A Traveler's Experience

Jemez Mountain Trail (NM)

My experience on the Jemez Mountain Trail is about experiencing nature along Hwy 4 from Bandelier National Monument to the Village of Jemez Springs. As we left Bandelier, Hwy 4 climbed to the crest of the Valles Caldera, and being early October, the leaves were turning to a bright golden hue on the aspen trees and they were gorgeous to look at. Then as we descended into the Caldera coming out of the conifer forest, much to my delight we came into the most gracious mountain meadows you have ever seen.

As we travelled along the edge of the Caldera, there were several pullouts with interpretive signs. We pulled off the highway to read these signs and take some pictures and look for wildlife through our binoculars. There were several other vehicles at the pullout and one had a spotting scope. They were watching something across these mountain meadows. We soon spotted the elk. Being early afternoon, they were coming out of the timber down into the meadows to graze and seek water. They were coming out of the timber in small bunches of ten to twenty, most with a magnificent herd bull, what an absolute treat to watch.

Talking with some local residents I found out that the meadow's part of the Valles Caldera Preserve is a game preserve (a no-hunting zone), while in the timbered areas hunting is allowed by special permit. Being a hunter and a wildlife viewer, it is great to see an area like this that affords those who enjoy watching wildlife in an area of peace and solitude. Also I learned that the Caldera is home to approx. 5000 elk.

I am definitely planning on visiting the Jemez Mountain Trail again and allowing more time to explore and enjoy this Byway.