A Challenge Not Taken (Yet)

Since we don’t own an SUV, a trip to the landmark of Cabezon Peak had to wait until we could join up with others who had the type of vehicle for driving over the rough road into the Cabezon Wilderness Study Area. So many places that we hike around Albuquerque have views that include this prominent volcanic neck sticking up in the middle of the vast Rio Puerco Valley. For Lee, (and certain other of our family members), continually seeing that peak created a bucket list challenge: “one of these days we have to get to the top of that.” I was more than satisfied with the 3-mile hike we did around the base of it today. I’ll leave the final rock-scramble ascent to the more adventurous among us.
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Getting closer
Getting closer
Some steep ascents even though we just circled the base.
Some steep ascents even though we just circled the base.
On the righthand side, marked by a line of green lichen-covered rocks, is the upper trail that ascends through a "chimney" to the summit.
On the righthand side, marked by a line of green lichen-covered rocks, is the upper trail that ascends through a “chimney” to the summit.
View to southwest across Rio Puerco Valley with a couple of the other volcanic cones.
View to southwest across Rio Puerco Valley with a couple of the other volcanic cones.
With the exception of one squirrel scampering over the rocks, this was the extent of wildlife sightings.
With the exception of one squirrel scampering over the rocks, this was the extent of wildlife sightings.
View from the backside.
View from the backside.
On the east side looking back with interesting effects from the afternoon sun.
On the east side looking back with interesting effects from the afternoon sun.
Beginning the final descent.
Beginning the final descent.
Notice the thin line below--the road we drove in on.
Notice the thin line below–the road we drove in on.

Author: bjregan

Enjoying retirement activities. Main goals for retirement are to stay spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally healthy.

2 thoughts on “A Challenge Not Taken (Yet)”

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