Photo: Tina
Hike Leader: Randi Oriani
Hike Date: January 22, 2022
Hike Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 ft.
The Bosque Del Apache Wilderness is one large wilderness with three separate units. For this challenge we are trying to visit all three units. The Indian Wells unit lies in the southwest corner of the wilderness just off of Highway 1. Our invaluable leader Randi Oriani led this hike, exploring this unique and seldom visited corner of the Chihuahuan desert. Thank you Randi for leading this hike! Only Chupadera remains!
Photo: Randi
I had the pleasure to lead a trip to the Indian Wells Wilderness Area which is located south of the Bosque del Apache. This wilderness is named for the rock basins which lay hidden is the sandstone which collect and store water in this arid region. We went with the intention of finding them, but instead our wanderings took us to other surprises. This wilderness is only 5100 acres in size and has only one short maintained trail. But the canyons off this trail kept us busy for hours.
Photo: Randi
Photo: Tina
Our party of eight began on the Canyon National Recreation trail from county road one. Mostly a sandy white arroyo with Sandstone terracing on either side. Typical high desert plants of mesquite, dried California Aster bunches, Winter fat and sage adorned the landscape. I was quite impressed with the height of an unidentified tall copper colored grass.
Photo: Jo Ann
Under a dappled sky we discovered scoured Sandstone pour-offs, bee honeycomb and the holes of a rock driller bee in the sandstone. The highpoint of the Wilderness area at 4808 feet required just a bit of off trail hiking. From a distance we could see possibilities for another adventure. An arch in the distance, and so many more miles still to be traversed. We returned via a series of old roads, some quite steep, amazing to think vehicles once used them. Once over the hills the views were toward the Rio Grande Basin. Such arid land, but then the mighty river comes into view. This would be our next stop to see the cranes and snow geese return to the waters for the evening.
Thanks to all the participants who never minded the endless stops to look at the local flora and help identify them.
Photo: Tina
Photo: Lois