Exploring the Cibola NF, NM

[KSJeep]

Last weekend, Kirk and myself decided to explore the Cibola NF in West Central New Mexico. The original plan was to take a group of folks to Monticello Canyon who had never been there before, however they all bailed out the morning of the trip. This actually worked in our favor (as we've both been to Monticello several times) we were able to change our plans on the fly and explore some new areas in the forest. A plan was made and we were off. We entered the forest on FS225 off of NM 1, North of T or C and travelled several miles before actually entering the forest.

Headed down FS 225.

Entering the NF

The flat desert road gave way to the foothills and several dry stream crossings.

Of course you have to stop to take it all in and get a few shots of the rig.

We continued climbing until we came to the pass.

Top of the pass before heading down toward the Burma Rd and Monticello Canyon

Just over the pass we found this great lunch spot.

Direction we are headed.

Before heading off, we found this steep little side trail, which dead ended at an overlook. We followed several of these side trails and a few led to some nice surprises (more on that later)

Continued

 

[KSJeep]

Then it was off toward our next destination

Burma Road toward Monticello Canyon.

Down in one of the dry stream crossings, Kirk wanted to head up one and see where it led, it dead ended at this little waterfall a few hundred yards in. Nice suprise again.

More Burma Rd.

After a couple of hours on the Burma rd, we dorpped down into Monticello Canyon about half way down.

Continued

 

[KSJeep]

After exiting Monticello Canyon, it was north on NM 52. After several miles we turned east into the forest again to find a campsite for the night.

The Bear Trap Canyon campground was our destination.

The campground was full so we found a nice spot in the woods away from everyone.

Kirk after a good nights sleep in his new to him RTT.

Another side trip, ended at the end of a 4 mile climb up a pretty rough road at a forest service fire lookout tower.

As you can imagine, the views were amazing.

Continued

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Hi Kevin, I did not sign up for this trip, since I just got back from South Padre Island ( 9 days ) but I wish I would had the time, the area looks great!:sombrero:

Keep them coming!:victory:

 

[KSJeep]

After that it was off down the mountain toward NM 60.

The VLA (Very Large Array) off in the distance, you may remember it from the movie "Contact".

Another side trip earned us a stop at an abandoned homested.

Down on the plains again.

Where we came from, the lookout is on the high mountain on the left.

After stopping for gas in Magdalena we travelled NM 60 east for approx 15 miles and headed back into the forest for our final trail, Torreon Springs Rd, which gave us a very cool surprise toward the end.

Lunch Stop

The wildflowers were out in force.

Continued

 

[Richie]

Great report!

I remember seeing the signs to Bear Trap along NM 52 last year and I wanted to check that area out. Now I really want to go back down there.

 

[KSJeep]

Final Installment

We ran across another old homested, this one was in a little worst shape.

The treat of the trail, we entered a series of narrow "S" curves for approx 1 mile, deep sand and high rock walls. Hate to get trapped here in a flash flood.

After coming out of the canyon and a brief time in the foothills we were able to look back at where we were.

It was then time to head towards I-25 and back home. Another long flat road through the desert took us out of the Cibola.

What a great weekend of exploring an area of NM. I had not had a chance to yet.
Enjoy, we sure did!!!

 

[kai38]

It was a great trip, well worth another trip later this fall or early winter.
I'll add my pictures to your trip report http://www.pbase.com/kai38/burma_road_new_mexico

 

[NM-Frontier]

That sounds like a great trip. How is driving though the Monticello canyon with water in there. I took a similar trip last spring but left out the canyon.

 

[KSJeep]

That sounds like a great trip. How is driving though the Monticello canyon with water in there. I took a similar trip last spring but left out the canyon.

Water is usually only about a foot deep if that. I'm sure it can get much deeper after/during a good rain.

 

[NM-Frontier]

When we saw it in early spring there was at least a foot or more in the low spots at the west side were we drove down from 52.

 

[PHXtaco]

Great trip. Makes me anxious to get back to NM, but that will have to wait until next summer.

 

[discocolin]

Looks like a awesome trip, we are doing it this weekend! If anybody wants to go, PM me.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Ha! Looks like so much fun... you guys are so lucky to have a nice big back yard without many gates.

 

[Tbird]

I've been on all those roads...and to all those destinations...several times. It's a great area. Did it just last year for the 5th time or so. Thanks for the trip-pics. Tacoma if getting a Flippac this weekend. :wings: I'll be enjoying this stuff even more in the months to come.