Cabresto Lake & Rio Chiquito - September 2023

 Carson National Forest, New Mexico

September 26 - 29, 2023

This is a continuation of my September trip that started with a visit to Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. I broke this trip into two independent parts. To continue... After deciding not to camp at Wild Rivers Recreation Area I returned to the highway and drove south on NM-522.

Click on any photo for a larger version!

Tuesday, September 26

Questa

I filled my gas tank in Questa, just to be on the safe side, and looked at my Carson National Forest map as I'd remembered the turn off I would want was a little tricky. Actually it's a lot tricky. You go east on NM-38 toward Red River. The map has you thinking you take an immediate left, north, but you have to go almost a mile east before you see the sign to Cabresto Lake, FR-563, aka Cabresto Road. There is a clearly visible sign, so they're not hiding it, it's just not where you'd expect.

Cabresto Road

Once you leave Questa the road become gravel with significant washboard, but also enters the forest, with trees right up next to the edge of the road. The route follows Cabresto Creek past a few summer cabins. About 6 miles from the highway is the turn-off north to the lake. You now will have to climb 2 miles of rocky, rough road. The sign says "Not Suitable for Passenger Cars" and that's mostly the case, though a careful driver in a car with some undercarriage clearance could make it up without incident. Still, it's not the most pleasant road. I met two vehicles coming out.

Cabresto Lake and Campground

Cabresto Lake was created behind a concrete and earth dam. The lake is known for being one of the few places where one can catch brook trout. Though I was told by fishermen that the best spot for brookies is Lake Fork Creek where it enters the lake. Elevation is 9,500 feet.

This primitive campground is officially recognized as such by the forest service, but it is much more "informal" than the usual USFS campground. There is a vault toilet in the middle of the parking area, which is the end of the road. There is a picnic table at the edge of the parking area next to the hill; another a little ways up that hill with a small level site for a tent and a sloped parking space; a walk-in site on the north side of the road just as it gets to the parking area; and two (or three) sites without tables along the south side of the road a few hundred feet before you get to the lake.

I camped at the lake once in 2016 and my site was on a slope beyond what I could level, but I did have a view of the lake, which was my goal at the time. I re-read my post from that visit: I recommended simply camping in the parking lot as the day hikers and those fishing would leave before dark. 

When I arrived there was one 4Runner camped in one of the sites located before you get to the lake. The gravel parking lot was completely empty. I walked around looking for a level spot that would have a bit of view of the lake (there are trees between the parking lot and the lake) and that would get sun for the solar panels the next day.

My campsite at the edge of the parking area next to the lake.

I found a nice location along the lakeside edge near the gate to the dam access road. I could get a bit of a view and, as I was at the end of the lot, I'd be out of the way of folks coming in the next morning. It was about 6pm by the time I was all set up and could sit and enjoy the evening. The lake level was quite a bit lower than when I'd been there before, of course that was June and not September. The clouds of earlier in the day were long gone, so there wasn't much of a sunset.

View of the lake from the dam access road.

Wednesday, September 27

Cabresto Lake (continued)

I had the place to myself the next morning. The sun rose over the eastern mountains about 9am and was pleasant to sit there drinking my coffee and watching the antics of the many, many chipmunks. After a while a SUV with two older couples came in and parked. They were going to hike up the trail to Heat Lake and back—about 5 miles each way. Sounded ambitious to me, but they did look to be in better physical condition than your humble correspondent. (I talked to them again when they returned later in the afternoon and learned that they'd not made it that far after all.)

Despite there being many, many chipmunks constantly around I only managed one good photo.

Lake Fork Creek Trail

The hike I'd made up Lake Fork Creek on my original visit had been a highlight, so I was looking forward to a second take. I put a picnic lunch in my camera bag and set off about 11am. It was a glorious day with clear blue sky and mild temperatures. The trail is narrow with plenty of ups-and-downs as it follows the creek. Much of the time you can only hear the water rushing nearby. At one point a side channel runs right next to the path. A very beautiful hike.

Entering the wilderness (composite photo)

Although only a few aspen were contemplating color change many smaller plants, bushes, and deciduous trees were well into their autumn finery. There were only a few wildflowers this time, in contrast to the many wildflowers along the trail in June. After about 2 miles I found a little grassy area to sit and have my lunch before heading back to camp.

Leaves beginning to celebrate the season

Beautiful colors

Sometimes the creek was down a steep slope...

...sometimes is was right next to the path.

More autumn foliage

I spotted this interesting caterpillar next to the trail.

Lake Fork Creek

Late season Scarlet Gilia

Click video for a short clip:

The trail returns to Cabresto Lake.

Campground Host?

After my hike I set up my chair to admire the view of the lake and surrounding mountains. The weather was perfect. I'd make occasional forays to photograph the scenery or butterflies; the birds were all around but refused to hold still for a photo.

I found it amusing that I seemed to fall into the role of host. A car would come in and the couple would ask me how to go down to the lake. A truck would come in and the gentleman would ask me where he could camp. Another gentleman asked where there was good fishing. Someone else asked where the trailhead was located. Luckily, I knew the answers. LOL.

On one of my short perambulations I discovered the prolific blossoms on a chamisa bush nearby were covered in butterflies. I don't think I've seen so many crowded around one plant before. I snapped lots of photos and managed to get a few nice ones.

This chamisa was extremely popular with the butterflies.

Milbert's Tortoiseshell

Painted Lady

A very orange Red Admiral

Forewing view of a Red Admiral

Hoary Comma

By evening several of the campsites just before the parking area were occupied. All but one were out of sight and all were quiet. The parking lot cleared out well before dark.

Afternoon view of my camp

That night as I went to bed I heard an owl calling nearby.

Thursday, September 28

Cabresto Lake (continued)

A quiet morning with a few high clouds in an otherwise blue sky. I would move on today, though in no particular hurry. I planned to reverse course from my first visit to this locale—down the mountain, up Cabresto Road, over the mountain to Red River, then up over Bobcat Pass, through Eagle Nest, and up the switchbacks on US-64. I would find the forest road I came out on and wind my way to Rio Chiquito and the lovely campsite I had found those year ago.

A last view of this gem of an alpine lake

Cabresto Road FR-134

The drive down the mountain from the lake was easier than the grind up. I turned left, east, when I reached the bottom. I noticed once again that there were many dispersed camping sites along Cabresto Creek for the first couple of miles east of the lake junction. Some looked nice; some looked well worn.

FR-597

I don't know if the road up and over Sawmill Mountain to the ski town of Red River has a name, but it is well marked at this end. It climbs quite high before cresting. Along the way up I took a few photos of aspen that were trying to decide if they wanted to turn yellow yet.

Heading up the mountain toward Red River

Coming down the other side of the mountain.

Red River

I drove through the resort town of Red River, which was quite busy with tourists. Red River has been a popular ski town and is also a favorite summer destination. I'd hoped to stop at the public library and borrow their wifi, but turns out that Thursday is their late opening day so I was out of luck. My needs were not so great as to try another source so I continued east on NM-38, Main Street.

A view of the ski slopes and town of Red River.

Eagle Nest

It's a gentle climb up to Bobcat Pass and from there the highway dropped slowly through open meadows to Eagle Nest where I turned right on the highway, US-64. Looks like Cowboy's where I used to stop for lunch is still closed. 

I found out they are rebuilding and widening the highway from the bottom, near the Angel Fire turn-off, all the way up to Palo Flechado Pass. The narrow road needed it. I had to wait at least 15 minutes for the pilot car, but at least that gave me plenty of time for a snack and to study my map to make sure of my turn-off to Rio Chiquito. 

Valle Escondido

You get to FR-437 from Valle Escondido Road and it was clearly signed. This was the forest road that would lead to my old campsite and from there west to the highway and out. There were some extremely rough patches of basalt that crossed the dirt road. I sure didn't remember them being so bad from when I came out this way years ago. I was concerned I was on the wrong road, but it had been clearly marked and there hadn't been any junctions. I guess I just didn't remember.

The road finally crested and came out to a large meadow area. I was ready for a break to relieve myself. I got back on the road and continued on. I didn't know it at the time, but I'd made a big mistake. I followed the road straight though the next junction, but that took me onto FR-438, not 437. I should have gone right at the junction, not that it was marked or anything. Had I taken the right road, it was only about 3 miles to my destination.

As it was I wandered for another hour or two on bad roads, seeing no one. I even came to a dead end at a canyon edge where both my GPS maps showed the road continuing on. I had to turn around and backtrack quite a ways. I had realized by this time I had missed a turn somewhere. Looking at the map and Earthmate app I thought I found a route that would take me where I wanted to go. So I followed that road until I got to a junction. There was a beat up sign on the road that I needed to take that warned the road was closed as the bridge was out. Ai-yi-yi. No choice but to take the other fork which would take me...   somewhere.

At least this road was fairly wide and in good condition. After a few miles I saw an ATV coming from ahead—the first people I'd seen in hours. I waved them down and asked for help. Luckily the older couple were from Eagle Nest and were a little familiar with the area. Long story short, I learned from them that the road I thought I needed was indeed open. The bridge had been replaced over a year ago. Once again I backtracked and turned down the road toward my old campsite. I still had several miles to go, but did indeed come out onto FR-437, finally! 

From that junction I turned back east. Very soon the road turned left up the hill. There is a spur that continues up the valley with a sign designating it as FR-437CG. CG for campground, I surmise. Though there is no campground some older maps do indicate one is there. From the turn-off it was about half a mile to my campsite. Whew! Made it!

Rio Chiquito

I found the exact campsite, next to the creek, where I'd stayed before. A very pretty site with a manicured lawn curtesy of free range cattle. They were not around, but had left several nearly fresh cow patties I had to avoid. Before setting up camp I decided to drive a bit farther up the road to see what was there. In the next meadow a couple were camped in a van with some sort of tent semi-attached to the back. There were a two lawn chairs set out and a black dog, but I didn't see the people.

Looked like the road ended just beyond there. I remembered from last time a berm had been built to close the old road—a possible hiking trail for the morrow. I returned to "my" meadow and made camp. With the longer than anticipated drive it was after 5pm before I was set up. When I'd been here in June the wild meadow was filled with wild flowers, but only one or two survivors this time.

My campsite with the little Rio Chiquito just behind the camper.

Rio Chiquito

After dinner I noticed reddish light shining on the ridge across the meadow. I took the camera to investigate. Not long after I was treated to a colorful sunset.

Red light from the sinking sun illuminating the ridge across from my campsite.

Colorful sunset as seen from my meadow.

Friday, September 29

Rio Chiquito (continued)

Every previous morning on this trip the outside temperature had dropped into the low 40ºs F. This morning it was a frigid 24º outside! Yikes. I'd requested a weather forecast on my inReach the previous evening as I was thinking of spending the day camped here. The forecast claimed 0% cloud cover all day and moderate temperatures with rain on Saturday. When the sun tried to rise above the ridge there were heavy clouds. It stayed below freezing for a couple of hours, so I stayed inside, drank hot coffee, read some of my novel, and ran the furnace from time to time.

Such a lovely spot, but very cold and cloudy.

The clouds seemed to be spreading instead of dissipating.

As the cold morning progressed the clouds seemed to be getting heavier and spreading. By 10am it had warmed up enough to walk around outside if bundled up. I took some photos. I was trying to decide whether to stay or head out. It was still cloudy, but could clear... or not. 

Looking across the meadow which is full of wildflower in summer.

This tree near the creek was getting into the spirit of the season.

These harebells were the only flowers I found in the meadow.

An aerial view showing the creek and my camper.

An aerial view east, farther up the valley.

If the weather improved I could drive down to Tres Rios and camp another night, or I could call it good and head home. I decided to pack up and break camp. I would choose between another night camping and home later.

Rio Chiquito Road - FR-437

By the map it's only 12-1/2 miles out to the highway, but it took about an hour and a half to drive. Again there were very rocky stretches of basalt that I hadn't remembered from last time which required slow going. The road follows Rio Chiquito creek through some pretty scenery. Beavers had been at work along the creek and later I caught up with the cattle that had trimmed my lawn. There were a number of dispersed campsites in the upper reaches of the road and a few sprinkled along its length. I stopped at one of those and had lunch. 

Beavers had been at work here.

I took this photo to show the little sunflowers off to the side.

Once within a few miles of the highway the terrain opens up and the lower elevation featured different ecosystem. There are several dispersed campsites, too, though more likely where teenagers come to party and drink beer. 

Cottonwoods at this lower elevation provide a little color.

High Road to Taos [NM-518, NM-75, NM-76, Sombrillo Rd]

I took the scenic route south. None of my few photos were interesting enough to include even though the route is scenic and highly recommended. The "High Road to Taos" is a recognized scenic byway between Santa Fe and Taos (actually more like between Española and Ranchos de Taos.) It connects many traditional communities in this beautiful area. I turned left on NM-518 from the forest road. The highway slowly climbs a long valley up to Pueblo Peak where there's a viewpoint. It's pretty, but too early for aspen in this area.

I'd left the clouds behind, but hadn't decided if I'd spend one more night camping or not. By the time I'd descended down to NM-75 I felt like I'd had a very good trip and a hot shower sounded better than another night in the camper. 75 goes through Peñasco then the route turns south on NM-75 and goes through Chamisal, Trampas, Truchas, and Chimayo. Then at Sombrillo I took 106 which connects to US-285.

The route is essentially freeway from there. I bypassed Santa Fe, then drove the interstate home. It was 88º along that last stretch and I wondered if I'd made a mistake winterizing my evaporative cooler at home before the trip. Luckily my house was a comfortable 73º inside.

Thanks for reading along. I hope you enjoyed the trip. There will be one more journey this season, so stay tuned.

Northern New Mexico Mountains - June 2016

Areas of Carson National Forest

June 23 - 28, 2016

Once again I used the excuse of a New Mexico Volunteers For the Outdoors (NMVFO) project to launch my camping trip. The project was trail work for the National Forest Service on Friday through Sunday. We would be headquartered at Agua Pietra Campground near Tres Ritos, NM. After the project I thought I'd explore areas of the Carson NF that I had not seen before. I would return home hopefully before the July 4th crowds ascended to the cool mountains.

Don't forget to click on any photo to view a larger version.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Chimayó

I couldn't wait to get out of town. It had been so hot and it was a trial getting the camper loaded and ready for this trip in the heat. I headed north on I-25, took the relief route around Santa Fe and gassed up at the Indian Casinos. I turned onto The High Road to Taos, NM-503 at Pojoaque Pueblo (pa-walk-ee), headed for Chimayó (chee-my-OH). I stopped for lunch at Rancho de Chimayó and had a very tasty combination plate.  I don't usually take a picture of my lunch, but it was too wonderful.

Delicious combination plate served on the terraced patio with real honey for the sopapilla in the little bowl.

After lunch I visited Sanctario de Chimayó, a historic church and mission. I took some photos, but it was so hot I didn't stay long. Photography inside the buildings is not allowed.

Santuario

Santa Niño Chapel

Historical Marker with a little history

Overview of the compound

Many folks have left offerings at this small shrine.

The old Vigil Store

Agua Prieta

I arrived at the campground just behind the group leader and her friend. Camping for us volunteers was not in the campground proper, but we were given access to a meadow behind the livestock corrals. I was asked not to set up my camper until the cooks arrived as the cooks always get first choice for their camping spot. The volunteer cooks drove up about a half hour later and decided where they would camp and where the best kitchen set-up would be. They were very accommodating and let me snuggle my camper up next to theirs in the level area. I helped to erect the kitchen shelter then set up my camper. A few other volunteers came in before evening. We were on our own for this evening's meal; breakfast would be furnished Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; and dinner Friday and Saturday nights.

NMVFO project campsite

Kitchen Shelter just after we set it up and before the cooks moved in supplies.
The cooks were staying in the older pop-up camper next to my modern unit.

Friday, June 24th

It rained fairly hard overnight, or at least it sounded like it on my aluminum roof, but the morning was clear and sunny. After breakfast we gathered to hear the safety and orientation talk by the forest service. We were to be in a couple separate groups with FS employees leading each one. We gathered tools and hard-hats and climbed into FS vehicles to be driven to our assignments.

Craig Saum (left) gives the orientation and safety lecture. Those standing on my side of the circle are not in the photo.

I really should have taken more photos of the trail work. I carried my phone only for that purpose, but only took this one atypical shot.

Working on a creek crossing. After a diversion was built to keep the creek off the trail a section from a large deadfall tree was cut and laid across the water.

We worked the Agua Sarca Trail. It was quite beautiful, climbing through the forest and meadows with lots of wild flowers blooming. Beside "tread work" I learned how to use the 2-person saw. Craig, the trail maintenance supervisor, was our leader.

Several Colorado Columbines were growing next to the trail.

We returned to camp with time to clean up and sit a few minutes before dinner.

Saturday, June 25th

Another full day of trail work. This time on the Comales Trail. Today I did mostly "brushing" - trimming branches and removing small trees (mostly aspen) from the trail. There was a section where we stacked and rearranged rocks to keep the creek in its bed and not running down the trail. Another lovely trail, though not as many wildflowers. Jenn, who leads the Taos band Naturally Magenta, was our leader - she was full of energy and had a great sense of humor.

Sunday, June 26th

We only put in a half-day today on the trail. I was again on Jenn's crew. I think we worked the Tio Maes Trail, but I may be wrong. I did mostly tread work and only a little brushing. I also did a little rock stacking to direct a small brook off the trail. Then we rode back about noontime to Agua Pietra to break camp.

Rio Chiquito

After helping to break down the kitchen, I broke camp and headed back west on NM-518 which becomes the highway to Taos.

The view looking toward Taos from the "high road." Looks like rain farther north.

I descended to almost Ranchos de Taos where I turned east on FR-437. This dirt road, "Not Suitable for Passenger Vehicles," follows the Rio Chicquito up into the heart of the mountains. The road was actually in very good condition except for one "puddle" that was about 20 feet in diameter, a foot deep, and with a muddy bottom, but I was able to get through in 2WD.

I saw a couple beaver dams on the way up and the road to the old campground, which still shows on some maps, is closed and the access road was blocked by a large berm. A hiking trail continues along the river. I did find a lovely campsite near the Rio Chicquito next to a large meadow and set up there. To find the area, where the forest road turns away from the creek and heads uphill, instead follow the spur that continues along the creek.

My campsite along the Rio Chiquito

I was tired and my feet were sore, so didn't hike up the canyon, rather I sat in my comfy camp chair in the shade listening to birdsong and waiting for them to appear for their portraits. I didn't get any great photos, but passed a lovely afternoon and evening in this beautiful spot.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Ground squirrel in a little meadow across the creek

Rio Chiquito

Monday, June 27th

I took a brief walk around the meadow, taking a few wildflower photos, before packing up and returning to FR-437.

Prairie Smoke across the meadow

A close-up of the plumes that give Prairie Smoke its name

My camp at the edge of the meadow

More wildflowers

The road up the hill was OK, but looked like it would be sketchy early in the season or when wet. I saw I magnificent bull elk with a full rack, but he bolted before I could pick up my camera. The road also crossed the Divide Trail, popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers.

Red River

I made it out to US-64 and headed east to the village of Eagle Nest. I had intended to have breakfast at Cowboy's Corner, as I had on other trips, but it was closed - seems he cannot get help for breakfast, so is only open for lunch. Therefor, I turned off on NM-38 and drove to Red River. In this ski and resort town I saw only two cafes that were on open on Main Street. I chose the one that had a parking space in front and was that ever a lucky choice.

I asked my waitress if the Huevos Rancheros were authentic New Mexican, as I knew a larger portion of the tourists to Red River are from Texas. She said they were, so I rolled the dice. Wow! They were excellent! Some of the best I have ever had. Though not exactly super-authentic, instead of a single tortilla under the eggs, the cook had placed two tortillas with cheese between - yummy. If you are in Red River stop at The Old Tymers Cafe. When I mentioned I would promote them in my blog, one of the waitresses said "Tell them about our pancakes. We are well known for our large pancakes" and held her hands about 12" a part. And so I have.

Cabresto Lake

From Red River I drove up FR-597 - the road is not marked as such in town, look for Mallette Road. This somewhat steep and windy road leads to FR-134, but was in very good condition.

This is the view after the road from Red River crests the top.

From there I explored FR-134 northeast to Lagunitas Saddle, there were only a couple dispersed sites along the way. There were primitive roads to various nearby locations from the crossroads, which looked popular with the ATV crowd, but I turned around to drive to my destination, Cabresto Lake.

You turn off onto FR-134A to Cabresto Lake. It is a steep 4WD drive road, but fine for high clearance vehicles. Watch for ATVs traveling fast downhill. It seems the lake is a popular destination for these 4 wheelers. Although it is a National Forest Campground, that is stretching the term a bit. Mostly it is a flat parking area for those fishing the lake or the aforementioned ATVs. This is also the trailhead for the Lake Fork Trail #82, so those folks park here, too. The parking area has one picnic table.

There are three other camping "sites." The two closest to the lake are not at all level, the one a bit farther away is only somewhat un-level. Nonetheless I was determined to camp with a view of the lake, so chose the site with a view that, although it was on a severe incline, did not tilt to the side. I used all 20 of my leveling blocks on the rear wheels and the camper still sloped. However, as I like to sleep with my head higher than my feet, I was OK.

My campsite looks fairly level as the camera is pointed downhill. Note all the leveling blocks under the rear wheels.

I was going to hike up the lake trail after I set up, but an afternoon thundershower came before I could get going. I sat in the camper and read, and started writing this blog post. After the shower was safely over, I gathered my photography gear and set out.

Caberesto Lake. The trail is on the left, cutting through the slide area.

The Lake Fork Trail starts out at the northwest end of the parking lot, skirts the lake, then follows the creek up the canyon. It is gorgeous! One of the most beautiful trails I've walked since I've had my camper. There are not the breathtaking views that many Colorado trails provide, but the trail itself as it follows the creek, though the trees and flowers, is delightful. I was told by the ranger who headed the trail maintenance crew that many backpackers take this trail up to Heart Lake, then loop back around via Trail #85 along Bull Creek.

Lake Fork Trail as it enters the canyon.

This butterfly probably hatched last season and is just about at the end of its life.

Wildflowers lined the trail.

Lake Fork Creek was a rushing torrent.

Lake Fork Trail

Here the trail flows along side part of the creek.

After I returned from my 2-1/2 hour hike, I set up my chair above the lake shore hoping for a colorful sunset to reflect on the water. I didn't get the red, orange or yellows of the hoped for sunset, but enjoyed the blues as evening settled in.

Evening photo of Cabresto Lake

Here is my evening photography set-up and chair.

Actually, you shouldn't be discouraged to camp at Cabresto Lake, especially if you're in a camper. Go ahead and camp in the level parking area up next to the hillside and spend your day hiking the beautiful Lake Fork Trail. When you return, your camper will be in the shade, the ATVs will be long gone, and those who've been fishing will be leaving. You will likely have the place to yourself.

On the other hand, there were quite a few dispersed camping areas along FR-134 the first couple of miles east of the turn-off to the lake, many not far from the creek. They do look like they see heavy use, so be cautioned in that regard.

Tuesday, June 28th

Questa

I decided to simply pack up and drive into Questa for breakfast, as it is only about 8 miles. Turned out, however, the only real cafe in town was closed due to equipment problems. The owner directed me to the Chevron station on the south edge of town. What?! Yeah, that's what I thought. Turns out there was an actual grill/kitchen in the station run by a little, Hispanic lady. She cooks up your breakfast to order. It's called Banana's Take Out Grill, but there is a small area to sit and eat with several tables. I don't know what all is on the menu as I didn't bring in my reading glasses, but the breakfast burrito I ordered was very good and huge! So good I joined Yelp just so I could give them 4 stars.

Valle Vidal Unit

From Questa I drove north on NM-522 to the town of Costilla, just south of the Colorado border. At that tiny village I turned southeast on NM-196 toward Amalia. Somewhere past Amalia the road becomes FR-1950 and leads to the Valle Vidal Unit. The road runs though private land until you get to Valle Vidal. You can camp along the creek if you get a $20/car permit from the Rio Costilla Park office. It is a very pretty area.

Approaching Valle Vidal from the west. Costilla Creek, hidden by brush, on right.

Entering Valle Vidal Unit

Valle Vidal is a 100,000 acre tract that was once the playground of the rich and famous, such as Herbert Hoover, Douglass Fairbanks, and Cecil B. DeMille. The entire area was donated to the people of the United States though the Forest Service by Pennzoil in 1982. It is now managed to enhance opportunities for wildlife.

View up FR-1900, a side road that follows Costilla Creek

Looking back along main road and interesting rock formations.

The entire eastern half is closed in winter to protect the large elk herds; the western half is closed in spring as an elk calving area, though the designated though roads are open year-round (weather permitting.) No vehicular camping is allowed in the unit, though there are two campgrounds. Backcountry camping is allowed on foot or horseback in those ares that are not closed for elk protection and both campgrounds have corrals for horses, which use seems to be popular. The Cimarron Campground is located among fir and spruce; the McCrystal Campground is at lower elevation in a Ponderosa pine grove.

Looking SW toward Mt. Wheeler (which is not within Valle Vidal), the highest point in New Mexico

As I pulled into the Cimarron Campground to check it out I thought I was looking into a mirror. There was a silver, extended-cab Tacoma with a FWC camper right in front of me. They had fancy after-market bumpers and an Eagle, not a Fleet, but otherwise my twin. They were as pleasantly surprised as I was. I pulled over to meet Jay and Kay who were in the middle of a long sojourn across the country. We probably talked campers, traded tips, and admired each others modifications for the better part of an hour. Good fun. I provided recommendations for the areas they were planning to visit the next week.

I stopped at Shuree Ponds for photos and hoped to find dragonflies, but was disappointed in the later goal. I exited Valle Vidal by continuing on FR-1950 to the southeast through part of the Philmont Scout Ranch to US-64. From there I took NM-58 to I-25 and headed south toward home.

Looking across the big Shuree Pond at thunderstorms developing to the south.

On the recommendation of the NMVFO project leader I stopped in Pecos, NM for dinner. Apparently, it is now a thing for there to be quality, cook-to-order food in gas stations in NM. Is this true other places? If so, let me know in the comments. Pancho's Gourmet To Go is located in the Shell Station in the center of Pecos. I got the roast beef and green chile burrito. The beef was as tender and juicy as any brisket I've had - delicious.

Will a full stomach and a song in my heart, ha-ha, I headed back to the freeway and home.

Thanks for joining me on this little journey.