Brian1
Elite Explorer
- Joined
- February 2, 2000
- Messages
- 5,387
- Reaction score
- 643
- City, State
- Albuquerque, NM
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1991 XLT
- Callsign
- KG5BAQ
Scott B. passed through Albuquerque last night on his way home from our Mojave and Death Valley trip so with a little convincing he stayed for a quick trail run this morning.
La Bajada Hill is located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque off I25 in New Mexico. It is the old route that travelers used to go up and down the big hill. Former member Jack Lobdell wrote an article on it many years ago for 4WD&SU Magazine where I first gained interest in this trail.
Near the start of the trail and a great viewpoint
This trail makes a loop about halfway up the mesa. I had never done the right side before so we turned right and kept going. The right side is much rockier than the other half of the loop and it offered some great views.
Sun glare but this is almost to the top
The top
Scott coming across the top of the mesa
First switchback going down. You can see where the road builders built up the walls to make the road suitable for passenger cars to travel many, many years ago. Now the road is a 4WD trail only. Cochiti Lake is in the background.
Scott coming down
Scott coming through an off-camber tippy spot. It felt worse going out than going in.
Some petroglyphs along the side of the trail
And finally back to the old bridge and the small village/ghost town of La Bajada
For past discussion and runs of this trail look at this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18677
La Bajada Hill is located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque off I25 in New Mexico. It is the old route that travelers used to go up and down the big hill. Former member Jack Lobdell wrote an article on it many years ago for 4WD&SU Magazine where I first gained interest in this trail.
Near the start of the trail and a great viewpoint
This trail makes a loop about halfway up the mesa. I had never done the right side before so we turned right and kept going. The right side is much rockier than the other half of the loop and it offered some great views.
Sun glare but this is almost to the top
The top
Scott coming across the top of the mesa
First switchback going down. You can see where the road builders built up the walls to make the road suitable for passenger cars to travel many, many years ago. Now the road is a 4WD trail only. Cochiti Lake is in the background.
Scott coming down
Scott coming through an off-camber tippy spot. It felt worse going out than going in.
Some petroglyphs along the side of the trail
And finally back to the old bridge and the small village/ghost town of La Bajada
For past discussion and runs of this trail look at this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18677
