Jemez Springs, NM?

[Durango1]

So in contrast to our recent 21 day, 4300 mile western road trip (Whew!) Sioux and I have 3 days next week scheduled to just camp in one place around the Jemez Springs/ Valle Caldera area north of Albuquerque. We're flexible.

Anyone have any remote boondocking camp sites to recommend? How about some "moderate" hikes or bird watching sites?

We'll be dragging the Rubicon for the first time so can get out and hit a few 4WD trails too. It should be nice to be able to drive around while leaving the Hawk set up.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Dughlas Stiubhart]

Steve, there are many boondock camps in the nat forest along 126 west of La Cueva. The Valles Caldera, which is now open to the public as the newest property of the National Parks System, has many wetlands and streams good for birding. I'm sure you can find many off-trail hikes in the vast meadows and the woodlands just above them. The last time I was there, last month, things were too wet for me to chance driving on the smaller dirt roads but there are many logging roads to check out south and west of the Caldera.

Have fun! It is wonderful country.

 

[Durango1]

Thanks, Stew. Sioux and I took 126 from La Cueva over to Cuba just a couple of weeks ago. We're looking forward to spending a few days this time.

What is the camping like on FR 376 down near Deer Creek Landing and the Gilman Tunnels?

 

[highz]

Just a heads-up that it looks like it could be wet out that way this week. Might be a good idea to check on the status of the roads at the district office.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/santafe/about-forest/districts

 

[Dughlas Stiubhart]

Thanks, Stew. Sioux and I took 126 from La Cueva over to Cuba just a couple of weeks ago. We're looking forward to spending a few days this time.

What is the camping like on FR 376 down near Deer Creek Landing and the Gilman Tunnels?

I have not been on FR376 yet but I'm sure there would be good camping on those big mesas it goes by. Keep your eye out for those large Indian ruins in the area. There are some with over 1000 rooms.

 

[Durango1]

Thank you, Stew. I'll report back. Looks the weather might be a bit dicey!

 

[Dughlas Stiubhart]

Yes, Steve, please let me know if you find some good camping spots off FS376. I plan on heading down there again soon to search for some of those Indian ruins. And for sure watch the roads. The mud there can be horrendous!