Spring Break Trip 2014 March 23 - 27, New Mexico Expo

[CO_Hunter]

Our family has been doing spring breaks trip for several years. Going different places and exploring somewhere new. Two years ago others started coming with us. That year was an epic trip running Kokopelli's Trail with Eric and his kids (https://forum.ih8mud.com/co-colorad...-spring-break-2012-kokopellis-trail-trip.html). Last year was a great trip to the San Rafael Swell with Eric and his kids and Travis and one of his daughters. (https://forum.ih8mud.com/co-colorad...-rafael-swell-spring-break-march-27-31-a.html)

This year it is looking like New Mexico as it has a better chance of being warm and is somewhere a bit different. We have a lead on some trails as well, more later.

So..Gauging interest for this trip to New Mexico. The plan is for a multi-night, family friendly, expo type trip. More of finding out what's over that next hill or around the next bend mentality and a new camp every night. We will try to get in some side hikes checking out Indian art, ruins, old mining stuff etc. The departure date can be early Sat. 22. Return can be variable for those interested in different length trips as we won't be too far from I-25. I would like to be out for 4 or 5 nights. The drive to the general area I am guessing is about 6 hours from the Springs.

Some links to places that have caught my eye:

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=589077
http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/las_cruces/trackways.html

Travis found this, it is a little farther though:

http://www.desertusa.com/organ/du_org_main.html

Anyhow those links are just getting us started on planning.

 

[Fitzgerald]

Cool info Leon!

Unfortunately, I have some in-laws coming into town to do some skiing that weekend, so I'll have to meet up with you guys later (depending on how long you guys stay).

If you guys end up staying until Wednesday, I'll probably make it work. Won't make much sense for me to come out on Monday and head home Tuesday (allthough, I guess I could do some solo sight seeing???).



















Really would like to see New Mexico....

 

[Springs505]

I plan to be in Albuquerque for much of the week. I haven't decided if I will bring The Frank or not (since it looks like this would mean the would drive separately). If I do, I may like to join you for a night or 2 of camping. I will update when I firm up my plans and budget.

Leon, its interesting that you have managed to select 2 places I have never been! Monticello canyon looks especially interesting.

I will suggest considering having a look at the Jemez/los alamos/white rock area. There is a lot of great scenery, camping, logging roads, and interesting sites in the area(hiking and climbing las conchas is my favorite NM spot):

http://www.everytrail.com/browse.ph...e=New+Mexico&city=Jemez+Pueblo&activity_id=32

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/santafe/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=75790&actid=50

http://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm

I am kinda nerdy, but I think the VLA is pretty cool:

http://www.vla.nrao.edu/

Rio Puerco is on the west side of Albuquerque/Rio Rancho. You can explore the area in a stock 4X4, but it offers some extreme obstacles, as well. Avoid the "body shop" obstacle for obvious reasons I have seen some talk about some access issues when entering/exiting through Southern Blvd.

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=917748

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=917752

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=521120

 

[CO_Hunter]

Thanks Andrew, keep us posted on the plans. I know northern NM is a great place, thanks for the links. The idea for this trip is to get farther south, out of the snow and cold even though I know NM has been dry this year.

The VLA would be waaay . I didn't realize it was there. I wonder if we would be too smelly for the tour.

Travis, I am hoping to be out until Wed. We can discuss shifting the departure date, it is just more vacation time spent if we do that.

 

[Fitzgerald]

We can discuss shifting the departure date, it is just more vacation time spent if we do that.

No, I understand saving vacation time. Go ahead and make plans that work best for you guys and I'll see if I can make something work.

 

[Springs505]

Thanks Andrew, keep us posted on the plans. I know northern NM is a great place, thanks for the links. The idea for this trip is to get farther south, out of the snow and cold even though I know NM has been dry this year.

I will update when we firm up our plans, but I'm having a hard time justifying bringing my gas guzzling 80 in addition to another vehicle . White sands and carlsbad caverns are both neat places in the south, as well.

The VLA would be waaay . I didn't realize it was there. I wonder if we would be too smelly for the tour.

I don't remember getting much of a tour there, most of the sights are outside since they let you wander around the array. I think there was a little indoor visitors center.

Bring a bottle of CK One and the whole family will smell fine

 

[CO_Hunter]

Found the NM Delorme Gazetteer on sale so I order one up. Should be in next week.

 

[EricG]

I got the benchmark book yesterday

 

[CO_Hunter]

I got the Gazetteer as well. We have been exchanging some emails so here is the latest, still subject to some discussion.

Leave Colorado Springs on Saturday the 22nd. Just as a point of reference Albuquerque is about a 5 hour drive. I hope to have 3 full days of exploring and drive back on Wed. 26th. So we will be camped 4 nights. Travis may join us a day or two late. We may be having a trip planning meeting this Friday evening at 6pm, need to confirm everyone can make it.

 

[CO_Hunter]

Had a good time trip planning with Eric and the family Friday evening. We got some great advice from a local down in NM and here is the general plan.

We will be mainly be exploring the area west and south on Socorro. We will make a big loop through the Gila, then go up into Monticello Canyon (sounds spectacular), then head north and spend some time at the VLA. Not sure at the moment where the last night will be spent. There are also several side trails we can take as options time permitting and depending on what everyone is up for. This route will take us through a little bit of everything that NM has to offer. Only one week away

 

[black95]

I'll just have to live vicariously through you

Can't wait to see some pictures!

 

[CO_Hunter]

I thought trips like this are at least partly why you built the Jeep the way you did. Still time to come along.

 

[black95]

It's 100% the reason I built the Jeep like I did. Unfortunately, Uncle Sam beat me with a stick at tax time as my reward for being a successful citizen. He got our breakfast, lunch, and dinner this year. Gotta feed all those people who don't want to work hard....

 

[karas]

Least they could do is send you a pic of all those people your helping to put on your fridge.

 

[Fitzgerald]

Looks like this years trip just isn't in the cards for the Fitzgerald clan. Guess I'll be living vicariously through you guys too. Post lots of pics!

 

[CO_Hunter]

Bummer! The clan will be missed. It sounded like you would be able to make part of the trip work.

 

[Fitzgerald]

Bummer! The clan will be missed. It sounded like you would be able to make part of the trip work.

Yeah....... still thinking about it, but probably not. I'll see what you guys have planned if you or Eric make it to tonight's meeting.

 

[CO_Hunter]

I won't be there tonight, not sure about Eric. Let's talk later tonight or tomorrow.

 

[EricG]

Yea, I don't think I'm going to make it tonight either - to much to get done by Saturday. Pick up a piece of that plastic for me! If you want to stop by my place Thursday night Travis, maybe you can help me lift the tent on and I can show you the map.

 

[CO_Hunter]

Trip has been delayed and shifted one day. Leave Sunday and return Thursday.