a mile).
Generally the trail is a smooth surface; there are a few sections that are a bit rocky.
The trail proceeds through a juniper and piñon “forest” (this type “forest” is never very tall) with some sections of oak bushes flanking the trail. Thus there isn’t a lot of shade, ‘tho the elevation of close to 9,000 moderates the summertime temperatures (but none-the-less we start early).
Midway on the ridge, we came across this interesting .. relic of some unknown activity?
At the end of the ridge, as the trail makes a small loop, one enjoys a great view of the territory east of the Sandias – the valley across to the San Pedro mountains and on the horizon to the northeast, the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Highlight
It seems that on nearly all the trails on which we hike, there are flowers in blossom. And I’m invariably drawn to take photos and share them with readers of my Posts. So here are photos that I collected on this hike.
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.6 miles Elevation: start 8,630 ft, maximum 8,831 ft, minimum 8,629 ft Gross gain: 202 ft. Aggregate ascending 637 ft, descending 638 ft Maximum slope: 47% ascending, 30% descending, 7.7% average Duration: 3:12, Average Speed: 0.8 mph
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.
Visiting Pat’s brother Steve and wife Sharon, they took us to one of their favorite places for a Walkabout.
The Drive In
I’m not one to give you directions around Wake Forest, so … check with GoogleEarth: “Sanford Creek Greenway”, or download a link below and let GoogleEarth (.kml) or your favorite mapping program (.gpx or .kml) give you guidance.
The Hike
Sanford Creek Greenway Walk.PatSteveSharon.2025-07-04
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
A most pleasant walk along a flowing stream through open forest.
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.59 miles Elevation: start 294 ft, maximum 294 ft, minimum 227 ft Gross gain: 67 ft. Aggregate ascending 239 ft, descending 239 ft Maximum slope: 12% ascending, 15% descending, 2.5% average Duration: 1:24, Average Speed: 1.9 mph
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.
Visiting Virginia, in July??. Yes, after many years not accepting his invitation, we traveled to attend the annual Fourth of July bash hosted by my son James’ and his wife. And to visit daughter Valerie and family.
The Drive In
The entrance to Newport News Park – north on Jefferson Avenue, just north of Fort Eustis Blvd. Turn east onto Constitution Way, 1 mile to the parking lot next to the bridge across the lake.
The Hike
White Oak Trail.Pat.2025-07-06
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
This was a favorite hike for us back when we lived in York County, winter and summer. Across the lake on the bridge, then into open forest on a well groomed trail. Tho’ not this day, one can continue around the upper end of the lake and return to parking.
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.31 miles Elevation: start 17 ft, maximum 119 ft, minimum 17 ft Gross gain: 102 ft. Aggregate ascending 757 ft, descending 731 ft Maximum slope: 50% ascending, 51% descending, 10.0% average Duration: 1:13, Average Speed: 1.9 mph
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.
‘Tis summer in Albuquerque, and .. we seek cooler conditions for our hikes. It can can expect such temperatures up on the Sandia Mountains, and .. it was in the low 60s when we got to the trailhead (at ~10,000 feet elevation).
The Drive In
From another post for a hike up on the Sandia Mountains: 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). 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. There are numerous parking areas along the way – we chose to start our hike in the Ellis Lower Parking Lot. (Our Annual Pass had expired, so we found an envelope waiting for us. We paid the $5 “Amenity Fee” online.)
The Hike
Survey Trail Hike.Pat.2025-07-18
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
Survey Trail is a short distance from “the edge” of the Sandia Mountains. In the screenshot above, one can see that “edge” and the Rincon Ridge, separated from North Sandia Peak, in the upper right of the screen shot. And beyond the edge? Sandia Heights in the upper left. And the screenshot from Google Earth shows snow – that would be from a photo taken in winter – no snow on this July day (when the temperature for the hike was in the 60s and in the 90s down in the city).
From the parking lot, we opted to walk the short distance up the Crest Road to the Survey Trail Trailhead. The trail was most inviting – a clean surface (for nearly all the way). In only a few places there were rock outcrops (including a couple that required -very brief- climbing). In many places there were green grasses and flowers alongside the trail; in other sections there was much downfall but always clear of the trail.
Highlight
Cool air! And a nice trail – a gentle trail with the right amount of elevation gain as we train for future hiking after nearly a year being off-trail. Oh – and a favorite of mine – wild flowers (see below).
Statistics
Total Distance: 3.22 miles Elevation: start 10,271 ft, maximum 10,436 ft, minimum 10,237 ft Gross gain: 199 ft. Aggregate ascending 847 ft, descending 847 ft Maximum slope: 31% ascending, 28% descending, 8.4% average Duration: 3:40, Average Speed: 0.9 mph
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.
It is great to get back on the trail after many months dealing with medical issues. Oak Flats is a perfect area – well used smooth trails, generally smooth and with easy and minimal elevation changes. Plus, it isn’t far from home, it is an open forest of oak and ponderosa pine trees, and we can have breakfast or brunch at one of our favorite places, Roots Farm Cafe in Tijeras.
The Drive In
From Albuquerque eastbound on I-40 exit at Tijeras onto NM 337 southbound (folks who have been in these parts for many years know it as South 14). From Roots Farm Cafe (1/3 mile from the stoplights), proceed uphill for 8.5 miles, then turn left (east) onto Oak Flat Road. A mile on turn left into the Oak Flats Group Campground complex,then turn to the left to follow the road around to the parking area and the Trailhead.
The Hike
Oak Flats “Easy Pickin” Loop Hike.Pat.2025-06-20
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 done many hikes or walkabouts in Oak Flats over the years. I can’t add much to what I wrote for previous posts, so please check out this one in particular: Oak Flats Trails Walkabout – 08/04/2023
Statistics
Total Distance: 1.69 miles Elevation: start 7,694 ft, maximum 7,706 ft, minimum 7,644 ft Gross gain: 12 ft. Aggregate ascending 57 ft, descending 52 ft Maximum slope: 18% ascending, 15% descending, 4.3% average Duration: 1:11, Average Speed: 1.4 mph
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.
After nearly a year off-trail, this is our first return to hiking – a short one but a step in rehabilitation from back issues that severely limited my mobility. It was a good choice – a seldom used two-track (even surface) and with little elevation gain (‘tho with some ups-and-downs for the walking stride to get re-accustomed to sloped terrain). So I post this “sub-hike” more to document it as to share with others. If it peaked your curiosity, check out the Related Posts below for other forays into Rio Cebolla and references to it on other hikes in the vicinity.
The Drive In
To get to the trailhead drive west on NM 126 up over the high terrain and down to Fenton Lake. At the entrance to the lake turn to the right to remain on NM 126 and continue for about 3 miles. Then turn right on NM 314 towards the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery. Past the fish ponds the road becomes a bit rough, not so rough as previous posts described; medium clearance vehicle is recommended. ‘Tis about 1.5 miles to the Seven Springs Picnic Site (formerly Campground – camping not allowed now). There is a pit toilet and some picnic tables, plus plenty of parking.
The Hike
FR 314-Cebolla Canyon Hike.Pat.2025-06-13
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
The Rio Cebolla is in a -beautiful canyon-. The trail follows a two-track used regularly by officers tending this “Red Chile Water”, a designation given by the NM Department of Game and Fish for streams receiving special attention. Their goal is the return of native fish, particularly Rio Grand Cutthroat trout, to New Mexico waters.
We hiked in 1.2 miles where the two-track cross to the east side of the Rio Cebolla. For this day, that was as much as I wished to go. During the hike, I recalled some great hikes in Cebolla Canyon and in the canyons that come down from the ridge to the east – Oat, Hay, and Pony.
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.29 miles
Elevation: start 8,073 ft, maximum 8,165 ft, minimum 8,073 ft
Gross gain: 92 ft. Aggregate ascending 546 ft, descending 550 ft
Maximum slope: 27% ascending, 34% descending, 6% average
Duration: 1:37
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.
It’s been many months since we have been able to get out and about – we needed to begin a recovery from “cabin fever”. Friday evening, with a weekend of nice weather in the offing, spontaneously (no advance planning) we embarked Saturday on a Driveabout, choosing to explore a part of New Mexico that has long been on our bucket list: Valle Vidal.
The Drive In
From Albuquerque, Valle Vidal is a long drive:
Via Cimarron –
By way of I-25 to north of Springer, then west on NM 58 – 215 miles, 3 hours
Or by way of Santa Fe (I-25), Española (US 94/285), Taos (NM 68), and Eagle Nest (US 64) – 186 miles, 3.5 hours
Then 7 miles north on US 64, turn west on FR 1950, 43 miles to Valle Vidal on a very well maintained gravel road
Or via Costilla, 2 miles from the border with Colorado –
By way Santa Fe (I-25), Española (US 84/285), and Taos (NM 68) to Costilla (NM 522) – 178 miles, 3.2 hours
Then drive east on FR 1950, ten miles on a paved road followed by for 13 miles on gravel, both not-so-well maintained
And the drive to the Valle is still many miles from the highway.
We weren’t certain that the road through Valle Vidal, FR 1950, would be open for a DriveThru. Passing through Taos, a decision point, we called the Forest Service district office. We did not get a clear answer, ranging from “it is closed” (leaving us to guess if “it” was the road itself) or if there were only restrictions from leaving the road. We decided to go for it, but stay a night in Cimarron, putting the decision about a DriveThru until the next day.
We obtained a reservation for the night at the St James Hotel, a very good choice. We stayed in the Jesse James room, enjoyed a very nice supper in their dining room/bar, and … we weren’t bothered by ghosts (for which the Hotel has quite a reputation).
The next morning we decided to try the DriveThru, risking 1) not able to get into the National Forest at all, or .. 2) finding a gate closed before exiting the other end of FR 1950 dictating that we return to Cimarron. The conclusion – the road was open .. all the way.
The DriveThru
Valle Vidal Drivethru.Pat.2025-03-29
Notes: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line). Press <back> on your browser to return to the post.
From Cimarron we entered from the East, turning off of US 65 onto FR 1950 about 7 miles north of the town. The route starts out in open plains bounded by hills on both sides – a valley passing through a portion of Ted Turner’s Vermijo Ranch. At about 21 miles we entered into the National Forest.We find the openness of this scenery to be a favorite – grass across the valley, juniper and piñon trees on the hills. There are many side canyons that drew our curiosity (but one is not allowed to leave the road’s right-of-way).
Elevation increases gradually for some 25 miles as this valley becomes narrower. And as we drove west, snow capped mountains beyond began to appear, adding greatly to the scenery.The terrain was becoming more varied – taller hills, narrower canyons interspersed with large open areas, each one drawing an exclamation of Wow – open space. About 30 miles in the road began a serious climb from 8,000 feet to Windy Pass (10,000 feet elevation), with a couple of sections with sharp switchbacks. Along the way we checked out the two campgrounds: McCrystal and Cimarron (both closed until May).
Descending from Windy Pass, we entered into the north end of Valle Vidal. We didn’t have the time (or energy) to explore roads going south into the Valle itself. But looking over our shoulder … we would like to come back; given the distances, to make the most of the visit it would best be done as part of a camping trip.
Continuing the drive west was all downhill, through the narrow canyon of the Rio Costilla. Meandering from one side of the Rio to the other, we passed under some amazing rock formations, tall cliffs 100′ to 200′ above the road. And the rocks were in many colors, patterns, shapes – not a vista but interesting scenery themselves. (This got us thinking of getting a GoPro to better document these Driveabouts, and to share some of the scenery.)
Hindsight
So the DriveThru is 67 miles. Although the road is good (for a gravel road) it makes for a very long day. Especially true as we were constantly being ‘bombarded’ by new views of the scenery – grass valleys, hills, glimpses of snow-capped mountains, and amazing rock formations (particularly on the way out from Valle Vidal itself). We also came upon a pair of Elk and a .. turkey.
After that long day of driving, we opted to stay a second night on the road, booking a night at the Hacienda del Sol in Taos. This is a quite nice BnB with much history, the buildings dating back to 1804. In the 20th century, it was the home of Mabel Dodge Luhan and her husband who entertained many notable guests such as Georgia O’Keefe, Ansel Adams, and others. Our room was most comfortable, and … guests enjoy a quite nice breakfast.
The Forest Service restricts access to much of the Valle during various times of the year, particularly during the rutting season for Elk. There are also limitations on camping outside of the Campgrounds. Be advised to check their web site or call ahead for guidance
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.
It has been many months since I was last able to get out on a trail. Today we went only a short distance on the trail so I’m labeling this a Walk. But … it was .. a trail .., with a name – Monte Largo Trail. On the way, we went wandering about Tierra Grande, a very large, totally open, nearly absolutely flat expanse west of the Manzano Mountains and south of Albuquerque. A developer years ago laid out roads and plots of land for habitation – a few sites have houses, in most case miles from the next one.
The DriveAbout
Tierra Grande Driveabout and Monte Largo Trail Walk.Pat.2025-03-07
Our DriveAbout began about 14 miles southeast from Belen on NM 47. There we turned northeast onto Tierra Grande Loop, then left onto Military Highway, both well maintained sand-and-gravel roads.We used GAIA maps as a guide to explore this vast open expanse of …. almost nothing. The roads were mostly well maintained – graded sand/small gravel and many with ditches. Wishing to explore closer to the Manzanos, we turned right on Stable Drive, then left on Tango Road. We ignored a Dead End sign, but …. we had to turn around when we encountered a deep ravine across the road – not for the Tacoma.
Backtracking to Military Highway, we headed north setting our sights on the Monte Largo Trailhead. A turn right on Commerce Blvd, then a right onto Celaya Blvd took us to the trailhead, a large gravel parking lot with a break in the fence for the Monte Largo Trail.
The route out was to take Celaya around to a turn right onto Commerce Blvd, then left onto Progress Blvd. About a mile on, we turned right on an unnamed road, continued to Commerce Blvd, where we turned left to Military Highway. Then it was a right turn onto Military Hwy. About .6 mile from Commerce Blvd we encountered the largest drifts of tumbleweed ever seen; they blocked the road dictating that we skirt them to the right of the roadway – amazing. Than a bit further along Military Hwy ended, but on the left was a cattle guard that allowed us to get onto Trigo Springs Road. From there we turned left at the next intersection onto N Navajo Loop and a straight shot to Belen, arriving in time to have lunch at the Whistle Stop Cafe in the Belen Harvey House Museum (a great lunch and interesting museum).
Now that route is in some places quite convoluted. One could find more direct routes, with some better planning than we did, or with better mapping on-the-go. But we were exploring/wandering. And we’ll do some more in coming weeks.
The Walk
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
Having not hiked for 10 months, this for me was an exploratory excursion. For a month I’ve been walking up to 3 miles on the level, smooth Bosque Trails along the Rio Grande. But to be on a real trail with uneven surfaces, rocks, even ups-and-downs, would be “breaking new ground” and testing my endurance.
For the distance we walked, the trail was well used and easy to follow. The first quarter mile was a gentle slope among junipers above the bottom of the canyon on the south side. The trail then descended into the bottom and continued, again with gentle slope. We chose to stop this day at .6 mile; at that point the trail joined a two-track that shows on the GAIA map. So only 1.85 miles, but I felt quite comfortable being back on the trail, and looking forward to more hikes and miles in coming weeks/months; I plan to return here to go further on the Monte Largo Trail.
Highlight
We’ve seen nowhere else the variety of rocks in this canyon. It must be a special place for student geologists. Some had the appearance of lava, others petrified wood (‘tho not). There would be changes in colors – within one rock. We found small pieces of quartz, and a couple of -large- pieces. Some had swirls like they were kneaded during their formation, other striations. All another work of Mother Nature’s art.
Statistics
Total Distance: 1.85 miles
Elevation: start 6,251 ft, maximum 6,402 ft, minimum 6,251 ft
Gross gain: 151 ft. Aggregate ascending 246 ft, descending 246 ft
Maximum slope: 19% ascending, % 22descending, 7.1% average
Duration: , Average Speed: mph
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.
Our 3rd visit to the Cuba Badlands in the San Juan Basin, this to the Ceja Pelon the 4th badlands going west from Mesa de Cuba. Like the other recent hikes, this is the time of year to visit these Badlands, before the hot weather of summer arrives. And this is a return to Ceja Pelon, having hiked there back in 2018.
The San Juan Basin covers the northwest quarter of New Mexico and a portion of Colorado along the NM-CO border. There are -many- Badlands including the Ojito (near San Ysido), San Jose (north of Cuba), and going west Lybrook, Bisti/De-Na-Zin, Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, and several others (see the map at American Southwest).
Plus these five south and west of Cuba: Mesa de Cuba, Mesa Chijuilla, Mesa Penistaja, Ceja Pelon, and Cejita Blanca Mesa.
A closeup map of the first 4 of the 5 Cuba Badlands.
The Drive In
From Albuquerque, take US 550 to Cuba, but -at the entrance- to the town turn left onto NM 197. Continue south along the east of the very large Mesa de Cuba (one of the badlands) – the scenery as one reaches the end of Mesa de Cuba is quite interesting. Continue for 9.2 miles from US 550 to where NM 197 takes a sharp turn to the left. Midway around this turn take the road to the right (known as Valle San Ysidro); it is a well used (and graded) dirt road.
Continue for 7.2 miles from NM 197, then turn right onto another graded dirt road (not as well maintained as Valle San Ysidro, but suitable for “city vehicles”). Continue for 1.3 miles, then turn left onto a two-track. About 200 yards on, you will encounter a wash with a very steep drop from the edge. This probably requires a high clearance vehicle, and best done with four-wheel drive since even when dry that sand can be soft. From there continue on for for three or four hundred yards, tell you come across a large open area that appears to have been a wellhead. We parked there for our hike into Ceja Pelon.
The Hike
Ceja Pelon Mesa Hike.Pat.2024-05-07
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
We began our hike by going up small canyon and then turned left to go up over a ridge into another slightly larger canyon. From there we followed that canyon for about a third of a mile, then turned to the right and worked our way up to the top of the Mesa. Along the way it was hard to take a step without trading on petrified wood from small shards to pieces maybe three or four inches in size. And occasionally we would see a section of a tree trunk, petrified.
From there we walked along the edge of the Mesa for about 6/10 of a mile. We enjoyed a great view of a field of mounds of black capped with gray materials (later, up close, the materials appeared to be some sort of crumbly clay, with near vertical faces of pockmarked surface in many patterns). We also came across rocks of almost every color, from tan to red, some yellow (some of this moss or lichen) – all very interesting. Along the ridge we did come across two petrified tree trunks, partially buried in the sand.
As on our previous visit to Ceja Pelon, on the return we found some shade under a piñon tree and shelter from the furious winds that followed us on this hike. We returned to the Tacoma by a different route, one that did not have such a steep slope to descend.
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.69 miles Elevation: start 6,945 ft, maximum 7,237 ft, minimum 6,945 ft Gross gain: 292 ft. Aggregate ascending 475 ft, descending 475 ft Maximum slope: 29% ascending, 23% descending, 5.8% average Duration: 4:11, Average Speed: 0.6 mph
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.
Weather continued to be perfect for visiting the openness of the San Juan Basin and the Badlands near Cuba, NM.
The San Juan Basin covers the northwest quarter of New Mexico and a portion of Colorado along the NM-CO border. There are -many- Badlands including the Ojito (near San Ysido), San Jose (north of Cuba), and going west Lybrook, Bisti/De-Na-Zin, Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, and several others (see the map at American Southwest).
Plus these five south and west of Cuba: Mesa de Cuba, Mesa Chijuilla, Mesa Penistaja, Ceja Pelon, and Cejita Blanca Mesa.
A closeup map of the first 4 of the 5 Cuba Badlands.
The Drive In
From Albuquerque: I-25 to Bernallilo and US-550, then US 550 to the south edge of Cuba. At the edge of town turn left onto NM 197. Continue south along the large Mesa de Cuba on your right; NM 197 bends around to the west; at 5.6 miles, just past the top of a rise in the road, turn right onto a dirt road. Go around a depression (muddy after rain or snow), proceed for .6 miles. Approaching a nearly-washed crossing of an arroyo, we turned right onto a 2-track and proceeded .7 miles to our parking place. There are a few spots along this 2-track that suggest a high-clearance vehicle (we drive a Tacoma). But one could stop anywhere along this 2-track and walk from there towards very interesting territory.
The Hike
Mesa de Cuba Southwest Walkabout.Pat.2024-05-02
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).
We began our Walkabout by seeking a path up onto a ridge south of were we parked. Alighting from the Tacoma, we immediately came across interesting features – the light and dark gray mounds and rocks on pedestals. After a bit of reconnoitering, we found our way up the steeper slope to the top of the ridge.
From there we enjoyed a good view of the light and dark gray mounds between there and the open plains beyond. We explored this ridge top, considered going down among the mounts but … continued on looking for more interesting features.
Before descending, our view was punctuated by small rock monuments on the end of this ridge.
From there we explored the lower level of this area enjoying the wonderful weather, walking among the scattered juniper trees, and the views of the the mesa around us. We explored a couple of small canyons that penetrated the mesa. And the edges of the dark/light gray mounds have quite an interesting appearance and texture – erosion of the fragile material forming various patterns and shapes.
We came upon more upstanding rocks, sentinels in this fascinating geology.
And we came across a few spherical shaped rocks – what variety Mother Nature produces.
Highlight
Wherever we hike, even in what seems to be the driest setting, we come across more of Mother Nature’s glory – flowers in bloom, the sculpture of skeletons of juniper trees, and sagebrush and a healthy juniper tree forming a backdrop.
Statistics
Total Distance: 2.06 miles
Elevation: start 6,963 ft, maximum 7,021 ft, minimum 6,948 ft
Gross gain: 73 ft. Aggregate ascending 424 ft, descending 424 ft
Maximum slope: 34% ascending, 43% descending, 6.5% average
Duration: 3:53, Average Speed: 0.5 mph
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.
