New National Monument. First visit. Rio Grande Del Norte

[Bob W]

The Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument was created in 2013 and includes nearly 250,000 acres of sagebrush plains, volcanic peaks, miles of the Rio Grande Gorge, and important historic and prehistoric archaeological sites. The monument stretches from near Taos to the Colorado state line, and from the Rio Grande River west to highway

There are no printed handouts, no National Monument signs, no visitor centers, no paved roads or parking lots.
This is the only thing close to an official map that I've seen:
http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/media...elNorteNationalMonument_11x17_08052014pdf.pdf

A major part of the Monument’s acreage lies west of the Río Grande. Here, seclusion is easy to find, with access only on rough dirt tracks or gravel roads. This is where you are most likely to see the vast herds of elk that bring hunters to the region. The many volcanic cones also provide an opportunity for peak climbing with nine peaks over 8,000 feet.

Ute Mountain, within the boundary, is over 10,000' elevation.

I visited there yesterday, but unfortunately my real camera had no batteries charged so I had to resort to the P&S to at least give you guys a hint at the expanse and beauty of this area. I am definitely going back, with a 'real' camera and extra batteries.

Call me Lassiter.

 

[Danketch]

That's beautiful country out there! The second pic almost looks like the white sand beaches in the Carolinas, excepting the mountains in the background. Thanks for sharing.

 

[jacksterp]

Gorgeous man.

Looks like the timber had to be carted in.

More pics when you get the chance, please.

 

[Bob W]

The white sand in the first two pictures is actually at an old mine. I have no idea what they were mining, but the Questa molybdenum mine is visible off in the distance to the east.
Furthermore, looking at online maps, it appears the old mine site is a private in-holding within the monument boundary. It wasn't marked as such on the ground.

More pics when you get the chance, please.

Absolutely. I'm planning a re-visit for later in the fall.