Your Virtual Guide to Adventure Outdoors!
Your Virtual Guide to Adventure Outdoors!
New Mexico
Hiking Maps & Trails
Maps
& Trails
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carson National Forest Amole Canyon
Carson National Forest
Devisadero Loop Trail 108
Chaco Culture National
Historical Park
Aztec Ruins National Monument is an Ancestral Pueblo archeological site in Northwestern New Mexico. It contains significant prehistoric and historic resources and is considered to be one of the most significant sites affiliated with the Chaco and Mesa Verde Anasazi or Ancestral Pueblo cultures. The monument was established in 1923 and designated a World Heritage Site in 1987.
Acreage: 31,947
VISITATION:
Highest in June through August; lowest in January and February.
Best time to visit: Spring or Fall.LOCATION:
Aztec, NM
ADDRESS:
Aztec Ruins National Monument
P.O. Box 640
84 County Road 2900
Aztec, NM 87410-0640TELEPHONE:
(505)334-6174 FAX (505)334-6372
OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8:00am to 6:00pm; rest of the year, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Closed January 1, Thanksgiving, December 25.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Relatively mild winters but temperatures occasionally drops below zero Fahrenheit. Summer high temperatures are generally in the low 90's. Thundershowers in spring and summer. Wear clothing suited to season and comfortable walking shoes.
DIRECTIONS:
Approximately 0.5 mile north of U.S. Hwy 550 on Ruins Road (County Road 2900) on the north edge of the city of Aztec. Ruins Road is the first street immediately west of the Animas River bridge on Hwy 550 in Aztec.
TRANSPORTATION:
To Park: personal vehicles, commercial bus tours, commercial airport located in Farmington, NM 15 miles west of the monument - rental vehicles and taxis are available. In Park: Walking trails only.
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
Daily admission fee is $2.00 for adults (17 and older) and is valid for 7 days. Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports are accepted.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Visitor information desk, exhibits, and video programs are located in the visitor center.
Trails, Roads:
A self-guiding paved trail approximately 0.25 miles (400 meters) long gives visitors an opportunity to walk through a series of rooms with original roofs (constructed beginning about 1108 AD) and a Great Kiva reconstructed by Earl Morris in 1934. There are some stairs and short steep sections of trail. Tour booklets are available for purchase or loan.
Programs/Activities:
Talks are given by rangers during the summer months. Video programs are presented in the visitor center.
Lodging and camping facilities:
None available at the monument. A variety of hotels, motels, RV camping sites are available in Aztec, Bloomfield, and Farmington.
Food/Supplies:
None in the monument. A variety of restaurants, service stations, and grocery stores are available in the local communities.
Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Southwest Parks and Monuments Association operates a small outlet in the visitor center where books, slides, video tapes, and other interpretive items are available. There are three gift/curio shops at the entrance to the monument.
Accessibility:
The visitor center, restrooms, and about 75% of the paved trail are accessible to visitors in wheel chairs.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Visit the museum in the visitor center, take the self-guiding tour, attend ranger talks in the summer months, and eat lunch in the shady picnic area east of the parking lot.
RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Reservations for individual and family visits are not required or accepted. Reservations for school groups or other educational groups should be made at least two weeks prior to the visit. At least one month's notice and application for Special Use Permits are required. For additional information concerning school group reservations, special use, or filming permits, call (505)334-6174.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
A visit of one hour is average, but may be shorter or longer depending upon visitor interest and participation in the programs that are offered.
SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
The Festival de los Farolitos is held annually in mid- December. It is a display of farolitos, sometimes called luminarias (small paper sacks partially filled with sand and a lighted candle), along the streets of the city of Aztec. A designated walking route for those that want to walk historic downtown Aztec is available. The display starts at dusk (about 5:00pm) and runs through 10:00pm. Call Aztec Chamber of Commerce at (505) 334-9551 for exact dates and additional information.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
The Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village is located at 125 N. Main in Aztec - (505)334-9829. The Farmington Museum is at 302 N. Orchard in Farmington - (505)599-1174. Salmon Ruin is approximately 2 miles west of Bloomfield on Hwy 64 - (505)632- 2013. Bisti Badlands/DeNaZin Wilderness areas approximately 25 miles south of Farmington on Hwy 371 - (505)327-5344. Navajo Lake State Park approximately 25 miles east of Aztec on Hwy 173 - (505)632-3245. Outdoor summer dinner theater "Anasazi" and other productions from mid-June through mid-August call (800)448-1240. For specific information regarding lodging and other services call the Aztec Chamber of Commerce (505)334-9551, the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce (505)632-0880, the Farmington Chamber of Commerce (505)325-0279, or the Farmington Convention and Visitors Bureau (505)326-7602 or (800)448-1240. Chaco Culture National Historic Park and Mesa Verde National Park are within two hours driving time of Aztec.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
For additional information about Aztec Ruins National Monument you may call (505)334-6174 or write: Aztec Ruins National Monument, P.O. Box 640, Aztec, NM 87410-0640
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
This park was established to preserve Carlsbad Cavern and numerous other caves within a Permian-age fossil reef. The park contains 83 separate caves, including the nation's deepest limestone cave - 1,597 feet (486.8 m) - and third longest. Carlsbad Cavern, with one of the world's largest underground chambers and countless formations, is also highly accessible, with a variety of tours offered year-round. Established first as a National Monument on October 25, 1923, it was made a National Park on May 14, 1930. Carlsbad Caverns National Park became a World Heritage Site on December 6, 1995.
ACREAGE:
Total: 46,766.45 (18,926.4 ha)
Federal: 46,427.26 (18,789.1 ha)
Nonfederal: 339.19 (137.3 ha)
Wilderness: 33,125 (13,405.7 ha)
VISITATION:
Park use is highest in the months of June, July, and August, and generally on weekends and holidays. January is the least busy month. From 1984 to 1994, total annual visitation ranged from 586,954 (1990) to 645,526 (1985).
ADDRESS:
Carlsbad Caverns
National Park
3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220
TELEPHONE:
(505) 785-2232
OPERATING HOURS AND SEASONS:
The park is open all year except for December 25. During the summer season (Memorial Day to mid-August) the visitor center is open from 8 AM to 7 PM and self-guided cave tours are available from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. During the rest of the year the visitor center is open from 8 AM to 5:30 PM and self-guided cave tours are available from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
CLIMATE AND RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
The cave climate is cool and varies little from the annual 56° F (13° C) average. A light jacket or sweater, and comfortable shoes with rubber soles for good traction are appropriate year-round.
DIRECTIONS:
Visitors arrive by way of U.S. Highway 62-180 from either Carlsbad, New Mexico (23 miles to the northeast) or El Paso, Texas (150 miles to the west). A scenic 7-mile (11.3 km) entrance road leads from the park gate at Whites City to the visitor center and cavern entrance.
TRANSPORTATION:
Carlsbad is served by Greyhound and TNM&O bus lines. Mesa Airlines offers passenger service between Carlsbad and Albuquerque. Major airlines serve Albuquerque, El Paso, and Midland TX. Rental cars and taxi service are available from the airport at Carlsbad.
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
Self-guided tours of the Natural Entrance and Big Room are $6 for adults; $3 for Golden Age/Golden Access Passport holders; $3 for children ages 6 through 15; children under age 6 are free. Golden Eagle Passports are not valid for cave entry fees. The "Cavern Guide", a stimulating audio tour of the two self-guided routes, is an additional $3. Kings Palace Guided Tours (reservations required) are an additional $5 for adults, and $2.50 for ages 6-15 and Golden Age Passport holders. Guided tours of Slaughter Canyon Cave are $8 for adults, and $4 for ages 6-15 and Golden Age/Golden Access Passport holders. Guided wild cave tours of Spider Cave, Lower Cave, and Hall of the White Giant are $12 for adults, and $6 for ages 12-15 and Golden Age/Golden Access Passport holders. Guided tours of Left Hand Tunnel are $4 for adults and $2 for ages 6-15 and Golden Age/Golden Access Passport holders.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Information center, exhibits on bats, geology, history, and Lechuguilla Cave, limited picnic facilities. Picnicking and excellent bird-watching opportunities at Rattlesnake Springs.
Trails, Roadways:
Accessible nature trail and other backcountry hiking trails, 9-mile (14.5 km) Walnut Canyon desert loop drive.
Programs, Activities:
Self-guided cave tours with the Official Cavern Guide, regularly scheduled ranger-guided cave tours, audio-visual programs, talks, hikes and demonstrations. Evening bat flight programs May through October.
Lodging and Camping Facilities:
Not available in the park. Lodging and camping are both available in Whites City near the park entrance and in Carlsbad, 23 miles northeast.
Food, Supplies:
The Cavern Supply Company (505/785-2281) provides food service, pet kennels, and a gift shop at the visitor center. Restaurants, groceries, and fuel are available at nearby Whites City and Carlsbad.
Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
The Carlsbad Caverns - Guadalupe Mountains Association operates a large bookstore in the visitor center, with titles on caves, bats and the natural history of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Accessibility:
The visitor center and a large section of the self-guided Big Room tour are wheelchair-accessible. An outdoor nature trail and picnic sites near the visitor center and at Rattlesnake Springs, are also accessible.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Participation in various cave tours matching interest and physical abilities, summer bat flight viewing, surface ranger programs, wildlife observations, and participation in educational seminars offered in the summer through the Carlsbad Caverns - Guadalupe Mountains Association.
RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Reservations are recommended for all guided cave tours, but are unnecessary for the basic self-guided tours of the Natural Entrance and Big Room. To make reservations call (505) 785-2232 ext.429 between 9 AM and 4:30 PM Mountain Time.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
The basic self-guided cave tour of the Big Room takes 1 to 2 hours. For a more complete visit including several guided cave tours and surface ranger programs, plan on visiting for 1 to 3 days.
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS:
August 14: Bat Flight Breakfast Program
August 25: Founders Day
VISITOR IMPACTS:
Call for information on road closures due to flooding or icy conditions (rare).
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Guadalupe Mountains National Park (915) 828-3251
- Living Desert State Park (505) 887-5516
- Brantley Lake State Park (505) 457-2384
- Lake Carlsbad Municipal Park (505) 887-6516
- Carlsbad Museum and Art Center (505) 887-0276
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write Carlsbad Caverns National Park, 3225 National Parks Highway,
Carlsbad, NM 88220, or call (505) 785-2232.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
The canyon, with hundreds of smaller sites, contains 13 major archeological sites unsurpassed in the United States, representing the highest point of Pueblo pre-Columbian civilization. Proclaimed Chaco Canyon National Monument March 11, 1907; redesignated and renamed December 19, 1980. Boundary changes: January 10, 1028; December 19, 1980. Designated a World Heritage Site December 8, 1987.
Acreage -- 33,974.20
Federal: 31,084.74
Nonfederal: 2.889.55.
Directions:
Chaco is located in northwestern New Mexico. From the north, turn off New Mexico 44 at County Road 7900, three miles east of Nageezi and approximately 50 miles east of Cuba. This route is clearly signed from the New Mexico 44 turnoff into the park. From the turnoff, it is 21 miles to the park boundary. This includes five miles of paved road and 16 miles of dirt road. From the south, turn north onto New Mexico 371 from I-40 at Thoreau and proceed on the paved road to Crownpoint. Two miles north of Crownpoint, turn right on Navajo 9. Continue east on Navajo 9 to a marked turnoff. From here a 21-mile stretch of unpaved road leads north to the visitor center. Both the northern and southern routes include 16 to 21 miles of dirt road. Although these sections of road are generally maintained, they can be rough and can become impassable during inclement weather.
Visitor Activities:
Guided tours and campfire talks in summer, exhibits, walking tours, picnicking and day hiking. Five self-guiding trails lead visitors through several ruin complexes. Walking time for each is 1 to 2 hours. There are 4 longer hikes as well. Inquire at the Visitor Center. Facilities include restrooms, public telephones and drinking water at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Labor Day to Memorial Day with hours extended to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Sites and trails are open from sunrise to sunset. For your safety -- Do not climb on the walls of the sites, which are weak and dangerous. No collecting of artifacts, plants or minerals.
Permits, fees and limitations
The entrance fee is $8 per vehicle or $4 per person. Permits are required for backcountry hiking trails. The permits are available at the Visitor Center or from a Ranger. No overnight backpacking is allowed. Trailers longer than 30 feet (9.1 m) are not permitted in the campground. Camping fees: $10 per site, per night.
Accessibility:
An access guide is available at the Visitor Center. There are 2 accessible camp sites and accessible restrooms in the campground and at the sites. Some trails are accessible with assistance.
Camping, Lodging, Food & Supplies:
No reservations are accepted for the camp sites. Write to the Park for group camp site reservations. Other overnight accommodations are available in Farmington; Thoreau; Bloomfield, and in Blanco.
Food and supplies are available at Blanco and Nageezi trading posts and in Crownpoint.
Other Points Of Interest:
In the vicinity are Mesa Verde National Park; El Morro National Monument and Aztec Ruins National Monument.
Mailing Address:
Superintendent, Chaco Culture National Historical Park,
PO Box 220, Nageezi, NM 87037
Telephone: 505/786-7014
Carson National Forest Amole Canyon
Location: A detailed map of the area is available at the trailhead or Camino Real Ranger District offices.
Trail Beginning: 8,150 feet (2485m) Junction of Sate Highway 518 and Amole Canyon Road.
Trail Ending: 8,150 feet (2485m) Junction of State Highway 518 and Amole Canyon Road.
Access: From Taos, follow State Highway 518 approximately 15 miles sout of the junction of State Highway 68 and 518, approximately 2 miles past the U.S. Hill Vista (on the left). Parking is available on the left side (east) of the highway (Forest Road 4 entrance).
From the Camino Real Ranger Station take State Highway 75 north through Vadito for 5 miles to the juncion of Sate Highway 518 and proceed 1.5 miles tot he Amole Canyon Road. Parking lot on the right side of the highway.
Attractions and Considerations: Amole Canyon has been a favorite cross-country skiing area for many years. Taos Sports Associates-Nordic (758-9292) constructred a 3.1 mile (5km) trail which is groomed as people and equipment permit.
The upper and lower loops are located on old logging roads. These 2 trails are not groomed on a regular basis. The Amole Loop is closed to snowmobiles. A portion of the upper and lower loops are open to snowmobiles.
Winter: Snowshoe & Crosscountry skiing. The Amole Loop is an excellent geginner trail with its gentle slopes and open ponderosa pine stands and meadows. There is only a 300 foot elevation gradient from start to finish. The trail was designed with all skill levels in mind and there are detours around the steeper slopes to accommodate the novice.
The Lower Loop and Upper Loop are old existing logging roads and historic Comales Sheep Driveway. The Driveway was used for many years by local sheepmen driving thier stock from winter ringe near Taos to summer range in the high country.
The Lower Loop is rated as most difficult due to the 1/4 mile of 20% grade. This portion is narrow and not recommended unless one has mastered steep, narrow courses.
The Upper Loop has a more gentle nature although it is aporximately 1 mile longer. It is rated as more difficult. Near the head of Amole Canyon there are apporximately 200 yards of 20% grade.
Recommended direction of travel for both the Upper and Lower Loops is up Amole Canyon. There are signs at intersections and blue diamonds designate the courses. For the adventurous, there are many unmarked logging roads in the area. Please don't travel alone. There is no patrol.
Length:
Use: Moderate to Heavy
Recommended Season:
Winter: Cross country Skiing, Snowshoeing
Difficulty: Beginner to Expert (because of the grades and road surface).
Elevation: Gains 400'
USGS QUADS: Tres Ritos
Carson National Forest Devisadero Loop Trail 108
Location: Camino Real Ranger District
Trail Beginning: 7,200 feet El Nogal Picnic Area
Trail Ending: 7,200 feet El Nogal Picnic Area
Access: From Taos, follow US Highway 64 approximately 3 miles east of Taos.
Attractions and Considerations: This trail begins across the highway from the El Nogal Picnic Area. The Devisadero Loop Trail will pass through two very different forest types. On the south facing slope the trail travels through pinons, juniper and some gambel oak. As the trail drops over to the north side of the mountain the environment is much darker and cooler with tall Douglas firs and white firs replacing the smaller drought resistant pinon/juniper forest.
Approximately 1/4 mile from the trailhead you will encounter a fork in the trail. The righthand fork goes directly up to he Devisadero Peak, elevation 8,304 feet. The lefthand fork has switchbacks which will take you up to the ridgeline. Once on the ridgeline you can follow the trail eastward to Devisadero Peak.
Devisadero means a "lookout" point or place. The peak had once been used by the Taos Pueblo Indians to stand guard against the Apaches who would come down Taos Canyon in raid the pueblo.
In summer, there is quite an array of beautiful wildflowers. There are several vista overlook points along this trail. Looking westward are beautiful views of the town of Taos, the Rio Grande Gorge and San Antonio Mountain. Looking northward you will see the Taos Pueblo and the Wheeler Peak Wilderness area.
Length: 5 miles
Use: Heavy. This trail is heavily used by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, so caution is needed.
Recommended Season: Late Spring, Summer and early Fall
Difficulty: Expert
Elevation: Gains 1,125 feet
USGS QUADS: Taos
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