Photo Blog with Waterfalls, Hiking, Outdoors, and other Adventures
![Bandelier National Monument - Visitor Center [Failed]](https://i0.wp.com/adammartin.space/wp-content/uploads/20241013-BandelierNM-01.jpg?fit=1600%2C900&ssl=1)
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
I’m continuing to head south through the western part of Nebraska today as I creep slowly towards the final target of New Mexico. I’m now in the city of Scottsbluff to check out Scotts Bluff National Monument. I didn’t even have this on my original list of points of interest which frankly is an embarrassing … Read more
After getting skunked on my morning run across the Needles Highway and then dilly-dallying with breakfast and laundry watching some clouds grow in the sky, I finally said “screw it!” and drove up to Sylvan Lake to the Trail #9 trail head for Black Elk Peak. The clouds continued to build as I watched from … Read more
The first time I visited Pattison State Park in 2018, it was immediately following some huge thunderstorms that destroyed many roads and trails, including the area downstream of Little Manitou Falls. Several years later, the trails are open again and I can now hike to see more of the park. Leaf colors are reaching peak … Read more
Cold temps and rowdy neighbords meant not much sleep last night but that was okay. I had planned to rise early anyways and take the shuttle to Echo Canyon for a hike back down to the visitor center. Was definitely a nice bonus riding the shuttle so I could watch the scenery go by and … Read more
Might be a few days behind schedule but I finally made it to Chiricahua National Monument for actual hiking & exploration. To start the afternoon I slowed down a bit and just cruised through the park getting a lay of the land & soaking in the amazing scenery. Eventually I booked a campsite and then … Read more
Rental car snafus blew apart my original plan but that’s okay – it pushed me to some places I probably wouldn’t have visited otherwise. First stop was Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge, Arizona. This site was the first prehistoric and cultural reserve established in the United States and a sacred place to the … Read more
Just a short drive upstream from McClintock Falls on the Peshtigo River is another amazing waterfall called Strong Falls. Access is extremely easy via Goodman Park – drive up the gravel entrance road, park in one of several small parking lots, and walk through the grass park to the falls. If you are interested in … Read more
Climbed out from Carlsbad Caverns with enough daylight left for long-shot destinations. Where am I headed next? Upwards into the mountains a bit in search of places less traveled. Clouds were getting moody and threatening rain – not much fell, but the backdrop they provided was fantastic. Sitting Bull Falls If you follow this blog, … Read more
Woke early to finish what I missed yesterday at Copper Falls State Park (see part 1 by clicking here). This time I stayed east of the Bad River and made the loop counter-clockwise. Still amazes me this was built by the Doughboys WWI veterans and CCC so long ago – can you imagine making these … Read more