Adventure Insider Online Magaine » New Mexico

La Palomas Peak – Albuquerque, NM

Erick — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:50:37 +0000

La Palpmas Peak

While in New Mexico on business I had a chance to to get away for a couple hours to do some climbing at La Palomas Peak outside Albuquerque, New Mexico. I’ll spare you the details as the can be found in the fairly comprehensive guide located at http://www.cs.unm.edu/~moret/crag.html. I will, however share some things that may not be obvious…at least not to me. First, the trail. I immediately set of on a faint trail behind the barriers when I should have walked south (up) on the road about 50 feet to an obvious trail. Second, you may be able to pick this up from the guide but the routes are very short. Just as you start to get warmed up you top out. All in all this is a great site to do some climbing if you are in the area, especially if you are looking to do a little teaching. With routes ranging from 5.4 to 5.13 there is a great variety to choose from.

White Mesa Bike Trails

Erick — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:48:27 +0000

White Mesa Bike Trails

When it’s mountain biking season and you find yourself near central New Mexico, White Mesa is the place to head. With a trail to meet everyone’s ability, White Mesa makes the perfect day trip for some great riding. The area consists of over 15 miles of trail, ranging from beginner to advanced. The White Mesa area is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is well marked and mapped. Although primarily used for biking, hiking is allowed on the entire trail system and equestrian use is permitted on a portion of the trails.

El Malpais National Monument

Erick — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:52:17 +0000

Created millions of years ago by lava flows covering the region, the lava tubes of El Malpais National Monument make a very exciting day trip or weekend over night trip. The most exciting parts of the area are the lava tubes that were created when lava on the outside of the flow hardened and the molten center continued to flow. This created tubes that are very exciting to explore. Although, there are no trails to speak of, cairns mark the way from cave to cave. A flier is also available at the trailhead with a crude map. Bring your headlamp if you plan to explore the caves, not much sunlight gets in. Sturdy boots, leather gloves, and knee pads are a good idea as well. Remember, if you don’t feel comfortable with where your are going, don’t go. For those that want to explore the caves a great adventure awaits you. Also remember to bring all your water with you, there is none available in the monument.

Primitive camping is allowed in the monument without a fee or permit.

Quick Info

Location: El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, USA
Permits: None
Difficulty: 5

http://www.nps.gov/elma/

Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Erick — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:27:15 +0000

Created millions of years ago by volcanic activity, the tent rocks are a wonder of unique geological formations. Today this land can be explored by way of two short and relatively easy trails. Cave Loop is the easier of the two, and is a 1.2 mile loop that take you near these natural marvels as well as a cave used by the Pueblo Indians. The other trail, Canyon Trail, winds it’s way through slot canyons to the top of the plateau overlooking the tent rocks. It’s about 1.5 miles long with moderate grades and exposure. From the top you can enjoy stunning views of not only the Sangre de Cristo, Sandia, and Jamez mountains, the Rio Grande Valley as well as the tent rocks. No overnight trips are allowed at the monument but the tent rocks make a nice day trip.

Getting There

The tent rocks are located approx. 45 miles southwest of Santa Fe. From I-25 take Exit 259 (Santa Domingo/Cochiti Lake Recreation Area). Follow NM-22 to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument to a water tower painted like a drum (Tribal Route 92). After paying the five dollar private vehicles entrance fee proceed up the gravel road to the parking area.

Quick Info

Location: Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, New Mexico, USA
Fee: $5/car
Difficulty: 3
http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/rio_puerco/kasha_katuwe_tent_rocks.html

San Lorenzo Canyon

Erick — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:37:15 +0000

San Lorenzo Canyon - New Mexico

Located about an hour south of Albuquerque on BLM land, San Lorenzo Canyon offers a short & easy trip for those looking to backpack with someone inexperienced, children, or anyone just looking for a simple trip. There is only about a mile and a half of canyon before the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (which is off limits without permission), so the canyon offers the possibility of a Friday night hike in allowing almost two full days of day hiking. Campsites with a nice view can be found with an eye upward and the willingness to do a little light scrambling. Water is tough to find so plan accordingly during the drier seasons.

Directions:

Sunrise over San Lorenzo Canyon - New Mexico

Take exit 156 off I-25 for Lemitar and head to the west to the service station to stock up on beef jerky and water. When your finished shopping take the service road North that runs parallel to I-25, on the West side approx. 5 miles. When the road makes a sharp turn to the East take the left on a maintained dirt road. In approx. 2 miles you will see a sign on the right to San Lorenzo Canyon. If you are in a four wheel drive take this road as far as you see fit (if you are so inclined you can drive all the way up the canyon). If you are in a two wheel drive back up to one of the dirt roads and head up a little ways until you find suitable parking. Wherever you park, just head West in the wash to the mouth of the canyon.

Quick Info

Location: Aevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, USA
Permits: None
Distance: 1.5 miles one-way
Difficulty (1-10): 2
Beta: http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/SanLorenzo/

http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/socorro/san_lorenzo_canyon.html

Jemez River East Fork

Erick — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:33:25 +0000

Jemez River - New Mexico

If barren desert is what comes to mind when you think of New Mexico, think again. In the Jemez mountains about 45 minutes from Santa Fe (in the National Forest of the same name) runs the Jemez River. With tons of trails in the area, the hiking and backpacking opportunities are almost endless. Add to that the Jemez Falls and the McCauley Hot Springs and the Jemez river makes for great weekend outings with the kids. Keep in mind the area is quite popular and thus solitude can be a little tricky.

Jemez River Crossing - New Mexico

If nothing else you can find a secluded campsite by being a little adventuresome and heading off trail. There are also some sport climbing routes in the area along the river if that’s your sport. The scenery while driving on US 4 will leave you speechless as well, particularly to the west. After a nice weekend head to Cafe Pasquals in Santa Fe for an absolutely divine brunch.

Quick Info

Location: Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico, USA
Permits: None
Distance: Many variations
Difficulty (1-10): 3

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe/index.html