Petroglyph National Monument – Visitor Center

Petroglyph National Monument - Entrance sign

After leaving Jemez Falls I continued south on NM-4 through the Jemez and Zia Pueblos just enjoying the scenery (though now that I’m back home I realized I missed so many things). Decided to head into Albuquerque and check out Petroglyph National Monument which has been on my list for quite some time and I’ve … Read more

Jemez Falls

Jemez Falls - View from overlook through the trees

Camp was quiet and nearly cleared out on this mid-October Monday morning, and my feet are losing their soreness so it’s time to try another short hike. As far as short hikes go this one has a great payoff at Jemez Falls, the highest waterfall in the Jemez Mountains. The trailhead is very easy to … Read more

Jemez Falls Campground

Jemez National Recreation Area - Jemez Falls campground

Camp for tonight is at the Jemez Falls campground in the Jemez National Recreation Area. This is part of the Santa Fe National Forest in the Jemez Mountains, and borders on the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Being a Sunday night, camp is only about half full (if that). According to the posted signs there might … Read more

Valle Grande Overlook

Valle Grande Overlook - View of valley to the west

Leaving Bandelier National Monument it was again decision time. I wasn’t quite ready to give up my exploration of this part of New Mexico so I drove further west on NM-4 through the mountain pass near Los Alamos with some idea of camping in the Santa Fe National Forest. Along the way I came across … Read more

Bandelier National Monument – Visitor Center [Fail]

Bandelier National Monument - Visitor Center [Failed]

Attempt to explore Bandelier National Monument was a failure today because I lost track of time while enjoying the scenic drive coming from Rio Grande Gorge. The area through La Junta was especially beautiful as was the Santa Clara Pueblo. The huge miscalculation that I made was how long it takes to drive from downtown … Read more

Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center

Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center - View of the Rio Grande River and Gorge

The Rio Grande Gorge and bridge were more impressive than I imagined. I was almost completely unprepared for this leg of the journey, so next destination was the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center to get more information. The first large sign on the outer wall of the visitor center details how the Rio Grande starts … Read more

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - Views of tall mountains in the distance

The scenic byway along US-64 south of Wheeler Peak was a great drive, and Taos is an interesting town but due to all the road work it wasn’t ideal to stop and walk around. So I kept driving a bit further northwest to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. There is a parking area but it … Read more

Eagle Nest, New Mexico

Eagle Nest, New Mexico - Eagle Nest Lake as seen from the Moreno Day Use Area

Woke up this morning and decided just to drive up towards Taos for no other reason than I’ve never been that direction before and I know there is a ton of scenery to be found. The first leg from Raton going south on 64 is rather unremarkable other than it’s vast empty spaces. That all … Read more

Raton KOA + K-Bob’s Steakhosue

KOA in Raton, New Mexico - Sunset from camp

I stopped in Raton, New Mexico to get some fuel and decide where to rest for the night. Not much around these parts so I took the easy out and booked a campsite at the Raton KOA campground. Not very busy even on a Saturday night because it’s remote and not a popular destination which … Read more

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Capulin Volcano National Monument – Entrance sign

Four years later and I have returned to Capulin Volcano National Monument to rectify my past failures and – spoiler alert? – it was worth the wait. Considering my past blunder was just not paying attention to a clock this was an easy win. Anyways, welcome to Capulin and let’s explore! Visitor Center First stop … Read more