The Jemez Mountains form the southernmost tip of the Rocky
Mountains and are quite arguably the most beautiful area in the
entire state of New Mexico. Jemez consists of mostly undisturbed
forested wilderness with rocky peaks, meadows, mountain streams,
lakes and waterfalls, and only occasional houses and villages. Past
volcanic activity has resulted in some interesting geological
formations such as multiple hot springs, sulphurous vents and a
picturesque caldera (a ring of hills comprising the remains of
several long-extinct volcanoes).
Much of the region is now a National Recreation Area with many
opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, cross-country skiing,
or visiting a natural hot springs. This mountain trail takes
travelers from Albuquerque to Santa Fe via Bernalillo, past the
remainders of the area's logging, mining and ranching heritage, a
variety of Spanish and Indian ruins, the Coronado and Jemez State
Monuments, Los Alamos and neighboring city of White Rock, and the
Bandelier National Monument.
All the caches that we have placed along the JMNSB are at areas
that DO NOT require a day use fee. Additional waypoints have been
added to certain cache descriptions where extra help might be
required to find parking, a trailhead, etc. There are bathrooms
along the entire scenic byway, some of which are in day fee areas.
Use of the toilet facilities does not require you to pay, but if
you are planning to stay longer, then the noted fees will apply.
Please keep in mind that you will find both forest and desert
environments along this trip. You may encounter the typical
animals, poisonous plants, and insects that make these habitats
their home. Please come properly dressed and prepared. For maps and
additional information on this scenic byway, visit
The
Jemez Mountain National Scenic Byway Website.
ONE LOCO HIKE
Purpose of this cache: Fun rocky hike!
This is our kids’ FAVORITE hike with many rocks to climb and
scramble over in the shade of Ponderosa Pines. Kids will love to
run and play Hide-and-Seek once you reach the flat shaded clearing.
It also would be a great place to have a picnic (although make sure
you pack it in a backpack, and not a cooler, due to the uphill
scramble).
Roundtrip, the entire hike is 1.15 miles. The trailhead is at a
parking lot for the Spence Hot Springs (a waypoint is included). At
first, the trail gradually declines along an easy sloping path. You
will then cross a bridge and come to a fork in the the trail.
Follow the trail to the right. A short ways up, you will come to
another fork in the trail at a large boulder, follow to the right
again. This path will lead you up to the top of the springs (they
will be to your left) at a downed tree. This is the 1st waypoint we
have included. Now the trail has ended and you will need to start
following the additional waypoints to get to the caching area.
There is a limited GPS signal up in this area due to the tree
cover. If you sit for a bit, you will be able to get a good reading
though.
Restroom facilities are not available at this trail, so a quick
stop at another rest area along the roadside, might be a good idea.
Please note, although it is prohibited, nudity is pretty common
near the springs. The springs are not visible from the trail
itself, but an adult might want to take a peek at the springs
before taking the kids for a view.