Vermejo
Adventurer
Thanks, Pat. I’ll trade you some New Mexico Backroads for some Low Key Hideaway...If you let me get behind the tiki bar, I’ll let you get behind the wheel of the 4Runner. :sombrero:
Thank you, Kirk!
Vermejo’s Travel Log - 2011
- Thread starter Vermejo
- Start date
Thanks, Pat. I’ll trade you some New Mexico Backroads for some Low Key Hideaway...If you let me get behind the tiki bar, I’ll let you get behind the wheel of the 4Runner. :sombrero:
Thank you, Kirk!
Vermejo
Adventurer
Winter Exploration- Northern New Mexico & Southern Colorado
At sunset, we stopped at San Isadore Church located in the tiny hamlet of Las Mesitas, Colorado. The church was gutted by a fire in the 1970’s and has remained unchanged since. The Conejos River, surrounding snow capped mountains and golden grass of the San Luis Valley provides a spectacular backdrop for the church remains.
The Ruins of San Isadore Church- Las Mesitas
At sunset, we stopped at San Isadore Church located in the tiny hamlet of Las Mesitas, Colorado. The church was gutted by a fire in the 1970’s and has remained unchanged since. The Conejos River, surrounding snow capped mountains and golden grass of the San Luis Valley provides a spectacular backdrop for the church remains.
Every Miles A Memory
Expedition Leader
Just let me know what kind of beer you want stocked and I'll have it waiting for your arrival!!
Emotion in motion man.
This pic makes it feel like I'm inside the truck watching the view pass by! My daughter and I enjoyed those snow shots especially the yellow house surrounded by snow with light gray sky. Excellent.
This pic makes it feel like I'm inside the truck watching the view pass by! My daughter and I enjoyed those snow shots especially the yellow house surrounded by snow with light gray sky. Excellent.
Long Trip Home: Highway 285 at Tres Piedras
End
Vermejo
Adventurer
Vermejo
Adventurer
Cruise Cruces- Dona Ana County, NM
The backroads of Dona Ana County provide an outstanding destination for 4WD enthusiasts from around the country to explore rugged desert terrain and test their driving skills. Situated on over 3,000 square miles of Public Lands, the area's vast system of backroads link rocky canyons, high mesas and open desert. Typically Southern New Mexico offers mild temperatures and sunny skies during the winter months for what locals know as the “peak season” for trail running. In preparation for Cruise Cruces and Chile Challenge, George and I scouted over 100 miles of trails and backroads across Dona Ana County in his FJ.
In the summer of 2006, during a record downpour, a wall of water nearly 25 feet tall raced down Broad Canyon like a freight train; sweeping away wildlife, collapsing canyon walls, and writing a new chapter in the canyon's history. Broad Canyon is located 25 miles northwest of Las Cruces and serves as the main drainage channel for the Sierra de las Uvas Mountains. Runoff that travels the full length of Broad Canyon, from the high ridges of the Sierra de las Uvas to the canyon outlet at the Rio Grande River, drops nearly 2,000 feet in less than 15 miles.
A remote rock crawling trail runs the full length of Broad Canyon surrounded by rich scenery, Wilderness Study Area and scattered Indian Petroglyphs. It seems ironic that water has played such a dominant role in shaping the arid landscape. During the monsoon season, flash floods can rip through the canyon bottoms, carving new paths and reworking the trail. Although a 25-foot wall of water coming down the canyon is not a normal occurrence, the flood waters can easily move car sized boulders and mountains of sand down a canyon floor with only moderate flow. (Above photo: Close-up example of a flash flood. Summer 2010, Otero County, NM)
In the months before 4WD guiding season starts, I explore many of the area trails by vehicle and by foot to survey changes. Some years obstacles seem to vanish into the sand while rock gardens emerge from once tame areas. Since these canyon trails are in a perpetual state of change, the challenge of navigating them is never-ending. The Broad Canyon Trail is separated into two sections, Upper & Lower. Lower Broad Canyon is classified as a “hard” trail, while Upper Broad Canyon is classified as a “moderate” trail. The canyon varies in width from 20 feet to an eighth of a mile. The narrow sections of Broad Canyon, also called “dry rapids”, are the most difficult for drivers to navigate. These areas provide deep gullies and big ledges that have no bypasses. Those planning on running Upper & Lower Broad Canyon should realize the remote setting of the trail before attempting; some groups have taken two days, camping in between, to complete. The unimproved road from Highway 185 to the Lower Broad Canyon trailhead can take an hour in itself to traverse. From Las Cruces, the roundtrip distance is around 75 miles, depending on the route.
This is why we scout trails. This rock fell into the center of Upper Broad Canyon since last season. George was nice enough to let me get behind the wheel of his built FJ for much of Broad Canyon…I'm thinking he did so to pass the responsibility of vehicle damage onto me. Since we were the first ones up this year, we named it “Window Rock”, as it's going to smash plenty of them. (Above photo by George Zoros)
Broad Canyon Trail Requirements: Experienced Driver, Lift, Solid Rear Locker (Solid Front Locker Recommended), 33-Inch+ Tires, Winch, Solid Recovery Points, Sliders & Skids. BODY DAMAGE POSSIBLE
More photos of Broad Canyon can be found at the NMBR Blog HERE
Scouting Upper & Lower Broad Canyon
The backroads of Dona Ana County provide an outstanding destination for 4WD enthusiasts from around the country to explore rugged desert terrain and test their driving skills. Situated on over 3,000 square miles of Public Lands, the area's vast system of backroads link rocky canyons, high mesas and open desert. Typically Southern New Mexico offers mild temperatures and sunny skies during the winter months for what locals know as the “peak season” for trail running. In preparation for Cruise Cruces and Chile Challenge, George and I scouted over 100 miles of trails and backroads across Dona Ana County in his FJ.
In the summer of 2006, during a record downpour, a wall of water nearly 25 feet tall raced down Broad Canyon like a freight train; sweeping away wildlife, collapsing canyon walls, and writing a new chapter in the canyon's history. Broad Canyon is located 25 miles northwest of Las Cruces and serves as the main drainage channel for the Sierra de las Uvas Mountains. Runoff that travels the full length of Broad Canyon, from the high ridges of the Sierra de las Uvas to the canyon outlet at the Rio Grande River, drops nearly 2,000 feet in less than 15 miles.
A remote rock crawling trail runs the full length of Broad Canyon surrounded by rich scenery, Wilderness Study Area and scattered Indian Petroglyphs. It seems ironic that water has played such a dominant role in shaping the arid landscape. During the monsoon season, flash floods can rip through the canyon bottoms, carving new paths and reworking the trail. Although a 25-foot wall of water coming down the canyon is not a normal occurrence, the flood waters can easily move car sized boulders and mountains of sand down a canyon floor with only moderate flow. (Above photo: Close-up example of a flash flood. Summer 2010, Otero County, NM)
In the months before 4WD guiding season starts, I explore many of the area trails by vehicle and by foot to survey changes. Some years obstacles seem to vanish into the sand while rock gardens emerge from once tame areas. Since these canyon trails are in a perpetual state of change, the challenge of navigating them is never-ending. The Broad Canyon Trail is separated into two sections, Upper & Lower. Lower Broad Canyon is classified as a “hard” trail, while Upper Broad Canyon is classified as a “moderate” trail. The canyon varies in width from 20 feet to an eighth of a mile. The narrow sections of Broad Canyon, also called “dry rapids”, are the most difficult for drivers to navigate. These areas provide deep gullies and big ledges that have no bypasses. Those planning on running Upper & Lower Broad Canyon should realize the remote setting of the trail before attempting; some groups have taken two days, camping in between, to complete. The unimproved road from Highway 185 to the Lower Broad Canyon trailhead can take an hour in itself to traverse. From Las Cruces, the roundtrip distance is around 75 miles, depending on the route.
This is why we scout trails. This rock fell into the center of Upper Broad Canyon since last season. George was nice enough to let me get behind the wheel of his built FJ for much of Broad Canyon…I'm thinking he did so to pass the responsibility of vehicle damage onto me. Since we were the first ones up this year, we named it “Window Rock”, as it's going to smash plenty of them. (Above photo by George Zoros)
Broad Canyon Trail Requirements: Experienced Driver, Lift, Solid Rear Locker (Solid Front Locker Recommended), 33-Inch+ Tires, Winch, Solid Recovery Points, Sliders & Skids. BODY DAMAGE POSSIBLE
More photos of Broad Canyon can be found at the NMBR Blog HERE
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Vermejo
Adventurer
Cruise Cruces- Dona Ana County, NM
The Dona Ana Mountains are located 10 miles northeast of Las Cruces; flanked by the Rio Grande River Valley and Jornada Experimental Range. Surprisingly, New Mexico State University, a Land Grant University, owns much of these mountains. The trails were originally established for Jeep racing in the 60’s and 70’s and became a popular destination for those seeking rollercoaster like thrills from behind the wheel. (Above photo: George on Sally's Rock, an off camber rock face. Where my shadow is at the bottom left, the formation drops off about 75 feet.)
The trails of the Dona Ana Mountains are characterized by steep inclines and off camber descents providing views into the blue sky or directly down the mountainside. To compound the fun, most of the trail surface consists of loose rock that leaves much traction to be desired. The Dona Ana Mountains also feature an extensive system of mountain bike trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. A handful of caves and Indian Petroglyphs exist in the area for those willing to do exploring by foot.
Dona Ana Mountains Trail Requirements (Moderate Trails): A stock high clearance 4WD truck or SUV will suffice for the many of the trails. Dona Ana Mountains Trail Requirements (Hard Trails): Experienced Driver, Lift, Solid Rear Locker, 33-Inch+ Tires, Winch, Solid Recovery Points. Some of the “Hard” trails provide a high risk of rollover. (Above photo: If you don’t know the trails, you’d think you were about to drive off a cliff before descending the notch between this rock formation.)
More photos of the Dona Ana Mountains can be found at the NMBR Blog HERE
Scouting the Dona Ana Mountains
The Dona Ana Mountains are located 10 miles northeast of Las Cruces; flanked by the Rio Grande River Valley and Jornada Experimental Range. Surprisingly, New Mexico State University, a Land Grant University, owns much of these mountains. The trails were originally established for Jeep racing in the 60’s and 70’s and became a popular destination for those seeking rollercoaster like thrills from behind the wheel. (Above photo: George on Sally's Rock, an off camber rock face. Where my shadow is at the bottom left, the formation drops off about 75 feet.)
The trails of the Dona Ana Mountains are characterized by steep inclines and off camber descents providing views into the blue sky or directly down the mountainside. To compound the fun, most of the trail surface consists of loose rock that leaves much traction to be desired. The Dona Ana Mountains also feature an extensive system of mountain bike trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. A handful of caves and Indian Petroglyphs exist in the area for those willing to do exploring by foot.
Dona Ana Mountains Trail Requirements (Moderate Trails): A stock high clearance 4WD truck or SUV will suffice for the many of the trails. Dona Ana Mountains Trail Requirements (Hard Trails): Experienced Driver, Lift, Solid Rear Locker, 33-Inch+ Tires, Winch, Solid Recovery Points. Some of the “Hard” trails provide a high risk of rollover. (Above photo: If you don’t know the trails, you’d think you were about to drive off a cliff before descending the notch between this rock formation.)
More photos of the Dona Ana Mountains can be found at the NMBR Blog HERE
Vermejo
Adventurer
Cruise Cruces- Dona Ana County, NM
Dare I say that Rustler’s Fire Trail is the most remote, most primitive & highest passable road in Dona Ana County, NM? Yes. Passing another soul on these desert backroads can be few and far between. As for “Rustler’s”, I can almost guarantee pure solitude on this rough climb to the top of the Sierra de las Uvas. Local legend has it that the road was built by a fire crew decades ago to help battle a wild blaze. The steep inclines signify the direct path that earth moving equipment made up hillsides to reach the fire. The road is now defined by nothing more than faint double track slowly being returned to nature. Views from the top of the 6,000 foot high ridge include the Rio Grande, Hatch Valley, Mesilla Valley, Jornada Range, Organ Mountains, Caballo Mountains and Gila Wilderness.
More photos of the Sierra de las Uvas Mountains can be found at the NMBR Blog HERE
Rustler’s Fire Trail- Sierra de Las Uvas Mountains
Dare I say that Rustler’s Fire Trail is the most remote, most primitive & highest passable road in Dona Ana County, NM? Yes. Passing another soul on these desert backroads can be few and far between. As for “Rustler’s”, I can almost guarantee pure solitude on this rough climb to the top of the Sierra de las Uvas. Local legend has it that the road was built by a fire crew decades ago to help battle a wild blaze. The steep inclines signify the direct path that earth moving equipment made up hillsides to reach the fire. The road is now defined by nothing more than faint double track slowly being returned to nature. Views from the top of the 6,000 foot high ridge include the Rio Grande, Hatch Valley, Mesilla Valley, Jornada Range, Organ Mountains, Caballo Mountains and Gila Wilderness.
More photos of the Sierra de las Uvas Mountains can be found at the NMBR Blog HERE
Vermejo
Adventurer
Cruise Cruces- Dona Ana County, NM
That’s right, we hiked. I wanted to show those attending Cruise Cruces what makes the Chile Canyons famous among rock crawling enthusiasts—an “extreme” rated trail. While some would consider our “hard” rated trails such as Broad Canyon and the steepest sections of the Dona Ana Mountains “extreme”, they fall terribly short. The Las Cruces Four Wheel Drive Club is a bit conservative when handing out trail ratings. Our “moderate” trails have been known to disembowel well built rigs and whiten the knuckles of the most seasoned of four wheelers. Needless to say, “extreme” means “extreme” in the Chile Canyons—only the most outrageous rock buggies and capable drivers need apply.
After parking our rigs at the trailhead, we hiked into Lower Big Jim Canyon for lunch and a view of the trail. Patzcuarro’s Revenge was the site of the 1998 BFG Rock Crawling Championships, and about the last trail I’d drive with my 4Runner. The waterfalls in this canyon range in height from about 5 to 15 feet. While some of the big boys manage to get up this nasty trail without assistance, most drivers require a bit more. The Las Cruces 4WD Club has installed secure winch points on the biggest obstacles of the Chile Canyons. (Above photo: Winch point atop Nemesis II, a 15 foot tall waterfall on the trail)
More photos of the Chile Canyons can be found at the NMBR Blog HERE
Hiking Patzcuarro’s Revenge- Chile Canyons, Robledo Mountains
That’s right, we hiked. I wanted to show those attending Cruise Cruces what makes the Chile Canyons famous among rock crawling enthusiasts—an “extreme” rated trail. While some would consider our “hard” rated trails such as Broad Canyon and the steepest sections of the Dona Ana Mountains “extreme”, they fall terribly short. The Las Cruces Four Wheel Drive Club is a bit conservative when handing out trail ratings. Our “moderate” trails have been known to disembowel well built rigs and whiten the knuckles of the most seasoned of four wheelers. Needless to say, “extreme” means “extreme” in the Chile Canyons—only the most outrageous rock buggies and capable drivers need apply.
After parking our rigs at the trailhead, we hiked into Lower Big Jim Canyon for lunch and a view of the trail. Patzcuarro’s Revenge was the site of the 1998 BFG Rock Crawling Championships, and about the last trail I’d drive with my 4Runner. The waterfalls in this canyon range in height from about 5 to 15 feet. While some of the big boys manage to get up this nasty trail without assistance, most drivers require a bit more. The Las Cruces 4WD Club has installed secure winch points on the biggest obstacles of the Chile Canyons. (Above photo: Winch point atop Nemesis II, a 15 foot tall waterfall on the trail)
More photos of the Chile Canyons can be found at the NMBR Blog HERE
Overland Hadley
on a journey
Scott39
Adventurer
The Ruins of San Isadore Church- Las Mesitas
At sunset, we stopped at San Isadore Church located in the tiny hamlet of Las Mesitas, Colorado. The church was gutted by a fire in the 1970’s and has remained unchanged since. The Conejos River, surrounding snow capped mountains and golden grass of the San Luis Valley provides a spectacular backdrop for the church remains.
Excellent pictures, I really like this one, it looks like you are packing on your right hipe in the shadow, which is a great thing, shows our freedom in America.:victory: