Great Parks Just West of Albuquerque
Just west of Albuquerque there are some really good short hike parks for people who love the region.
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| A cave in El Mapais National Monument |
El Mapais National Monument is a old volcanic region to the south of I-40 between Albuquerque and just south of the town of Grants. Within the park there are lots of short and medium length hiking trails. (
see map) When I visited in September last year, there were few people out there, and the temperature was pleasant but not hot, it seemed like the best time to go. While I only skirted the northern parts, you could decide to make an extensive tripto this wonderful area. The trail I chose was a short one of just 5 km, and it was labelled as 'easy'. Nonetheless, the usual precautions were taken: use hiking boots for the walking on cinder and lava blocks, dress appropriately (in this case a good jacket and long pants) and look out for critters. Also, take a pack of water. They also recommended hiking with a partner, but that was not possible considering this was a solo trip. The long grass is always where you might find the rattlers. This part of the park is known for its bat caves, lava tubes and a caldera (although the trail up the side was closed). Generally it was a good hike, albeit only an hour and a bit, but the weather was windy and fine.
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| The end of the trail near a small caldera |
The Petrified Forest / Painted Desert National Park
If you love petrified wood, as many people into geology do, then this is a must-see - at least once in your lifetime. We have been there twice, just passing through on both occasions. The two parks,one on either side of I-40 are extensive and take at least a day to visit. That kind of time only allows for driving through, with frequent stops along the way to do some minor off-road hiking. This is one of those places where a camera is absolutely necessary. Views are breathtaking and you will want to see the pictographs (Painted Desert) and the many petrified tree trunks that are scattered throughout the Petrified Forest.
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| View from one of the Painted Desert lookouts |
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| Visitor Centre |
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| a small abandoned village in the Petrified Forest |
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| petroglyphs |
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| so many of the features are multi-coloured stripes |
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| deceptively small, these fossilized rocks way tons |
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| up close, the logs begin to actually look rock-like |
If you love petrified wood, as many people into geology do, then this is a must-see - at least once in your lifetime. We have been there twice, just passing through on both occasions. The two parks,one on either side of I-40 are extensive and take at least a day to visit. That kind of time only allows for driving through, with frequent stops along the way to do some minor off-road hiking. This is one of those places where a camera is absolutely necessary. Views are breathtaking and you will want to see the pictographs (Painted Desert) and the many petrified tree trunks that are scattered throughout the Petrified Forest. 
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