Valles Caldera, Sept 11, 2015

(Be sure to click on the images for a larger image)

We’re hitting the Valles Caldera one last time before it becomes a part of the National Parks System.  We visited the Caldera several times this year when the Preserve started issuing a limited number backcountry passes to the general public on a daily basis.  We like the open area of the San Antonio valley for both hiking and fly-fishing.  We don’t know what if any changes will come of the transfer of ownership.

We know not to expect fall colors, based on previous years they are not due until sometime in mid October.  Since our deluge in July we have gone back to a drier than normal August and first part of September.  We are certain the rivers will be down so we are prepared to make this a photo trip.

Upon arriving at the visitor center we find out the backcountry is closed for hunting.  In fact it sounds like the backcountry will be closed for the balance of the year due to normal closing in October coupled with various hunting seasons between now and then.  The front portion is open; South Mountain, along the East Fork of the Jemez River and Hidden Valley.

We opted for the East Fork of the Jemez which if you follow it for a mile or so leads to Hidden Valley.  Byron brought his fly rod along just in case.  The first thing I learned following this river is that the ground right along the riverbed is very marshy.  It looks like it is a foot or so higher but it is still wet enough that I was glad I had my waterproof hikers.  No need for wading boots and pants.  After a half hour of following the river I lost Byron to fishing and photography.  He started camping out in specific locations rod in hand.  My goal is Hidden Valley.

I do not know if there is an ‘official’ Hidden Valley on the Valles Caldera map, we were just given general directions.  Upon my return to the visitor center I spoke with the woman that directed me there and found out that she had not even been there.  After telling her about it she decided she too has to see it.

The farther I hike the more I notice the plants are readying themselves for the impending autumn.  Flowers are going to seed; seed heads of grasses are looking ragged from the dry winds constantly buffeting them, other plants are already brown and brittle.  Looking at a broader image of the meadow shows large patches of varying shades of brown; beige, tan, and buff, to name a few.  Hiking through each reveals a different micro-climate.  Crossing from one shade to another means crossing from dry to moist, to damp, to standing water, then back again.  Any little abrupt rise in terrain means short grasses and dry conditions, especially on the south side of the rise.  Pollinators are still out gathering what they can find.  Pickings look slim to me but my eyes are not tuned to finding pollen.

Hidden Valley is a gem.  The valley itself is small but the rock formations lining the valley along with the rocks dispersed in and along the river itself offer great photo compositions.  I stopped many times moving only tens of feet before finding another shot.  In all I only made it into the valley less than a quarter mile before I turned around to catch up with Byron.  My GPS tells me that the river flows another 2 plus miles before flowing under NM4 on its way to Battleship Rock where it merges with San Antonio Creek forming the Jemez River.

Byron was still fishing the Jemez as I approached.  Overall the fishing was very slow but he kept on casting hoping for the big one.  This area is populated by bluebirds; I didn’t really notice them at first until looking down on the gravel road I saw the shadow of a bluebird hovering over us for 10 – 20 seconds.  They sit on signs eyeing us and the road looking for food.  They followed us as we returned to the car hopping along the road, tilting their heads for a close-up view of any morsel of food we may have disturbed.  They are brave; one of them sat on the rear hatch of Byron’s vehicle as I was holding it up undoubtedly hoping for a handout.  Unfortunately I was not quick enough to get a bluebird close-up.

We visited with the Valles Caldera workers and volunteers before leaving for the day.  There is only one thing they do know; very few will be returning as National Park Service employees.  They are not certain if and what changes may occur with the new ownership.  Personally I like the way it is operated right now with limited opportunities for people to access the area.

Returning to Albuquerque we stopped at the Las Conchas picnic area on State Road 4.  This is where the East Fork of the Jemez emerges from the Hidden Valley.  The valley is a little wider here with a lot more vegetation in and around the river.  Several other people were fishing this area but it didn’t appear they were having much luck either.

Our ride home consists of plans for our next hike; maybe only a couple weeks off.

Thank you for stopping by,

Mark