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2 triplogs
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Jul 22 2012
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 Guides 1
 Routes 136
 Photos 22,415
 Triplogs 1,041

77 male
 Joined Feb 28 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Ojo Caliente (Warm Springs), NM 
Ojo Caliente (Warm Springs), NM
 
Hiking avatar Jul 22 2012
rwstorm • Triplogs 1,041
Hiking
Hiking
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Monticello Box - GET #27
Partners none no partners
After camping at Datil Well, I backtracked east on US60 to the VLA, then headed south on NM52. Followed this road for many miles past Dusty to the turnoff to Monticello Box (FR140). This road basically follows Alamosa Creek for about 17 miles all the way to the town of Monticello. By staying on the primitive road in the creek bed, you will soon encounter boggy areas with water. This is part of the complex of seeps and springs known as Ojo Caliente or Warm Springs. The main spring flow enters Alamosa Creek from the north just before it drops into the narrows of Monticello Box. By following the flow uphill in Spring Canyon for about 1/4 mile you will arrive at the main emergence point. There is lush vegetation along the way and the overgrowth hides the spot. Just past this point, Spring Canyon is again dry, except during rains. There are some nice pools built up here for those that might want to soak in the water.

My goal on this part of my trip was to locate the crumbling walls of the old 1870's Ojo Caliente Military Post and hike to the springs, before driving down through the Box to Monticello. I was successful on all counts and had a wonderful day exploring! :D

What is left of the old army post is on a terrace on the south side of Alamosa Creek, directly across from the springs. For a time this post was also the location of the Warm Springs Apache Reservation, which was abandoned by 1882.

It was fun walking in the warm water to and from the springs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc_sP9mO5hY

http://southernnewmexico.com/Articles/S ... iente.html

This is a wonderful area. Much of it is on private property, so hopefully everyone who goes there will treat it with respect.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Pond Damselfly
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Alamosa Creek  Monticello Box  Ojo Caliente
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Ojo Caliente Gallon + per minute Gallon + per minute
There is a huge amount of water constantly flowing from the earth here and emptying into Alamosa Creek as it flows into Monticello Box. It is not a hot spring, but warm, with water temperatures probably in the 80 degree range.
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Jul 22 2012
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 Guides 1
 Routes 136
 Photos 22,415
 Triplogs 1,041

77 male
 Joined Feb 28 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Monticello Box, NM 
Monticello Box, NM
 
4x4 Trip avatar Jul 22 2012
rwstorm • Triplogs 1,041
4x4 Trip
4x4 Trip
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Monticello Box - GET #27
Partners none no partners
The last part of my fun three days in New Mexico before heading back to Tucson was to drive through the Monticello Box. This is about a 17 mile run in and out of Alamosa Creek along FR140 from NM52 on the northwest to the town of Monticello on the southeast. It is a pretty easy drive that basically requires high clearance, but four wheel drive is definitely recommended, as there is plenty of driving in water and sandy areas. This would not be the place to be during heavy rains or elevated stream flow however.

I drove it eastbound (downstream), but I would highly recommend going the other direction, saving the best (the narrows and Ojo Caliente) for last. There are a number of ranches along the drive, as this is mostly through private property. The scenery is enjoyable along the entire riparian corridor. I saw two blue herons along the drive, which is to be expected.

It was a fun day indeed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r49IJqnRyFg&feature=plcp

At Monticello I reached the junction with FR139 that I drove up to Springtime Campground on Friday, thus completing my big loop drive.

It is about 33 miles from Monticello to Winston, where there is a store and gas station. I didn't see any place to buy gas in Monticello, so you would need to fill up in Truth or Consequences if attempting this trip.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Golden Crownbeard  Rocky Mountain Beeplant  Rose globemallow
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Great Blue Heron
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Truck Remains/Wreckage
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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