Baking in San Lorenzo Canyon

Parking at the mouth of the canyon

New Mexico is home to so many isolated, hidden gems. With Chavez Canyon up by Abiquiu, the lava tubes in El Malpais, Carlito Springs in the Sandias, San Ysidro Canyon just off of 550, and far too many others to name, there is certainly no shortage of wonders to be found in the state. One more you can all add to your to-do list is a geologic wonderland about an hour and a half south of Albuquerque. With small springs, caves, slots, towers, and more, there is so much waiting to be found by explorers, beginners and experienced alike.

This is another hike outside of Albuquerque itself, though the drive is not terribly far, which is why I am happy to include it in this blog. And I must note that it is certainly worth the drive.

To reach this destination, follow I-25 south and exit at San Acacia, between Belen and Socorro. Take the east frontage road south and go under the interstate at the second underpass. Where the paved road goes south, a dirt road goes west....follow this road. There are countless intersections and side roads, but make sure to stay on this main relatively maintained washboard of a road. After a little over two miles, you reach a cattle guard with a sign for San Lorenzo Recreation Area. Go through the cattle guard and follow this road all the way back to the canyon. The road from here on is very sandy, and meanders in and out of an arroyo. 4WD is not always necessary when the road is okay, but it is recommended, as it would not be hard to get stuck in the sand through here.

Unique erosion in the soft sandstone

You can park in the canyon mouth or drive to the back where house sized boulders block any further progress for vehicles. I personally find it best to park near the entrance of the canyon and walk up through the rest of the canyon, exploring everything along the sides as you go. There are so many side canyons and features to explore, it is not difficult to pass hours and hours exploring them all.

A local bee taking care of business

It's very exposed out here, which makes it ideal for every season but summer and early fall. Brandon and I ventured out today in roughly 80-90 degree heat, which was exhausting but manageable. The many side canyons provided opportunities for shade, and water was a constant focus. Even with the heat, the magnificence and scale of this area make it all worth it.

Brandon walking in shade beneath towering sandstone cliffs

Entrance to one of the many side canyons

Camping is allowed out here away from water sources, and it would be an excellent spot for just that! Though, I am very interested in it for the opportunity to see what desert spiders like to crawl out here after dark. Though there was a lot of evidence of neighborhood spiders, a daddy long leg was all that we saw today.

Looking through to another world

Walking through one of the larger slot canyons

Daddy long legs were certainly not the only thing showing themselves today, though. On our walks and wanderings, we came across a tiny frog, many different kinds of lizards, tarantula hawk wasps, and squirrels that appeared to be almost twice their normal size! Even in this dry, desert environment, life was certainly plentiful all around us.

Towards the back of the canyon, several house sized boulders pile up in the canyon, though they are easy to maneuver around and continue past. Most people tend to end their days exploration here, but there is a small spring just a little farther back in the canyon. I'd heard about this but did not go to see it my first time in the area, and it was a wonderful treat to see today! I was surprised at how well the spring flowed, and it added such color and character to the small area it occupied.

Just above the mini waterfall, all the green on the ground is flowing

Tiny waterfall fed by a healthy spring

It is impossible to show or list everything about this canyon, and it is difficult for me to put into words just how grand and unique this place is. I can only hope that this inspires you to go out and see for yourself. The experience of wandering out here, not knowing what you may find around every corner, is unlike most other areas closer to Albuquerque. I DEFINITELY suggest to pack a cooler, some snacks, and tank of gas, and head out to explore this wonder. If you have questions of direction or anything, feel free to let me know and I will be happy to help. Happy trails!!

Brandon in a small cave up on a hillside

A tower declaring its spot ahead of these walls

Canyon Hunting On El Cerro De Los Lunas

With sand in my shoes, small cuts along my legs, and red arms, I have had a very successful day of hiking and climbing on a landmark that is most sentimental and beautiful to me...Los Lunas Hill.
Los Lunas Hill, or El Cerro De Los Lunas, sits on the western edge of Los Lunas, NM, a small town about 30-40 minutes south of Albuquerque. Overlooking the entire town, it is host to lots of desert wildlife, various canyons, sand dunes, petroglyphs and even some very spread out and isolated bouldering.

While there are a lot of official trails popping up on the "hill", one of my favorite hikes is the main eastern canyon, one that resembles a big cut or chasm in the side of the hill. After many years, something about this little canyon always brings me back.

Alyssa working up the steep sand bank

To reach this canyon, take I-25 to Los Lunas. Take a right onto main street and head down towards Huning Ranch. Skip the first turn into the community and make the next left onto Huning Ranch Loop SW. You'll pass an elementary school on your right on this road. Follow all the way down and take a right, heading up to park in the southwestern-most cul-de-sac. Basically when you're passing the mailboxes at the bottom of the hill (after making the right at the end of Huning Loop), take a left, then a right, then a left.

Lots of beautiful flowers out today

From the parking area, you can see the first main band of cliffs, with some steep sandy trails heading up and around them. While exhausting, these steep trails provide quick, easy access to the top of the cliffs, and to the bottom of the canyon. Personally, I like to hike up this main sand trail and follow the branch heading west that stays above the canyon.

Alyssa refueling and catching a break at the top of the steep bank

You can follow this trail west and then take the canyon down, or you can take the canyon up and back. Either way, there will be a lot of climbing and downclimbing once in the canyon. Coming down is definitely the highlight of the hike, downclimbing some short but steep sections, depositing you into some wonderful areas, with towering walls of volcanic rock above.

Looking east to the Manzanos and Meadow Lake

Coming up in the middle of the canyon

While the trail in the bottom of the canyon has always been easy to see and travel, it's undergone a lot of growth over the last few years. Not to mention, it is now plagued with oceans of tumbleweed, making navigating a bit more of a game. However, it only adds to the novelty of the desert, in my opinion.

Alyssa resting on a shady bench in the rock

A beautiful open area separating the upper and lower parts of the canyon

There are some beautiful places to rest where the canyon narrows, providing lots of shade at some points in the day (and none at others). There is a lot of sketchy climbing in the upper part of the canyon, but what fun would this be without it?

Alyssa climbing up and around the narrow rest spot

This sea of tumbleweed covers the original, easier path

There comes a point where the canyon intersects the Overlook Trail, in a broad opening not too far below the northern peak. This is where I usually turn around hike back down, though you can continue in any number of directions to further the "adventure". You can continue up and over the ridges ahead, hiking to the other side of the hill, or you can follow the overlook trail to the tallest peak to the south, or hike up to the north to the main peak with the famous "LL" on the side.

I love desert canyons

Even if you went up the canyon, coming down it is enjoyable in a whole different way, with beautiful views out east the whole way down. The canyon ends at a 30-40 foot drop off, which is where you hike up and out of the canyon and back down the sand bank that took you up.

The canyon ends above the black streaks on the cliff

Normally this is a nice little outing for those in the Los Lunas area, but it wasn't enough to satiate my need to DO something. After eating a little bit, Alyssa and I hiked around to the back side to one of better boulders. I pieced together an old project and found out how to start it even lower, creating another slightly harder project. The bouldering out here isn't really worth driving out to, but the sentimental value of a lot of these boulders still brings me back.

Lullaby (V3)

Lullaby Sit (V4+)

El Cerro de Los Lunas is definitely a hidden gem, and this post is only a taste of what exists out there. It is definitely not for everyone. There is a LOT of sun, harsh desert vegetation, rattlesnakes, loose rock, etc. But for those who love venturing outside, it is a great little escape located very conveniently on the edge of a town. Though the adventure provided by this hill is minimal, it is still worth doing and bound to be enjoyed by a few. But, as always, don't take my word for it...get outside and form your own opinions on it!

A Lush Escape to Carlito Springs

Due to a combination of prior commitments and uncooperative weather, I haven't been able to get out and do much hiking or climbing in the last couple of weeks. I've decided to keep posting, though!
Today's post is one of the most unique and beautiful areas nearby, Carlito Springs.
Carlito Springs is a one of a kind area in the southern part of the Sandia Mountains, located in Tijeras Canyon right off of I-40. It has a similar character to the nearby canyons and trails, but (with it's cabins and healthy springs) is so very unique at the same time; it is a true oasis in this lower-elevation desert.

General character of the bottom portion of the trail

To get to Carlito Springs, I'll give the Rt. 66 directions from Albuquerque. Get to Tramway and Central, heading east on Central which turns into Route 66 at this point. Drive a few miles, pass the community of Carnuel, and then take the first left onto Carlito Springs Rd. Take a right and go through the gate on your left with the Open Space signs.
Carlito Springs is an Open Space area, owned by Bernalillo County since the year 2000, though it has only been open for visitors once or twice a year through most of its time as an open space area. It finally just opened up for general public use in August of 2014.

The stream flowing beneath the first bridge (not pictured)

When you start the trail, you'll initially reach a T in the trail, the left option being the shorter to reach the main attraction. From here it is, I'm guessing here, roughly a 3/4 mile hike to reach the cabins/springs. The trail is VERY well maintained, and passes a couple bridges along its length to the springs, staying near to the stream that is a result of the springs above.

It's even green in the water here, unlike most Sandia streams

 

Lovely views offered on this trail

There are a few steep sections, though they are very moderate and even have steps at some points, making this a trail doable for any hiker, and also popular. The sound of the stream is so soothing, when it is flowing heavy enough, and also quiet enough.
After you pass the second bridge, the trail levels out for a moment, passing BEAUTIFUL and sometimes colorful trees. At this point you're very near the orchard (started over 100 years ago) that is fed by the springs. This is definitely best in spring time when the flowering trees are blooming, presenting you with a multitude of colorful flowers and interested insects.

A lush, ivy-covered tree

 After one more semi-steep ascent up terraced property, you reach abandoned cabins, and the bright green and peaceful oasis that is Carlito Springs. There is a very large tree covered in ivy above the first pool, presenting a unique beauty definitely not found anywhere else on this mountain.
The springs flow down into this first pool below the tree, and then down into three more large pools below which have stairs to access each one.

The first pool below the tree

The second pool, the first down the set of stairs

The water flows so wonderfully and heavily through here (at least by Sandia standards), one could easily just sit nearby and get lost in the sounds. There are a wide variety of other plants found nearby as well, especially in spring, that bloom into such vivid colors!

Third pool

There are travertine formations above the springs (which is where they come out of) and in each of the pools all the way down, which are brought to life by the algae that has formed on them over the years.

Cabins, the reminders of its history as a resort in the late 1800s

The cabins above the springs are beautiful, adding to the serenity of the destination as opposed to taking away from it like most human structures do. These cabins once stood as part of a resort in the late 1800s, before maintaining a short life as a sanitorium in the early 1900s. You can walk up to all the structures, even accessing the balconies, though entering any of the structures is strictly prohibited.

Balcony views from one of the cabins

You may continue past the cabins and follow the trail back around (I don't know how far, at least 1-1.5 miles) to the parking lot for a nice loop hike, though it is quicker and more shaded to follow the route you came up. For those who simply enjoy hiking, though, I would recommend at least once to take the loop around, basking in the juniper forest and splendid views of the Manzanita Mountains to the south.

View of the Manzanitas from just past the easternmost cabin

Travertine cliffs above the springs

All of these pictures I've posted where taken in February, so the trail and springs are even more lush and green now. I'd definitely recommend anyone with an afternoon or morning to head out and experience the hike for yourselves.
This is a true gem in the Sandias. It is easily my favorite open space area, and it has even earned the title of "favorite place in the Sandias" by some. It's easy access and short hiking distance has already made it a popular destination in the Albuquerque area, so expect a lot of people on the weekends. Strangely, even with the crowds that can exist, it does not take away the tranquility that is Carlito Springs.

Huffing And Puffing Up The Ojo Del Orno Route

There's a beautiful side of the Sandias with a character all its own. Not quite as shaded and green as much of the east side, and not nearly as rocky, dry, and open as the west side. More of a combination of many of the greater aspects of both sides can be found here, the area surrounding the quiet community of Placitas.
To reach this trailhead, take I-25 to exit 242 and head east toward Placitas. You'll travel roughly 5 miles down this road before reaching the Tunnel Springs/FR 231 road. Take a right onto this road and follow it for roughly two miles to the trailhead.

The view as you head toward Ojo Del Orno Canyon

With many rolling hills bearing rocky canyons, big limestone cliffs (some even with caves), seas of juniper, and soaring hawks that almost look like they're waiting for you to pass out, the hiking around Placitas is truly beautiful (and much less "crowded" than many of the east/west side trails).
This particular hike starts next to Agua Sarca Canyon (a post for another time) and the northern terminus for the Crest Trail, which is how I decided to descend this one. You begin on the Crest Trail, heading south until the trail turns east, heading away from the canyon you're facing. Follow the rough path you see heading into the canyon to get started on Ojo Del Orno. This trail has a short length of only 0.8 miles, but it makes you work for every step. It starts out deceivingly easy before it starts cutting up...and up....and up.

Distant mesas visible through thickening juniper

Albeit steep, this is a really beautiful trail that is almost guaranteed isolation, with hardly any vehicles at the trailhead. As you ascend, there are large limestone cliffs rising above to the east, home to what appeared to be peregrine falcons (though I could be mistaken). The trail continues up at a steep grade, which must be navigated carefully as there is a lot of loose rock along its entire length. A little over halfway up, the tree cover becomes a little thicker, providing spectacular views of the mesas and mountains to the north as you get to peek through every so often.

Amphitheater-esque limestone cliffs

I consider myself to be in pretty good physical shape, and I was hufffing and puffing up many stretches of this short trail, having to stop for breaks occasionally just to catch my breath. However, the solitude, the views up north, and the general feel of this area make the struggle more than worth it! This is a hike I'll likely be doing again for sure. And when you reach the top, you are deposited on the extreme northern end of the Crest Trail, which you can take east for a broad 3.3 mile hike around back to your car. My knees aren't so good going down really steep stuff, so I prefer the broad loop back to the car. Plus, you pass right up against some beautiful limestone cliffs (perfect for climbing I'd say), views of San Pedro Mountains out east, and if it's clear enough, you can get a decent view of Cabezon out west.

Unknown plant found all along the crest trail

Perfect limestone bands that the trail passes right under

The broad loop back is really pleasant, meandering around a lot of drainage areas, giving you great views of sprawling green, and eventually opening up to give you some views of the beginning of Las Huertas Canyon. It is a pretty open area, so it's best on a cool day or when it's cooler during the hot days like morning or evening. The loop comes back around northeast of the parking area, passing the Tunnel Springs climbing area about 10 minutes before reaching the end.

Tunnel Springs cliffs coming into view

While some do hike this area, there are far fewer to be found than many of the other areas on the mountain. So, if quiet and solitude is your thing, definitely get out and do this ~4.1 mile loop!

Bill Spring & Sulphur Canyon Loop

This beautiful hike links 3 connecting trails to form a pleasant loop, passing through some beautiful forested terrain! Starting in the beautiful (and consequently popular) Doc Long Picnic Area, this trail follows Bill Spring Trail, Faulty Trail, and Sulphur Canyon. You could do Sulphur Canyon or Bill Spring on their own  for a quick and easy outing, perfect for if you've got a friend or kid who is new to hiking, or just isn't used to anything more difficult.

A sample of all the GREEN to be found on Bill Spring

To get to Doc Long Picnic Area, take I-40 and exit at Tijeras and head north on NM14. Follow NM14 until you reach the turnoff for Sandia Crest Highway, the road that starts winding up the back of the Sandias until it reaches the crest. Once you pass the National Forest sign, Sulphur Canyon/Cienega Canyon Picnic Areas is on the left side and the first turnoff you reach, and Doc Long Picnic Area is immediately past this on the left as well. Bill Spring is a 0.7 (one way) mile trail that passes through lots of green trees and some really neat limestone rock formations.

Short limestone overhang about halfway down the trail

Not too often noticed, there is a small spring that flows off to your right when you reach a small fenced off building, which is a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the sound of the water when it is flowing heavy enough. The hike continues on relatively level ground, passing many different tilted limestone formations, lifted up when the Sandias were being pushed up (technically the Sandias are still being pushed up).

Another sample of the beautiful color seen on Bill Spring in springtime

After meandering through the bright green (lots of welcomed shade on a warm day), you reach a very small "meadow" where the trail terminates and intersects with faulty trail. You can take a break on a small log bench and turn back, or start the hike up faulty.

Faulty Trail wandering through the trees

Faulty Trail is where elevation comes in and you may have to take your time. Faulty cuts up and down and drops in and out of a lot of canyons, even along it's 1.2 mile length from Bill Spring to Sulphur Canyon. However, it offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains, and is one of the trails that I have seen the most wildlife on, ranging from mule deer, to horned lizards, snakes, black bear, and some odd caterpillars I've never seen before.

Almost stepped on this little guy!

Faulty maintains a steady average elevation, but has many ups and downs along the way, which is why relief is felt when you come across the Sulphur Canyon signpost. Sulphur Canyon has been closed in the past due to heavy bear activity, so always be aware of your surroundings when hiking it's 0.4 mile length. Aside from that, it is a pleasant stroll through more green and more wildflowers, making its way back down towards the crest highway.

Locust shells at the Sulphur Canyon/Faulty intersection

When you reach hike back through the Sulphur Canyon Picnic area and reach the crest highway, there is a small trail that ventures off to the north/northwest toward Doc Long Picnic Area, passing a small stream/spring immediately. This will take you to an asphalt path, heading directly to the Doc Long area. Any of these trails alone are fantastic for a quick outing, and looped together it makes for a beautiful ~3.5 mile hike and a great day outside, with the potential to see so much life of the Sandias. If not the loop in its entirety, I would definitely recommend the Bill Spring Trail at least to anyone looking for a nice little hike to make you forget you are near Albuquerque. So get out, and find out for yourself! Happy Trails!

REALLY cool Tent Caterpillar nest. I had never seen these before encountering them along Faulty!