If you are looking for a great way to spend an afternoon in the Jemez Mountains, check out the box river canyon and old railway tunnels at Gilman!  This beautiful loop drive from the Elk Mountain Lodge is a must do. The beautiful scenery, cool river, mountain views and red rock tunnels are amazing.

The Tunnels, blasted out of the rock in the 1920′s, were originally used for a logging railroad. There are several spectacular turnouts in the Guadalupe River Box that make great photo opportunities.  You’ll see the river cascading down large boulders and rocks in the slot canyon – breathtaking!

The round trip from La Cueva to the tunnels and back (shown on the map) encompasses approximately 43 total miles.   The tunnels are only 21 miles from the Elk Mountain Lodge or about half way through the drive.  Here are the directions:  From our driveway, turn north on Hwy. 126.  Drive 3 miles to Forest Rd. 376 and turn left.  Proceed south for 18 miles to the tunnels.  This road is dirt but well worth the scenery!  Please drive slowly; you’ll see more beauty, you’ll keep the dust down and help to keep the road in good shape for those traveling behind you.

When you’re ready to complete the trip and return to the Lodge, continue south on FR 376/Hwy 485 for 6 miles back to NM Highway 4.  Turn left (north) back through Jemez Springs back to La Cueva and the Elk Mountain Lodge.   Plan for at least a couple hours and have a great time!

We recently had an independent, licensed Massage Therapist who lives in Rio Rancho stay with us.  Amber Pappas, a very pleasant and cordial gal, and her husband were here for a quick respite from their daily lives.  While visiting with her at breakfast, we found out that she works at the Jemez Springs Bath house on Sundays helping others find soothing relaxation from their own stressful lives as well.   What a great way to spend a weekend in the Jemez Mountains!  Have a great exhilarating Saturday exploring our beautiful area, stay the night with us, do the hot springs, then get a massage on Sunday!  If you wish to make an appointment, you may call the Jemez Springs Bath House at 575-829-3303 or toll free at 866-204-8303.

If you would be interested, Amber also mentioned that since she’s an independent LMT, she would be available for, and was open to offering her skilled hands for clients here at Elk Mountain Lodge.  You may call her direct using the information shown below or call us at 800-815-2859.

Amber Pappas, LMT # 4293  Rio Rancho, NM  505-489-9483

If you ever need a good, nay, an excellent and HOT bowl of red chili – one that burns for an hour after finishing, go to Dave’s Burgers in the Jemez (Walatowa) Pueblo…. IT IS HOT! I recently had the pleasure of sampling their red chili at the 4^th of July party on the Plaza in beautiful down town Jemez Springs.

I’m talking HOT RED CHILI.

I should have picked up on the “hint” when I ordered the dish… they advised me: “It’s really hot – are you sure you want the Fiesta red?”  I said “Sure I’m Sure!” Brave statement there…

They are a great bunch of people – friendly and caring.  After I ordered the bowl, I went into the crowd to find a seat to sit down for some delicious lunch.  One of the young women in the family came looking for me about 5 minutes later and brought me an extra bottle water – free of charge – just to make sure I could put out the fire!

If you’re a connoisseur of hot red chili, you can’t afford to not try it. Even if you’re not, they also have excellent Indian Taco and other delicious goodies! Give them a try -but beware the heat!  Here’s their contact info/address:

Daves Burgers – 505-834-0655

4926 State Hwy 4

Jemez Pueblo, NM 87024

Different times of the year require you to approach catching fish in different ways.  If you wish to spend an excellent summer’s day catching summer trout in the Jemez Mountains, try the following basic techniques for a successful trip.

Use a lightweight fishing rod and reel.  I like a 6 to 7 foot rod with 6 to 8 lb. test line.  You might think this is too heavy for our rivers and streams but I like it just in case I hook one of the nicer “lunkers” that are often hooked up here.  Thinner line is more transparent and therefore works better when the water is very clear.  A light split shot weight (be-be sized) should work well about a foot above a size 8 hook.  I always suggest you use barbless hooks so that you may release the smaller trout.  It’s just better for the fish and allows you to give them a second chance to grow bigger!

An excellent bait choice, which is common and productive would be Pautzke’s Balls O’ Fire Salmon Eggs.  I’ve been using these to fish these waters forever and am never disappointed.

Another great choice, orange Berkley Power Bait, has never failed me either.   If there are trout in the area, and if you present the bait correctly, they usually can’t resist.  These bait types are readily available from any well stocked sporting goods shop.

If there’s a stretch of river that you particularly want to fish, start at the bottom or down stream from that area and begin hike-fishing upstream.  In the summer, it’s good to wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, Shorts are nice because you don’t have to worry about long pants getting wet.  Sometimes being in the middle of the stream, ankle deep in water is better than fishing from the bank.  Trout feed looking upstream so it’s best to fish while hiking up the flow.

“Read” the water by observing calm and tranquil pools immediately after a rapids or rocky fallout.  Trout like to grab their food as it enters a slower moving pond and while it is still suspended by stream flow.  When the bait is just off the bottom and moving, they perceive the bait as ‘live’ and will aggressively strike.

Trout will also “hang” in or near eddies (a circular movement of water, causing a small whirlpool) and watch for their query to get caught in suspension so that they can quickly nab it.  You should also look for deep areas below or behind rocks where the bait will slow and remain suspended.

Cast your line into the water above such areas and let the current bring the bait down naturally.  Make sure you don’t have too much weight on the line causing the bait to sink rather than “flow”.  Remember, naturally presented food is pretty hard for a trout to resist.  If the bait is constantly getting stuck in the bottom of the river, your split shot is likely too heavy.

We would love to have the have the opportunity to give you more details about fishing our areas streams, lakes and rivers.  Talking trout is one of our favorite pastimes!   Come up for a weekend of cool temps and relaxation…  we’d love for you to visit.  Call us at 575-829-3159 or make a reservation today at elkmtnlodge.com.

Nature Tours in The Valles Caldera

The Elk Mountain Lodge is situated right on the edge of one of the most amazing attractions in the southwest US – it’s basically right here in our back yard.  The Valles Caldera’s 89,000 acres is home to a large variety of wildlife such as raptors, elk, bear, deer and many species of fish.  A trip through only a small portion of the preserve can yield volumes of photos, memories and also amazing exposure to nature’s beauty.

Sure, many people have driven past the vast open meadow that is only a small portion of the crater but most people have never really experienced the heart of this amazing place.  As a matter of fact, most people don’t even know that you can take guided van tours through the immense forested areas that are also a part of the Caldera!  If you’re one of such passer’s by, you should read on…

Beautiful natural resources of the Valles are brought to you via these tours that are offered and organized by the Preserve.  There are many different categories of tours that range from artistry to geology to wildlife!  Within each category, you can typically choose different dates and times that fit your schedule.  Further, the costs are relatively minimal for a one hour tour.  Stops along the route offer a great place to take magnificent pictures of some of the most stunning mountain areas of the entire southwest.  Experience wildlife, archeology and the history of the Caldera while someone else drives!

If you have your own horses and would rather tour by horseback you can do that too!  Applications and reservations are typically made well in advance but it’s not impossible to sign up at the staging area on a daily basis.  Rides may be booked between mid May to the first of September.  Fees, rules and schedules may be viewed on their website or by calling 866-382-5537.

The lodge is a short 13 miles southwest of the entrance to the Preserve and 8 miles north of the Caldera’s administrative offices down in Jemez Springs.  We can provide you with more information during your stay with us – just let us know that you are interested.  Things like this are a favorite discussion over breakfast so make your reservations today and start enjoying the mountain life!  Call us at 800-815-2859 or better yet visit our website:  elkmtnlodge.com

There are as many reasons to visit the natural beauty of the hot springs in the New Mexico Jemez Mountains as there are locations!  Generally made up of dissolved minerals, these waters are said to have a variety of healthful results for the body.  Depending upon whom you ask, you will get many different answers as to their therapeutic  reasons to “go soak”.  Some will swear that it eases the pain of arthritis while others claim that it purifies their bodies in a religious experience. Whatever the reason, a trip to one of the many area rejuvenating mineral hot springs can be adventurous, relaxing and fun.

Jemez Springs, New Mexico a great getaway destination, is named for its famous natural mineral hot springs, which bubble up to the surface of the earth through fissures.  The area has historically been known for underground geothermal characteristics or volcanic activity associated with the Valles Caldera.  Formerly know as the Baca Ranch, the Valles (locally pronounced “VI-ya)” is one of the known super volcanoes that exists on the planet.  Our area hot springs are proof that deep within the earth, the Valles Caldera is still active.

Depending upon your level of adventure, there is a sulfur hot spring for everyone.  Access can be as simple as parking your car and walking a few steps to a small spring or as difficult as an hour or two hike over serious terrain for a large group soaking spot/pool.  There are typically no costs involved with visiting the natural outdoor springs (except possibly parking).  However, if you prefer a secluded and private dip, you can go to the Jemez Springs Bath House to get your own concrete tub for a very modest cost.

In an effort to help you plan your own hot springs adventure, here is a breakdown of a few springs you may wish to visit.  They are listed from easiest (non-strenuous access) to more difficult (walking and hiking involved).

• Jemez Springs Bath House
• Soda Dam
• Spence Springs
• San Antonio Hot Springs
• McCauley Warm Springs

The Jemez Springs Bath House is by far the easiest way to experience a rejuvenating mineral bath.  It’s located right in the middle of town at the park.  As you enter the Jemez Springs Plaza, the Bath House will be towards the back near the Jemez River.  As you park in front of the Bath House, you will notice a large gazebo looking structure to the right of the building.  This natural spring is from the same fissure that feeds the Bath House.  Go inside the main entrance and see Talty, the manager, for information on their services!

Further up highway 4 – about 2 miles- is Soda Dam.  This structure is a unique geologic feature formed by the geo-thermal system and a very deep fault that crosses the canyon at river level. Approximately 100 feel wide this dam has forced the Jemez River to exit through a hole at the East side of the structure.  Ironically, the dam is both being built and carved away at the same time by the geothermal activity and the river erosion.  The hot springs at Soda Dam can be found in the small cave above and to the left of the river.  They are small but if you can climb up inside, you can soak your feet.  There is also a small hot spring stream that runs along the highway (opposite the river) near a large bluff on the highway.

Spence Springs is a very popular hot spring that requires a fairly strenuous hike down the canyon to the river then back up the other side to the springs. Here you’ll find a wonderful group of beautiful natural hot springs on the side of the canyon. Spence is heavily visited because it fairly easy to reach and has had a reputation as a hangout for nudists and skinny dippers. The water temperature is typically about 100 degrees F, which is very comfortable.

San Antonio Hot Springs are located 6 miles up forest road 376 (just North of the Elk Mountain Lodge).  The natural spring mineral water pours out of pipes from a hillside at over 100 degrees F. There are several rock pools flowing down the hillside with the largest pool being big enough for a large group. San Antonio Hot Springs is typically heavily visited so be patient and expect to share your experience with other “soakers”.  However, once you’re there, you won’t want to leave.  There’s plenty of beautiful scenery and it’s very relaxing!

McCauley Warm Springs can be reached via a 2-mile hike from the parking areas along Highway 4.  The Battleship Picnic Area has a $4.00 parking fee, but you can park at the upper parking lot (right off the Hwy.) for no charge.  The springs are beautiful with clear, warm water. There are 3 or 4 pools that flow down with the top pool being approximately 25 feet wide and 2 feet deep and there are a few smaller, deeper pools down stream that are a little more intimate.  Because of the beautiful area these springs are in, they can be busy even though it’s a hike to get there.

As with any trip into the Santa Fe National Forest, you should do a little bit of research on the hot springs of your choice.  A good place to start is the Jemez Ranger District. Click here for their website or call them at 575-829-3535.  Their office is located just South of Soda Dam on NM State Highway 4.   Please note:  The Forest Service lists most all of these natural hot springs for day use only between the hours of 6AM to 10PM.

Formerly know as the Baca Ranch, this 89,000-acre property is encapsulated inside a collapsed volcanic crater.   In 2000, Congress voted to adopt the property and renamed it The Valles Caldera National Preserve.   The Caldera is dotted with eruptive domes and features a large peak as a backdrop (Redondo Peak 11,254 feet).  This old ranch property is currently being developed and studied to explore a new way of managing public lands.  The Valles Caldera National Preserve has always attracted people who wish to examine a wide range of topics, such as geology, archaeology, cultural history, wildlife and botany.  Since Congress has named the property as public land, the opportunities for studying the area is growing.

The preserve is open to the public and guarantees that you’ll find your visit unlike any other you’ve had in a national park or forest.  They restrict the numbers of visitors to small activity groups so you’ll feel like you have the place all to yourself.  This means that you won’t see big crowds or have difficulty finding a parking spot.  You won’t see a shop full of touristy gifts either.  Instead, they will offer you a chance to get out and really experience a sense of natural solitude and tranquility that will leave you refreshed and relaxed.  You’ll see wildlife, beautiful vistas and learn about the preserve’s rich history and geology.  Visit the website: Valles Caldera National Preserve

Click here for their Calendar

04/02/2012

Free, self guided daily hikes are everyday from sunrise to sunset

- Valle Grande Hike, 2 miles,

• Location: Trailhead is off Highway 4 near mile marker 43

- Coyote Call Hike, 3 miles,

• Location: Trailhead is off Highway 4 near mile marker 41

No prior reservations are required for these hikes.  Only service animals are allowed to accompany owners on the trail, no pets.  To view a complete list of their hiking guidelines, click here.