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Benchmark on the Lewis & Clark Trail in March

March 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Benchmark News, Benchmark Products, Travel

Route map from lewisandclark.org

There are few greater fantasies in outdoor recreation than reliving the Lewis & Clark Trail. It spans the breadth of the United States and becomes more awe-inspiring the further west you go. This month Benchmark Maps will visit two highlights along the trail, Portland and Missoula.  Please stop by our booths to discuss the latest in Benchmark products for the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest.

March 10-14 in Portland, Oregon:

Association of Partners for Public Lands (APPL) Convention & Trade Show

March 23-24 in Missoula, Montana:

Great Rockies Sports Show

Here are two recreation highlights along the Lewis & Clark Trail:

 

Montana Road & Recreation Atlas – Recreation Page 21, Landscape Maps Pages 55-56

http://visitmt.com/listing/categories_NET/MoreInfo.aspx?IDRRecordID=2181&SiteID=1

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is offers year-round access to waterfalls, volcanic cliffs, lush forests and grasslands. Multnomah Falls is must see for anyone visiting this beautiful divide between Oregon and Washington.

Oregon Road & Recreation Atlas – Recreation Pages 14-15, Landscape Maps Pages 37-38

Have you visited Fort Peck or Columbia River Gorge? Post your stories and photos in our comments section below.

BONUS: View the latest from Montana photographers at http://visitmt.com/experiences/montana_extras/montana_photography/

Filed Under: Benchmark News, Benchmark Products, Travel

Women’s Bike Essentials

January 28, 2013 By 1 Comment
Benchmark Products, Travel

My grandmother tells me the single most important thing you can have on a short ride or a weeklong tour is this:  A bright neon yellow windbreaker. Everything else is second to being effectively protected from everything that comes at you on your ride with the visibility, breathability, and sun or rain protection afforded by this one item.

Here is our full rundown:

1. Windbreaker – Pearl Izumi Barrier Convertible Bike Jacket

2. Deep Cooling Bike Helmet – Giro Atmos

Easily adjusted on the move, stays where you put it, enough material to keep your head safe, plenty of vents to keep your head cool, this is a win all around!

3. Bike Jersey – 83 Sportswear, Inc. “Love in Paris”

Really, I haven’t had a jersey I didn’t like. Get it for the pocket and be sure the stitching is tight and you’re good to go.

4. Bike Tights – Novara Mezzo Capri

Just don’t wear yoga pants. They don’t stay rolled up. A comfortable pair of bike tights or shorts can make a big difference in your overall quality of experience. Try a few on to get the fit you like.

5. Shoes – Giro Sante Bike Shoes

For the most part, if you’re riding on a trail, you just need comfortable shoes with good support and socks. For street riders or racers – get something that gives you a little more support and clicks in nicely. As with shorts or tights:  try several styles on to get the right fit.

6. Hydration – Camelbak

Don’t go for a ride without properly hydrating before, during, and after your adventure. Camelbak makes this easy, so no excuses. Stay hydrated!

 

7. Trail Map – Benchmark Atlas Map App for iPhone and iPad

 

Knowing where you are going is half the battle! Try our Map App with Recreation Guide for California, Oregon, and New Mexico.

http://www.benchmarkmaps.com/products-page/mobile-apps

 

Do you have gear that you love? Have you purchased the same item multiple times? We want to know about it! Drop a comment or visit us here:

 

Twitter:  @BenchmarkMaps

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BenchmarkMaps

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/benchmarkmaps/

Filed Under: Benchmark Products, Travel

Hidden Gems: Skip the lines and get straight to the action for winter 2013

January 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Travel

 

Wolf Creek Ski Area – Located between Pagosa Springs and South Fork, Colorado

Colorado Road & Recreation Atlas Page 124, B2

Off of Highway 160 about a five hour ride from Denver in Southern Colorado, you’ll find a park with the most powder available in the state. Rarely will you find long lift lines, leaving more time for skiing in the average 464” of natural snowfall each year. Six miles of cross-country trails, 1,600 skiable acres, and runs for every skill level. You have got to see this hidden gem!

http://www.wolfcreekski.com/

Showdown – Neihart, Montana

Montana Road & Recreation Atlas Page 81, C7

One of the most family friendly ski areas in the Western United States. The snow will insulate you in cozy mountain heaven as you enjoy 34 trails, 3 chairlifts, two terrain parks and a 400 foot learning conveyor. An affordable package for learners, great rental options, and short or no lines bode well for families with a variety of ages and skill levels. Skip the lines and get straight to the action at Showdown!

http://www.showdownmontana.com/

Powder Mountain – Eden, Utah

Utah Road & Recreation Atlas Page 37, H10 & Page 90, C6

Consistently rated in the top 5 by SKI Magazine for Snow Quality, Powder Mountain has over 7,000 acres of skiable terrain and is Utah’s largest ski area and one of the largest in North America. On a busy day, the ratio of skier to snowy acres is 1:2. Basically, if you are close to Powder Mountain it would be a shame not to experience the terrain covered with 500 inches of pristine powder every season. They call themselves the “Snow Shangri-La” and that is no joke!

http://powdermountain.com/

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park – Mead, Washington

Washington Road & Recreation Atlas Page 65, H9

Mt. Spokane has a small cult following. There are whole communities of people who grew up learning to ski and snowboard on this mountain. The night skiing is fabulous and the sno-park has wonderful tubing and sledding opportunities. For some reason, most of the season this little mountain that could will boast short lines and open runs for all to enjoy. It still boggles the mind how accessible and beautiful this terrain is. It’s possible that with four mountain ranges, Washington just has so many opportunities for parks that it allows for many hidden gems such as Mt. Spokane!

http://www.mtspokane.com/home

Filed Under: Travel

Playing in a Winter Wonderland for the Holidays

December 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Travel

With the holidays upon us, we couldn’t be happier with the current weather systems! It’s going to be a White Christmas in the Western United States. The Rockies received a big weather system that dumped over a foot of snow on almost every ski and snow recreation area available. The coast, especially in Washington received record amounts of snow as well

– Mt. Hood Meadows tops that list with 19“ on Thursday the 20th! The mountain will be open this weekend after trees that couldn’t bear the load of snow are cleared from the roads.

Here’s some video footage from On The Snow:

http://youtu.be/aZ3RdmUtD3U

onthesnow.com

On The Snow also has some amazing forecasts through the Holiday week.

Here’s one for the West Coast:

http://www.onthesnow.com/news/a/582331

 

And an article on what to expect through the week in the Rocky Mountain States:

http://www.onthesnow.com/news/a/582329

 

It’s going to be a White Christmas for the Western United States! What a gift!

Filed Under: Travel

New Mexico Festivals: Merrymaking in The Land of Enchantment

June 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Travel

 

If you’ve never had a chance to explore New Mexico, planning your trip around a festival would be an easy way to start.  Festivals are often associated with feasting, entertainment and general merrymaking.  If you could use a little general merrymaking – and who couldn’t? – consult your New Mexico Map and head out to one of these events.

For Feasting: Head South to The Whole Enchilada Fiesta or Hatch Chile Festival

What’s a festival without an eating contest? Throw in the making of the world’s largest enchilada and you have yourself a party. The Whole Enchilada Fiesta features musical entertainment, a parade, a horseshoe tournament, and a 4lb enchilada eating contest. Feel less awful about all of the food you consumed by signing up for the 5K Run/Fun Run or try a hike of your own in the Las Cruces area.  

Hatch, New Mexico, is widely known as the “Chile Capital of the World.” Located along the I-25 corridor between Las Cruces and Truth or Consequences, NM (yes, that is an actual city), this agricultural town is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and a little look around.  However, if your travels bring you to Hatch in early September during chile roasting season, you may consider checking out the Hatch Chile Festival.  Sample chile recipes, toss a horseshoe and see who gets crowned the Chile Festival Queen. This is a true opportunity to find your answer New Mexico’s state question: Red or Green?  Locals know that the best way to prepare Hatch chile is by roasting it over an open flame. Conveniently, that is the best way to smell it as well.

For Entertainment: Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium

If a weekend celebrating the Old West filled with cowboy competitions, chuckwagon cooks and cook-offs, western swing dancing and world famous musicians gets you excited, you may want to jump on the bandwagon and head to Ruidoso Downs for the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium (New Mexico Atlas, pg. 70 E4).  This is a true cowboy festival in the authentic Southwest. There is no dress code. There are lots of cowboy hats. It’s a nice step back in time to simpler days. For a step into the present while in the area, consider a stop at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. The views are stunning.

For General Merrymaking: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Even folks that don’t know much about New Mexico usually associate the state with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  Albuquerque hosts the world’s largest hot air balloon festival each October – attracting hot air-filled masses (and I’m not talking about people here) shaped like anything from Darth Vader to Spongebob Square Pants. What makes Albuquerque the perfect spot for balloons – and hundreds of thousands of spectators – to flock each fall? Insiders know it’s the “Albuquerque Box” effect, a wind pattern which occurs about 30% of the time.  The box is in effect when the upper level winds (usually around 1,000 feet above the surface) are blowing in the opposite direction as the lower level winds.  This allows for the balloons to launch, fly a considerable distance on one wind current, change altitude and then fly back on another wind current. The ultimate goal is to land close to the launch site.  Take 500 airborne balloons, a carnival-like setting (complete with breakfast burritos) and thousands of people and I guarantee that general merrymaking will be easy to find.  Tip: There are several companies in Albuquerque that cater to the active Balloon Fiesta goer – consider checking out Routes, Rentals & Tours, a local tour company offering special Balloon Fiesta bike tours. They bring the bikes, helmets, and accessories, you just bring yourself (and probably some coffee). Dawn patrol begins before 6am.

 

Top photo by YoTuT

Bottom photo by Larry and Linda

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New Mexico Travel: Three Biking Excursions in The Land of Enchantment

June 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Travel

When you combine a population of just over two million people with a landmass comparable to that of Norway, outdoor recreation opportunities abound.  At 121,598 square miles, the state of New Mexico is the fifth largest (in landmass) of the 50 United States. Even Albuquerque, the state’s population center (located at the intersections of I-40 and I-25), offers many outdoor rec opportunities to escape the bustling city in a matter of minutes.

An easy way to escape and explore the various terrain of New Mexico is by bike.  Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast looking for some challenging options or a more modest rider seeking a leisurely ride, this state has many options for you. These are three of my favorite places to pedal.

Easy-Rider: Paseo del Bosque Trail (New Mexico Atlas, Pg. 28, D3-H2)

This 16-mile, paved trail is not only uninterrupted by roadways, it’s also uninterrupted by road bumps.  Paseo del Bosque, while flat, is very scenic and provides a perfect excuse to bring a date and meander through America’s largest cottonwood forest. There are numerous entry points throughout town, with easy parking options available at the Northern access point (Alameda Blvd.) as well as the Southern access point (Rio Bravo).  Check out your New Mexico Map for logistics or give the folks at Open Space Visitor Center a call.  Word to the wise: While a leisurely ride, if you take on the full 32-mile round-trip, you have a whole afternoon ahead of you. Choose your date wisely.

Rough and Tumble: White Mesa Bike Trails (just Southwest of San Ysidro, NM – New Mexico Atlas pg. 45, G7)

For the adventurous off-roader and mountain biker, White Mesa Bike Trails equals paradise.  The trails, designed specifically for mountain bikes (but also accommodate hikers), are both challenging and dare I say … educational.  It is quite likely that you will ride past fossils dating back to the Jurassic period on your journey through this scenic country. The trails are free to explore, but the fossils must be left alone. After hours: this open country is also a great place to stargaze on one of New Mexico’s many clear nights.

Long Haul: Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway (New Mexico Atlas, pg.38-39)

For those serious about cycling, Northern New Mexico has some of the best options in the state. Expect to work for your miles as your travels take you up towards Angel Fire, Taos and Red River. If you’re ready for a real challenge, consider taking the 85-mile trek along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway connecting Taos and Questa with the resort communities of Red River, Eagle Nest and Angel Fire. You’ll pass mountains, mesas, national forests and valleys – all wrapping around Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest peak.  Not that ambitious? It’s also a beautiful drive.  For the rider: If putting the pedal to the medal (on two wheels) is more your speed, New Mexico is also a great stop for motorcycle enthusiasts. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is an easy way to start seeing some of the state’s diverse terrain.

With hundreds of bike options in New Mexico, what’s your favorite trail? Where would you like to try?

 

Top Photo by Stefan Heinisch

 

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New Mexico Travel: Albuquerque-Area Scenic Views

June 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Travel

New Mexico’s largest city is a nice blend of old and new – particularly in regards to its landscape. A bright blue sky and the ancient Sandia Mountains are paired against a modern city skyline and the neon lights of Historic

A View of the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, New Mexico - ©Jordan Unverzagt

Route 66.  As such, this quirky population center offers many opportunities to get out and enjoy the view.  But the questions is, where do you start? British banker and archeologist, John Lubbock, once said, “What we see depends mainly on what we look for.”  Keeping that in mind, here are a few scenic highlights to get you looking.

Don’t Miss View: Sandia Mountains

From the volcanic mesas in the West to the foothills in the East, Albuquerque is surrounded by natural beauty that locals love and visitors fall in love with.  Sandia is the Spanish word for watermelon, appropriately named on account of the pinkish color the mountains turn at sunset.  Whether you experience the mountain range on a ride up the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, a run down the Sandia Peak Area Ski Hill, a hike or mountain bike ride through the many trails within the mountain’s layers or from any point throughout the city, it is a don’t miss – or perhaps a literally can’t miss – part of the local landscape. You can also take your car up the eastern slopes of the Sandia Mountains along the Sandia Crest Byway (New Mexico Atlas, Page 53, B9) The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is North America’s longest aerial tramway, and the world’s second longest. Armenia’s Tatev Aerial Tramway took over that title in October 2010.

Don’t Miss Adventure: Floating Along the Rio Grande

While the Rio Grande is little more than a dribble in some parts of town, just minutes from downtown the river becomes quite a bit grander, if you will.  The Level 1 River proves to be an easy and relaxing scenic float for those looking to enjoy the mountains and cottonwood forests from a canoe or kayak.  While many locals dismiss the river on account of its perceived size – or lack there of – here in town, they are completely shocked that this experience exists in their own backyard.  If you didn’t pack a paddlecraft on your journey, consider taking a guided trip with Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures, based in Bernalillo. They are knowledgeable guides and provide all the equipment that you need – including a great mid-route snack.  If you’re not taking a guided tour, consider entering the water on the very north edge of Corrales (New Mexico Atlas, Pg. 28, B4) and floating down to Alameda Blvd.

Don’t Miss Scenic Byway: Jemez Mountain Trail (Photo)

Just Northwest of Albuquerque at the junction of NM 550 and Hwy 4 (New Mexico Atlas, Pg. 16, D2) begins the Jemez Mountain Trail, a National Scenic Byway leading to many natural and geological formations as well as ancient Indian ruins and the Jemez Pueblo. Start your leisurely journey along this byway and select a hot springs or spa option in Jemez Springs. My pick is the short but beautiful trek up to Spence Hot Springs, open sunrise to sunset. Soak in the natural pools with new friends as you kick back and enjoy view. Be sure to keep your swim trunks on though; this hot spring says no to nudity. Driving tip: Park in the unmarked lot about 7 miles north of the Jemez Springs town center along Highway 4 – GPS: 35.849N, 106.629W.

 

A few other favorite locales with a view:

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New Mexico Travel: Three Hikes in The Land of Enchantment

June 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Travel

From alpine mountain scenery along the southern stretches of the Rocky Mountains to natural hot springs spread out across the state, New Mexico offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country, many of which are best explored on foot.  Here are just three of many spots to traverse this high desert terrain.

 

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (New Mexico Atlas, Pg. 16, D3):

As one of the most stunning and unique natural formations in New Mexico, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a great early morning or afternoon adventure.  Volcanic eruptions occurring 6 to 7 million years ago are responsible for the tent-shaped rock formations that give the monument its name. Don’t let the name fool you, however, as no camping – let alone tents – are allowed at the monument.  In fact, Tent Rocks does not have a dedicated visitor effort (sorry, not even a snack bar) but it can be hiked in about an hour so there isn’t much of a need for one. There also isn’t a need to bring Fido along with you on this one – pups aren’t allowed. What you will find a need for while visiting: hiking shoes (there are a few tricky parts), a camera, some water and $5 to cover the parking fee. Pretty cheap bills for some pretty steep thrills. Tip: Consider pairing this quick hike with a daytrip to nearby Bandelier National Monument. Tents are welcome there.

 

Aguirre Springs: Pine Tree Loop Trail (Near Organ, NM – New Mexico Atlas, Pg. 77 F9)

If you want to do some high-country camping in southern New Mexico, Aguirre Spring Campground is your spot.  The campground is nestled at the base of the Organ Mountains – named after their resemblance to the pipes of a pipe organ – and can be found by heading east on U.S. 70 (from the I-25/U.S. 70 interchange) for 14 miles and turning south on Aguirre Spring Road for six miles. The campground, nestled at 5700-ft, is also the start of two national recreation trails. My pick is the Pine Tree Loop Trail, the shorter of the two trails at just over four miles round trip (it ‘loops’ around). Both it and the Baylor Pass Trail (6 miles, one way) offer plenty of beautiful scenery including White Sands National Monument and White Sands Missile Base. The trails are in great shape and many first-timers find themselves wishing that they had planned ahead to camp. One-up them and pack your gear. Note: There is a reason this is called high-country camping. Be sure you’ve got the pipes for the hike – the Pine Tree Loop Trail climbs to 6800-ft.

Wheeler Peak: 13,161-ft, Highest point in NM (New Mexico Atlas, Pg. 18, B1)

End your trip through New Mexico on a literal high note at Wheeler Peak, the state’s highest point.  Wheeler Peak is situated inside of Northern New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle, an 85-mile US Forest Scenic Byway. The peak is located Northeast of Taos, NM, and is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (the southernmost part – or subrange, if you will – of the Rocky Mountains).  Note that while you can expect to see Big Horn Sheep along the hike up the mountain, they are wary of visitors.  All W’s are not alike: Don’t confuse Wheeler Peak with either Wheeler Peak in Nevada, or Mount Walter, the second highest summit in New Mexico at 13,141-ft. Mount Walter is sometimes is mistaken for Wheeler as it lies in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along the standard route to Wheeler Peak. Keep trucking! Almost summiting New Mexico’s highest point doesn’t count.

There are hundreds of hikes in New Mexico – what’s your favorite?

 

Photo 1 – Hiking Philmont by red, white, and black eyes forever

Photo 2 – Tent Rocks National Monument by Jon Hurd

Photo 3 – Aguirre Springs by Jared Tarbell

Photo 4 – Wheeler Peak by Joshua Eckert

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New Mexico Travel: Mapping the Desert Lakes

May 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Travel

Northwestern New Mexico is a great place for exploring. It’s good to have a decent New Mexico Atlas to use in this area, because some of the best spots are on Indian land, and may not show up on a regular map.

One of my favorite places to camp in this area is Heron Lake. It’s a New Mexico State Park with lots of camping on the many coves of this no-wake lake. The sites are terraced and scattered in such a way that you can get a good bit of privacy, even when it is crowded. This New Mexico campground is a great place to take in astronomical events, like an eclipse or meteor shower. The no-wake regulations keep things peaceful, so you won’t be subjected to the rowdy drone of powerboats all night long. The main attraction here is sailing. Yes, it’s true, sailing in New Mexico. Another point of interest is the Rio Chama Trail, a 5-mile hike that connects Heron Lake State Park to another New Mexico State Park, El Vado.

As you head deeper into Heron Lake State Park, past El Vado Dam, and Stone House Lodge, the road turns to dirt so use a Benchmark map and be sure you’ve got a good idea of where you are going, the rest of this journey takes you through a remote part of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation.

After El Vado Lake, head north on Jicarilla Apache Road J8. On this road you will see another lake on your New Mexico map, Stinking Lake. It’s not really much of a lake, and I didn’t really smell anything, but the expansive empty nature of this reservation land was worth exploring. J8 winds through some untouched country, past several lakes, where camping and fishing is permitted. Read the faded signs carefully, and obey the tribal rules.
You can also check the Jicarilla Apache website for more info on camping and fishing in this area. Eventually, J8 will return you to paved roads and civilization in Dulce, NM. Although it’s a rural town, it is a hub for the surrounding Indian lands, so you can expect to find a 24-hour gas station, motels and a supermarket.

From Dulce check out your Benchmark Map and head east on Rt. 64, back toward Chama, NM. On top of being a great spot for fly fishing, the biggest draw in Chama is the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. As the eastern terminus of this state-owned railroad, it can get pretty booked in the summer months, so a wise traveler might make a reservation at one of the many hotels/motels that serve families riding the rails. If you are in the area, really a ride on the train is not to be missed. It’s a vintage, coal-fired, narrow gauge trip that takes travelers through the soaring mountain passes between Chama and Antonito, Colorado. The train hosts plenty of special events for kids and families, like a Day Out with Thomas, Peanuts Pumpkin Patch, and the Polar Express, plus moonlight dinner and wine-tasting events, the Cumbres Fiesta trains, and more for the older-than-21 crowd, so check their website to buy tickets and figure out the logistics for your trip!

Photo: Lake Heron by Elizabeth W. Hughews

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New Mexico Travel: Jemez Mountains

May 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Travel

The Jemez Mountains are a quick trip from Albuquerque, a quick glance at a New Mexico atlas points you northwest, traveling out of Albuquerque up I-25, then taking Rt. 550 through Bernalillo to the turn off on Rt. 4 at San Ysidro. From there follow the river northward to the mountains.

Outside Bernalillo White Mesa rises in the distance. White Mesa is a BLM outdoor Recreation Area popular with New Mexico mountain bikers, for soft forgiving gypsum sands that give the Mesa its name. Beware out here the landscape can be arid, windy and unforgiving and there’s no water so if you plan to hike or bike, be sure you come prepared.

When you turn off Rt. 550 and on to Rt. 4 at San Ysidro you’re on the Jemez Mountains Scenic Byway. Check your New Mexico Atlas and you’ll find the Jemez Pueblo is a few miles north on Rt. 4.  The pueblo itself is no longer open to the public, but there is a roadside vending area where the locals sell fry bread tacos.  Things get pretty remote pretty quick in New Mexico, so it’s always good to grab a local snack when you see one. Also make sure you have extra water in the car, as you can get pretty far from anywhere in a hurry.  Bringing along a picnic lunch is another good option when planning your road trip. There National Forest Recreation Areas  areas like Spanish Queen to stop at along the way.  These picnic areas are every few miles on Rt. 4 along the Jemez River and it’s relaxing place to cool off on a hot summer day. Five miles north of the Spanish Queen Picnic Area is the Jemez Ranger Station, top in and get the latest info on this district of the Santa Fe National Forest outdoor recreation area.

Rt. 4 twists and turns heading toward the town of Jemez Springs, as it climbs in altitude the red rocks of the desert give way to lush mountain forests. There’s a bath house in the town center, where you can take a hot spring mineral soak. Walk-ins are welcome, and if there’s a wait, you can take a relaxing walk along the river and visit the original hot spring. For more details on all the hot springs in this area, check out:  http://alibi.com/news/39420/Rub-a-Dub-Dub.html.

If hot springs aren’t your thing, you can also check out Soda Dam. This geological feature is hard to miss with its colored calcium deposits and the bubbling soda-fountain bubbles that give it its name.

North of the town of Jemez Springs and Soda Dam, things get more remote. There are lots of campgrounds with amenities of varying degrees in this area. Consult a Benchmark Map  and the maps on the Santa Fe National Forest website to find a New Mexico Campground that’s right for you.

If you’re heading out to camp in the area, and don’t forget to stop at Amanda’s General Store at the fork in the road in La Cueva, NM where Rt. 4 and Rt. 126 meet. Here locals will give fishing advice, and in the cooler months they can let you know you if the gate is open on Forest Service Road #376 heading up to San Antonio Hot Springs.

If you’re not equipped for camping, you can bunk up at the La Cueva Lodge adjacent to Amanda’s General Store or continue the scenic drive, on Rt. 4. This route takes travelers east to Bandalier National Monument and the Los Alamos National Labs, consult a map, head east and follow the signs and you’ll be in Santa Fe before you know it.

 

Photo by Larry Lamsa

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