Bandelier National Monument

Last week-end in New Mexico and in the USA…

There is still so much to be seen around Albuquerque, but the Bandelier was a very good choice for our last day-trip!

We drove through Rio Rancho, Jemez Pueblo, Jemez Springs and the Valles Calderas National Preserve to the Bandelier, where we enjoyed two short hikes. A fire destroyed a big part of the forest in 2011, and the damage is still impressive to see while crossing it.

Once in the Monument we first made the most popular walk (Main Loop Trail), which goes through different proof of remote human presence, including the caves that those populations used as homes. Then we made a part of the Falls Trail, a big part being closed due to the fire and floods. There are a lot of other possibilities of visiting that place, there is even a 18 hours trail!

Then we stopped at the White Rocks Overlook before enjoying a deserved ice cream in Los Alamos.

Finally, we drove back through Jemez Springs again. Just the journey is worth it, the landscapes are just beautiful, and even more in spring as all the Cottonwoods are freshly green!

School buses in Jemez Pueblo Trees, Trees, Trees, Trees,... Valles Caldera National Preserve Cavates in the cliff Near the first fall along the Falls Trail After the first fall, where the Trail is closed First fall ... White Rocks Overlook, Rio Grande

South Peak by Embudito Trail

A very nice short day hike! From the beginning, you’re very fast out of the city and all on your own. But there are always some people hiking you can talk with!

In the last part, from the intersection Embudito – South Peak up to the summit, I’ve been surprised by the wind and got pushed against the rocks a couple of times. But it was definitely worth it, as the view from up there is just breath-taking; you can see miles away in almost every direction.

That was my last hike in the Sandias before flying back home, and probably one of the best ones!

Embudito - South Peak  intersection Last part, summit in the back Last part, looking west Summit, looking towards Albuquerque East part, from the last part down to the Crest Trail Near the pass, looking North West