The Zunis are an underrated off-road and overland friendly mountain range that measures roughly 60 miles long and 40 miles wide, covering an approximate footprint of around 2,400 square miles (1,536,000 acres). To COMPARE with other popular NM4W adventure sites, JEMEZ measures roughly 2,100 square miles (1,344,000 acres).
The small but mighty group gathered at an established campground in the Zunis - the GOAL was to encourage those new to camping to give it a shot (as a vault toilet was available on site). Fire restrictions were in place the upcoming week, but the rains finally arrived. Park service revoked fire restrictions. Mud puddles abound. The days were hot, and cool nights were encountered with scattered rain. The group was prepared!
Saltire Mesa was the main focus of the adventure. In standard fashion for low trafficked areas of NM, the maps were terribly inaccurate (reality vs named trail mismatch - common for this area of NM regardless of official maps from Mt Taylor Ranger District [they are aware] vs the popular apps) but the adventure carried on.
Dead fall from past forest fires led to Working Women with hand tools + Winches to clear the trail.
What did we see? Herds of magnificent wild horses, deer, turkeys, a very scary RECENTLY abandoned vehicle (I hope they are okay), red rock layers with puddles of enchanting vehicle offerings, stupidly green valleys juxtapositioned with otherworldly views of burn scars in rough quartz and limestone hillsides, and the distant Bluewater Lake.
Come join us next time around!
