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