New Mexico’s amazing land that time forgot !! – – the Ojito Wilderness, near Rio Rancho

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT) – – photo taken by yours truly on January 5, 2021, at the “Dragon’s Back” area

by Norio Hayakawa, December 4, 2020:

New Mexico is truly a Land of Enchantment.

There are so many amazing wonderland of nature here.

And you don’t have to drive too far from the city to get to these “hidden spots”.

Just about 20 miles northwest from the City Hall of Rio Rancho is a natural wonderland called the Ojito Wilderness  (designated in 2005)  which includes the White Ridges Bike Trails area.  It’s located inside the BLM/ZIA Pueblo land and is tucked away in a rugged and scenic country southwest of the community of San Ysidro.

This region is known for its geological, cultural and paleontological resources as well as for its scenic qualities that include areas that almost look like “moonscape” areas:

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT)

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT)

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT – – part of the “moonscape” area)

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT – – I call this a “castle in the air”)

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT – – I call these “moon rocks” – – you can also see part of the Cabezon Peak in the distance)

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT — another of my favorite areas of the Ojito Wilderness)

 

The bike trail crosses a landscape of spectacular beauty and exceptional geology, meandering through the Pueblo of Zia and land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

BLM has obtained the right-of-way from the Pueblo and the State to provide this biking experience.  Although the trails have been developed primarily for mountain biking, hikers are welcome on the entire trail system:

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT – – photo, courtesy of BLM, taken on August 25, 2011, at the “Dragon’s Back” area)

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT – – photo take by yours truly on February 5, 2021, at the “Dragon’s Back” area)

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT – – photo taken by yours truly on January 5, 2021, at the “Dragon’s Back” area)

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT)

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT – – satellite imagery of the area)

(CLICK ABOVE FOR ENLARGEMENT – – satellite imagery of the eastern portion of the area)

This entire region was once covered with water!

Fossil remains of rare dinosaurs, plants and trees for the Jurassic period are located in nearly areas.

Here are the directions to get to this area:

Go north on 528 and make a left on Hwy 550.

Just before you get to San Ysidro, make a left at Cabezon Road  (a dirt and gravel road)  after passing the Zia Pueblo.

Take the left fork where it says White Ridges Bike Trail. 

Keep on going for about 3 miles or so.  Soon you will see the first gravel parking lot on the left side.

Park your vehicle.  Start walking towards the hills towards the right.  Look for a walking pathway slightly to the right.  Eventually you will get on the other side of the hills.   You will begin to see some fascinating rock formations.   This area is quite appropriate for those who are somewhat scared of heights.

Or, you can just keep on driving for a half a mile or so and you will get to another gravel parking lot, this time  on the right side.

Park your vehicle and just start hiking upward on any biking/hiking trail and you will get there – – guaranteed.   If you are not too scared of heights, then the recommendation is that you take the biking/hiking trail by taking the trail on the left side and eventually you will come to the spectacular view area  (the “Dragon’s Back” area as shown in the photo below):

It’s open 24/7 all year long.   However, there are no facilities.

……….

Norio Hayakawa’s CIVILIAN INTELLIGENCE NEWS SERVICE

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