For example: I love the area around Jemez Springs in NM. Great place to camp, super hot springs.
First I locate the area on the map (in this case pg 23 of the Delorme Atlas) You can Hwy 4 running up the canyon up to La Cueva, and then east to Los Alamos.
The area of interest to me is the ridge just east of the junction (see arrow). Notice the smaller roads on the south side of HWY 4. They all lead out to the edge of the canyon..... (only the very light lines are contour lines).
So, taking a look with Google Earth:
You can see a number of "feeder" roads all branching out toward the rim of the canyon and plenty of open spaces to park. Its a reasonable distance from the Hwy and should have a great view of the canyon below. A final call to the district office to chat with the forest service to confirm that disbursed camping is legal there and all thats left is the going camping. It might be a great location, it might be awful. You never know until you get there.
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Rodney
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. - Thomas Jefferson
Unfortunately, I can't help you much on those roads -- except to note that the area (as you already know) is exceptionally beautiful. We've camped up there, though only in the NF campground that's closer up to the top nearer the Valles Caldera (now also federal).
Short little story here. When I was a kid growing up south of ABQ, we used to go up that direction for day trips. Soda Falls was one of my personal faves, though we also used to hike up into the mountains and skinny dip in one of the hot springs. Back then, the higway up there was all dirt road, not paved like today.
So one time we went up there and took my grandfather. And somebody snapped a pic of him standing in the middle of the dirt road close to the falls. We still have the pic.
Several years ago, Maria and I were up near the falls, and I recalled that photograph. When we got back from our trip, I reminded my parents of that photograph, and they told me what I'd obviously forgotten: That pic was taken on the day that my grandfather died. He'd taken a nap after the day trip and was asphyxiated by a poorly vented heater.
What a touching story. I guess we never know our time. The best I know to do is get to the hot springs and go camping as much as possible. Part of the reason I am traveling this summer is because I have learned that you never know if its your last time at bat or not.
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Rodney
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. - Thomas Jefferson
T-13 days. My new landscape lens arrived this week. Its going to take some time to get used to using it. I'm for sure looking forward to doing just that, maybe some panos.....
I need to get the last minute stuff ordered. But all and all I should be in good shape to hit the road. I still want a folding table and maybe one of those big umbrella awnings.
I hope I meet a bunch of you out there on the road.
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Rodney
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. - Thomas Jefferson
T-13 days. My new landscape lens arrived this week. Its going to take some time to get used to using it. I'm for sure looking forward to doing just that, maybe some panos.....
WOW this puppy is wide. Took a run out to the refuge to try it out...
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Rodney
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. - Thomas Jefferson
Great landscape picture, Rodney. Lots of karma coming your way to give you luck in finding a "best" camping site out there with valley stretching out forever to catch in your camera. ~G
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maxandgeorgia
1995 Airstream Classic Limited 30' ~ Gypsy
Chev Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison, 4X4, Crew Cab
WBCCI #5013 AIR #2908
WDCU
Go, Mizzou...Tigers on the prowl!
Wow Rodney, that sucker is so wide you can almost if you squint, see the Canadian border on the right hand side of the picture (is it that the left hand side?).
Looking forward to pics of your travels.
Barry
__________________ Take care. Unlike your puppy, it is so embarrassing to put your Airstream to bed belly up.
Barry & Donna Life is short - so's the door on an Flying Cloud (ouch) 1951 Flying Cloud 21' 1957 Pontiac Safari 2dr wagon TV AIR #7364 WBCCI #8110 member 4CU
T-8 days and counting. Its going to be a busy week, but then its going to be bliss. I really appreciate all the information everyone has given and I hope to see some of you out on the road. Color me giddy.
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Rodney
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. - Thomas Jefferson
Good luck General, Sir. We also are trying to force the stars into proper alignment and trek to the same region. Perhaps our 'Happy Trails' will cross.
ya' know the entire forum EXPECTS regular updates with the standard World Class Photos...
__________________ Hi Ho Silver RV!
Vernon, Sarah, Mac the Border Collie and- 'Epiphany' the 29' Airstream
I give all my final exams tomorrow, and then its wait for graduation ceremonies and THEN Sat morning, DEPARTURE TIME Lots to do in the days in between. Man I am pumped, in less than a week it will be fishing, photography and hot springs.
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Rodney
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. - Thomas Jefferson
Research Methods, Stats, Psychopharmacology, Biopsychology, Sensation and Perception, Advanced Neuroscience that sort of thing.
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Rodney
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. - Thomas Jefferson
Research Methods, Stats, Psychopharmacology, Biopsychology, Sensation and Perception, Advanced Neuroscience that sort of thing.
Boy, does that bring back memories. Before I retired, I taught research methods and stats (along with my standard courses in linguistics and language acquisition).
I just looked at the 10 day forecast and the first four days of the trip will be PERFECT weather wise, 70's during the day 40's at night- grad school is looking worth while now.
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Rodney
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. - Thomas Jefferson
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Lots to do in the days in between. Man I am pumped, in less than a week it will be fishing, photography and hot springs.
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