{"id":34897,"date":"2021-10-19T08:10:08","date_gmt":"2021-10-19T14:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=34897"},"modified":"2022-11-25T15:45:55","modified_gmt":"2022-11-25T22:45:55","slug":"chicoma-mountain-polvadera-peak-jemez-mountains-new-mexico-5-21-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=34897","title":{"rendered":"Chicoma Mountain & Polvadera Peak, Jemez Mountains, New Mexico (5-21-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 2 of Day 13 & Day 14 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to New Mexico!<\/em><\/p>\n

5-20-21, 5:13 PM<\/em> – Heading NW out of Espanola SPHP missed the turn off Hwy 84\/285 to the Jemez Mountains.\u00a0 This mistake had been corrected, though, and the American Dingo now stood in the middle of USFS Road No. 144 – a wide gravel road as flat as a pancake, straight as an arrow.\u00a0 Miles away loomed two massive peaks.<\/p>\n

Which one is Chicoma Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,561 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not entirely sure, Looper.\u00a0 Might be either one, or maybe neither, but if I had to guess, the one straight ahead seems most likely.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Chicoma Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from USFS Road No. 144. Santa Clara Indian Reservation High Point<\/strong><\/a><\/span> (10,761 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the end of the long straightaway, No. 144 began climbing steadily as it curved NW.\u00a0 Next came a shorter straight stretch NNE that led up to the steep S face of Clara Peak<\/span><\/a> (8,549 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Turning W again, the drive was spectacular, featuring tremendous exposure.\u00a0 No. 144 narrowed and grew rocky as it wound along the mountainside, ramping ever higher.<\/p>\n

SPHP was thankful there was no traffic at all.\u00a0 No. 144 finally curved N and flattened out W of Los Cerros (8,434 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 SPHP parked the RAV4 at a wide spot.\u00a0 Time for another look!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Santa Clara Indian Reservation HP<\/strong> (L), Chicoma Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), and Polvadera Peak<\/strong> (R) from W of Los Cerros<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once underway again, No. 144 lost 200 feet of elevation, then leveled out for a bit before resuming its long climb.\u00a0 The road kept deteriorating.\u00a0 Fewer and fewer smooth sections, more and more rough stretches.\u00a0 No exposure here, though, making the drive less nerve-wracking.\u00a0 After passing through mostly open territory, No. 144 entered a dense forest.\u00a0 No signage except for occasional mile markers.\u00a0 The RAV4 crept higher mile after mile.<\/p>\n

Are we there yet, SPHP?\u00a0 How far is it to Chicoma Mountain, anyway?<\/em><\/p>\n

About mile marker 28 or 29, I think.\u00a0 Might be tricky to recognize the right spot.\u00a0 We’ll need to be watching for Trail No. 276 on the L if we ever get to the top of this endless climb.<\/em><\/p>\n

The RAV4 finally reached a pass.\u00a0 No. 144 angled WNW starting down the other side.\u00a0 Only 100-200 feet from the top MP28 appeared.\u00a0 Just beyond it USFS Road No. 144.D1 took off to the N (R).\u00a0 SPHP drove a little farther before turning around and parking.<\/p>\n

Think we’re close, Loop.\u00a0 Come on!\u00a0 Let’s see if we can find Trail No. 276!<\/em><\/p>\n

After being cooped up in the RAV4 all afternoon, Lupe was eager to get out and sniff.\u00a0 Finding a narrow break in the trees, the Carolina Dog roamed WSW up a hill.\u00a0 If the RAV4 was parked where SPHP thought it was, this hill was Peak<\/span> 11,110<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Lupe sniffed like a Dingo possessed!\u00a0 A little way into the forest she came to a grassy lane with a wand marked 144.X1.\u00a0 The barely recognizable abandoned road soon petered out.\u00a0 Loop went all the way to the top of Peak 11110.\u00a0 No sign of Trail No. 276, but a couple of miles off to the SE was a glimpse of an even higher hill.\u00a0 Chicoma Mountain?\u00a0 Probably.<\/p>\n

But where was Trail No. 276?\u00a0 It was supposed to go all the way to the top of Chicoma Mountain from somewhere around here.\u00a0 The sun was getting low, but enough daylight remained to do a little more scouting.\u00a0 Returning to the RAV4, SPHP drove back over the pass.\u00a0 After 0.33 mile, a side road appeared heading W into the forest.<\/p>\n

SPHP parked the RAV4 again.\u00a0 Lupe leapt out.\u00a0 Less than 100 feet in on the side road a badly leaning wand marked 114.U stood at a curve.<\/p>\n

No. 144.U was muddy.\u00a0 It went S to an enormous flat saddle between HP11021<\/span><\/strong> and Chicoma Mountain.\u00a0 The saddle region was only partially forested.\u00a0 Exploring SW across the saddle, Loop found old stone campfire rings and human trash in the meadows.\u00a0 Way over toward the SW end, a distinct, but unsigned trail headed SE into the forest.<\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Good job, Loopster!\u00a0 This must be Trail No. 276!<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s check it out, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

After going through the forest a little way, the trail left the trees.\u00a0 Just ahead it traversed a large steep grassy slope.\u00a0 To the W was a big view of Santa Clara Canyon, but something was wrong.\u00a0 Up to this point the trail had been pretty level.\u00a0 Ahead it sloped gradually downhill.<\/p>\n

Huh?\u00a0 I don’t get it.<\/em><\/p>\n

What’s wrong, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

How can this be Trail No. 276, Loop?\u00a0 We should be going up!\u00a0 Sure doesn’t look like this trail is ever going to get to the top of Chicoma Mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you convinced we’re in the right area, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Almost 100%.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, at least that’s something.\u00a0 Getting dark.\u00a0 Maybe we better go back to the RAV4?\u00a0 We can figure out what to do in the morning.<\/em><\/p>\n

5-21-21, 6:29 AM, 43\u00baF, USFS Road No. 144 near 144.U –<\/em><\/p>\n

Daylight in the swamps, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Ugh!\u00a0 Already?\u00a0 So it is, sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

Chicoma Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,561 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> or bust, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh, won’t be that bad!\u00a0 Hang on, I’ll be right with you, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

Any bright ideas this morning, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, sort of.\u00a0 Since we weren’t able to find Trail No. 276, there’s really only a couple of options that make much sense.\u00a0 Either way, we take No. 144.U back to the saddle NW of Chicoma.\u00a0 Option No. 1 is to stick with No. 144.U, which the topo map<\/a><\/span><\/strong> shows turning E continuing partway up the mountain before dead-ending.\u00a0 Then it’s a bushwhack S to the summit.<\/em><\/p>\n

And option No. 2?<\/em><\/p>\n

Simply abandon the road at the saddle and bushwhack up from the NW.\u00a0 Might still run into Trail No. 276, or whatever’s left of it, somewhere along the way.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the leaning wand near the start of USFS Road No. 144.U. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at the saddle NW of Chicoma Mountain<\/strong> (SE of HP11021<\/span><\/strong>). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since Lupe showed no great preference between the available options, SPHP chose to stick with No. 144.U as far up the mountain as possible.\u00a0 However, an unexpected fork appeared before Loop reached the end of No. 144.U.<\/p>\n

Which way, SPHP?\u00a0 Up?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Past the saddle, heading E on USFS Road No. 144.U. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the unexpected fork. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This unmarked fork wasn’t shown on the map.\u00a0 No. 144.U went straight from here, but had just about leveled out.\u00a0 At least the side road to the R was gaining elevation.<\/p>\n

Yeah, stick to the R, Loopster!\u00a0 Might as well take the side road higher.\u00a0 Pretty sure they keep the summit at the top of this mountain!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading SE, or maybe S, the side road wound farther up the mountain.\u00a0 Soon it began to play out, more or less as anticipated.\u00a0 The route finally vanished completely on a slope in open forest where a fair amount of deadfall was present.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the end of the side road. Photo looks SSE?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaping over deadfall as she came to it, Lupe continued higher.\u00a0 The slope wasn’t all that steep, and soon just about flattened out completely.\u00a0 This flat region was more densely forested, contained 3 foot high snow drifts and even more deadfall, and proved to be surprisingly large.\u00a0 Still, Lupe didn’t have much trouble weaving through it all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the flat region.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Glimpses of another, steeper slope eventually appeared ahead.\u00a0 The first part of this slope was all thickly forested, too, but Lupe hadn’t climbed too much higher when a large grassy meadow appeared.\u00a0 Not that far from the top of the mountain now!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the top! Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loopster came up near the NE end of a summit region 500 feet long and 50 to 100 feet wide.\u00a0 This whole area was quite flat.\u00a0 Most of it was open terrain covered with pebbles and short grass.\u00a0 Spruce trees, bordered by snow drifts in some places, ringed nearly the entire perimeter, choking off the views except toward the NE.<\/p>\n

A massive cairn of much larger rocks topped by a tall wooden pole was visible 2\/3 of the way toward the SW end.\u00a0 Lupe ventured over and scrambled up to claim her Chicoma Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,561 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> peakbagging success!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Chicoma Mountain summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the massive cairn. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another Carolina Dog peakbagging success!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> showed a “Langley” survey benchmark.\u00a0 This was easily found near the cairn, but lacked the expected Langley stamp.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Survey BM found near the summit cairn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After visiting the cairn and survey benchmark, Lupe began exploring the rest of the summit region.\u00a0 At the far SW end, she came to an odd spot where 5 paths outlined in rock radiated out from a single point.\u00a0 Maybe one of these paths was Trail No. 276?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the convergence of the 5 mysterious paths. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A quick sniff along each path revealed that they all simply vanished among the trees a few tens of feet from the point of origin.\u00a0 Strange!<\/p>\n

Looper wandered back past the cairn to the opposite end of the summit region.\u00a0 After enjoying the views, SPHP encouraged the American Dingo to return to the 5 odd paths.\u00a0 Had anything been missed there?<\/p>\n

A more extensive check revealed only tree-broken glimpses of distant unknown peaks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the NE end of the summit region. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A distant view from back at the SW end of the summit region. Photo looks ?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking (?) with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

40 minutes after arriving, Lupe returned briefly to Chicoma Mountain’s huge summit cairn.\u00a0 A final photo and she was off to where the views were best, not on top of the mountain, but 30 or 40 feet lower, just below the trees overlooking the long grassy N slope she had come up.\u00a0 Here there were sweeping panoramas of many mountains.<\/p>\n

Only one was familiar to SPHP – Polvadera Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,232 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Lupe’s next destination.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments atop Chicoma Mountain<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Polvadera Peak<\/strong> (R) from Chicoma Mountain. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP still hadn’t entirely given up on finding Trail No. 276.\u00a0 Rather than descend by the exact same route, Option 2 was the plan.\u00a0 Lupe headed NW down the long grassy slope aiming straight for the saddle leading to HP11021<\/span><\/strong>, precisely the route Trail No. 276 took on the map.<\/p>\n

The views were splendid out on the open slope all the way down to the forest.\u00a0 However, Loop eventually arrived at the saddle without having seen any sign of Trail No. 276.\u00a0 It simply didn’t exist in recognizable form anymore.\u00a0 Picking up USFS Road No. 144.U again, a leisurely pace was taken back to the RAV4 while SPHP gathered numerous Lupe treasures humans had carelessly discarded along the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down the grassy slope. Santa Clara Canyon<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster, still high on Chicoma Mountain’s upper NW slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Redondo Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,254 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5-21-21, 9:58 AM, 50\u00baF –<\/em> Even at SPHP’s pace Chicoma Mountain hadn’t taken all that long.\u00a0 Still early.\u00a0 As soon as SPHP parked the RAV4 after the short drive up to USFS Road No. 144’s high point, Lupe bounded out rarin’ to go again.\u00a0 Trotting NW, she quickly reached the junction with No. 144.D1.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of USFS Road No. 144.D1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Polvadera Peak was a little under 2.75 miles due N of this junction.\u00a0 No. 144.D1 would take Lupe only the first mile, but Trail No. 108 would then get her another mile closer, leaving only 0.75 mile of bushwhacking up Polvadera’s S ridge.\u00a0 Shouldn’t to be too hard!\u00a0 Assuming that is, that there actually was a Trail No. 108.<\/p>\n

The trek on No. 144.D1 was super easy, a pretty straight shot gradually downhill or on the level with only minor course corrections the entire way.\u00a0 The road started out in the forest, eventually passing through sunny meadows before entering another stretch of forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing one of the bigger meadows along No. 144.D1. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back in the forest. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In practically no time at all, Lupe reached the saddle S of HP10899<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 So far, so good, but it didn’t take long to realize that there was trouble.\u00a0 No. 144.D1 ought to have curved away to the SW here, but just seemed to end.\u00a0 More importantly, Trail No. 108 was supposed to continue N and traverse the E flank of HP10899<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 No sign of it.\u00a0 Of course.<\/p>\n

Directly ahead was a meadow liberally endowed with assorted light gray boulders.\u00a0 Entering the meadow, Lupe went under a rickety barbed wire fence.\u00a0 Scouting around a bit ended in disappointment.\u00a0 Lovely area, but no sign of Trail No. 108.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the bouldery meadow at the saddle S of HP10899<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Huh.\u00a0 Couldn’t be that easy, could it, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

So we just go to where the trail is supposed to be and bushwhack it.\u00a0 Right, SPHP?\u00a0 We’ll get there!\u00a0 We got to Chicoma Mountain easily enough!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I don’t know, Looper.\u00a0 Nearly 2 miles to the top of Polvadera Peak from here, 4 times the bushwhacking we did at Chicoma.\u00a0 Maybe we should climb HP10899<\/span><\/strong> and see what things look like from up there?\u00a0 Might be able to catch a glimpse of Polvadera Peak to keep us properly oriented.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving the meadow behind, Lupe continued N.\u00a0 The trek up HP10899<\/span><\/strong> wasn’t a big deal, only 130 feet of gradual elevation gain, but through thick forest.\u00a0 The top of the mountain was a big flat region.\u00a0 Looper did come to what appeared to be a marginally higher “summit”, a little pile of dirt only 1 or 2 feet tall.\u00a0 Completely surrounded by trees, everything looked the same in all directions.\u00a0 Absolutely no views at all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At HP10899’s<\/span> “summit”<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This worked well, didn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, hush, sarcastic Dingo of mine!\u00a0 Let’s keep going.\u00a0 We’ll come to an opening somewhere along the line.<\/em><\/p>\n

Shouldn’t we go back?\u00a0 At least bushwhack where the trail is supposed to be?\u00a0 Might find it!<\/em><\/p>\n

You and I both know there is no trail.\u00a0 Not any more.\u00a0 This map is ancient!\u00a0 Waste of time and effort!<\/em><\/p>\n

This time Lupe followed as SPHP led the way N.\u00a0 The flat region came to an end.\u00a0 No views yet.\u00a0 SPHP started down a slope that soon became steeper than the trek up the S slope had been.\u00a0 Lupe lost what seemed like a fair amount of elevation.\u00a0 Still nada.<\/p>\n

Would you stop pawing the back of my leg, please?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure, if you’ll stop and listen for a moment, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

OK.\u00a0 Whatever!\u00a0 What do you want to say, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Are we going the right way?<\/em><\/p>\n

Best as I can determine.<\/em><\/p>\n

How are you navigating?<\/em><\/p>\n

Using the shadows the trees cast on the ground.<\/em><\/p>\n

It was cloudy at Chicoma Mountain only a little while ago.\u00a0 What happens if the sun disappears again?\u00a0 These mountains aren’t rugged, but they’re big.\u00a0 Hardly any roads.\u00a0 Without any landmarks in this forest, well …<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, what?\u00a0 You’ll sniff our way back if I get turned around.\u00a0 We haven’t gone that far yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

What if it rains and washes the scent away?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, come on, worrywart Dingo!\u00a0 We’re in New Mexico – practically the whole state is desert.<\/em><\/p>\n

So it never rains?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sheesh!\u00a0 Of course, it does.\u00a0 But hardly ever.\u00a0 What’s gotten into you, anyway?<\/em><\/p>\n

Just a feeling, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing changed.\u00a0 Continuing lower, the vast, featureless slope went on and on.\u00a0 Trees, trees, and more trees.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching a flatter, sunnier spot, SPHP paused.\u00a0 The forest wasn’t nearly so thick here, yet still no views.\u00a0 No definitive clues on the map, either.\u00a0 The saddle S of Polvadera Peak that Lupe was seeking was a big one, but far enough away so that it wouldn’t take much of a mistake in direction to miss it.\u00a0 Hmm.<\/p>\n

Alright, you win, Loopster!\u00a0 Seems ridiculous.\u00a0 This ought to be easy, just march right on down to the next saddle, but you’ve got me spooked now.\u00a0 Let’s go back.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the turnaround point before heading back up to HP10899<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wasn’t as far back up to the top of HP10899<\/span><\/strong> as SPHP had imagined.\u00a0 A mere 150 feet of elevation?\u00a0 Would have guessed twice that at least!\u00a0 Lupe managed to go right back to the same little pile of dirt at the “true summit”.<\/p>\n

Stay farther E than we were before as we head S from here, Looper.\u00a0 Best chance of finding the trail, if there actually is one.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP was totally demoralized by the time the American Dingo reached the boulder-strewn meadow again.\u00a0 Polvadera Peak should have been cake!\u00a0 Not going to find any trail.\u00a0 Chickening out and turning back had only ensured defeat.<\/p>\n

Lupe wandered farther E through the meadow.\u00a0 Finding no indication of fictitious Trail No. 108, she turned SW to return to USFS Road No. 144.D1.<\/p>\n

Guess this is it, aye, Loop?\u00a0 Too bad.\u00a0 Thought Polvadera Peak would be a fun one.<\/em><\/p>\n

After sneaking back under the rickety fence, Lupe came to a road in the forest again, but nothing looked familiar.\u00a0 Going a little way W didn’t help the situation, so she ventured back to the E.\u00a0 To SPHP’s surprise, Looper came to an open gate in the rickety fence.\u00a0 Partially covered by snow, what looked like a faint ATV trail passed through the opening.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the open gate. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here we go, SPHP!\u00a0 Let’s check this out!<\/em><\/p>\n

Near the E end of the meadow, the ATV track wound its way N among a few scattered young pines, but soon faded away.\u00a0 Shucks!\u00a0 Disappointed again!\u00a0 Going a little farther though, a couple of large cut logs were seen ahead right along the edge of the forest.\u00a0 No path went toward them, but maybe a long shot worth investigating?\u00a0 Last chance, in any case.<\/p>\n

So, what do you think, SPHP?\u00a0 This is it, isn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re right, Loop!\u00a0 This must be Trail No. 108, or whatever’s left of it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading NNE into the forest, a distinct path went right past the cut logs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S end of Trail No. 108. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trail No. 108 went almost due N varying its course very little.\u00a0 It started out fairly level, but Lupe was soon steadily losing elevation.\u00a0 Many cut logs were along the route, yet maintenance had apparently ended years ago.\u00a0 None of the cuts looked recent.\u00a0 Loop encountered deadfall with some degree of regularity, but it wasn’t too bad.\u00a0 Short use paths often existed around it.<\/p>\n

Trail No. 108 looked so seldom traveled that it seemed quite possible it would soon vanish completely.\u00a0 However, confidence grew as it went on and on.\u00a0 The downhill trek was easy.\u00a0 The entire route was forested, with a pleasing sense of remote seclusion.\u00a0 The American Dingo made rapid progress.\u00a0 Eventually there were glimpses of Polvadera Peak ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Trail No. 108 in the remote, secluded forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glimpse of Polvadera Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trail No. 108 finally did vanish, but not until it reached a meadow near Pass 10419<\/span><\/strong>, the saddle directly S of Polvadera Peak.\u00a0 A cool breeze was blowing out of the W, and it was sprinkling rain when Lupe arrived.\u00a0 At the edge of the meadow a big rock stood near several spruce trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the N end of Trail No. 108 near Pass 10419<\/span><\/strong>. Polvadera Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hold on, Loop!\u00a0 Let’s shelter under these trees, while I check the map.<\/em><\/p>\n

What!\u00a0 Shelter?\u00a0 From the rain you mean?\u00a0 Here in the desert, SPHP, where you can just stumble through the mountains navigating by the shadows cast by trees basking in eternal sunshine?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, smart-alecky Dingo!\u00a0 That’s precisely what I mean.<\/em><\/p>\n

Trail No. 108 had ended a bit W of Pass 10419<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 As soon as the rain quit, Lupe went out into the meadow to look for it.\u00a0 The meadow extended clear up to the pass where she discovered another trail.\u00a0 This proved to be a section of the Rechuelos Trail.\u00a0 It went through a stretch of forest to another smaller meadow just E of the pass.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, SPHP had been keeping an eye toward the N looking for some sort of use trail going up Polvadera Peak’s S ridge, but hadn’t seen anything other than thick forest full of deadfall.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Pass 10419<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking N into the dense forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just going to have to choose a spot, SPHP!\u00a0 Where do you want to start?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Guess you’re right, Loopster.\u00a0 The forest wasn’t quite as thick on the W side of the pass, was it?\u00a0 Let’s head back over that way again.<\/em><\/p>\n

W of Pass 10419<\/span><\/strong>, the situation didn’t really seem much better.\u00a0 Heading N, the Carolina Dog plunged into the forest.\u00a0 Mighty slow going at first, but the ground began sloping higher almost immediately.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up Polvadera Peak. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fortunately, the deadfall situation soon improved.\u00a0 Didn’t take long to reach a distinctive large shark fin-shaped rock in a more open area.\u00a0 Looked like there was a meadow just a little farther up the slope, too!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Shark Fin Rock<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A short climb brought Lupe to the lower edge of a steep meadow where big tufts of yellow grass nestled amid the branchless gray trunks of old blowdown.\u00a0 Higher up, the grass was greener near the edge of another forest above the meadow.<\/p>\n

SPHP paused often during the climb to gasp for air.\u00a0 Chicoma Mountain, where Lupe had been only a few hours ago, was in sight off to the SSE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the steep meadow above Shark Fin Rock<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the upper end of the meadow. Chicoma Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing N after reaching the trees above the meadow, the slope of the terrain diminished considerably.\u00a0 This region was full of rocks and small diameter deadfall.\u00a0 Despite these obstacles, progress was good.\u00a0 Loopster eventually came to a big grassy meadow on the W side of the mountain.\u00a0 This meadow was steeper terrain again, but easier than hopping rocks and deadfall, so Lupe climbed through it never straying far from the edge of the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the lichen-covered rocks and deadfall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Entering the meadow on the W side of Polvadera Peak’s S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Redondo Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,254 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Chicoma Mountain<\/strong> (L), Peak 11110<\/strong> (R), HP10899<\/span><\/strong> (foreground R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Above this upper W side meadow was more forest full of lichen-covered rocks.\u00a0 Steeper than the first such area, it featured less deadfall than the earlier one.\u00a0 The terrain soon began to level out.<\/p>\n

5-21-21, 2:22 PM, Polvadera Peak –<\/em> Once again, the Carolina Dog emerged from the forest.\u00a0 A small meadow filled the central and E portions of the flat region ahead.\u00a0 To the N, near the far end, stood a slender 5 foot tall cairn.\u00a0 This was it!\u00a0 The summit of Polvadera Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,232 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/p>\n

Muchos felicidades, Loopster!\u00a0 You made it!\u00a0 Polvadera Peak!<\/em><\/p>\n

Didn’t think we were going to, did you, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah, no!\u00a0 Not for a while there when we couldn’t find Trail No. 108!\u00a0 Thought we were sunk.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, here we are!\u00a0 How about going over to the cairn and taking a break?\u00a0 I’m tired!\u00a0 Got anything to eat in that pack?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, of course!<\/em><\/p>\n

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Top of Polvadera Peak<\/strong>! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the summit cairn. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The weather was deteriorating.\u00a0 Windy, cold, and gray.\u00a0 Lupe laid down by a spruce tree a few feet W of the cairn.\u00a0 Fetching a jar partially hidden among the rocks at the base of the cairn, SPHP sat down next to her.\u00a0 Loopster crunched some Taste of the Wild, then tried to doze while SPHP examined the jar’s contents.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Not much.\u00a0 A pencil, a pen, and a sopping wet registry signed by Dave Langlois on 5-15-21, just 6 days ago.\u00a0 The rest of the registry was so wet that SPHP was afraid to turn the pages, fearing they would simply disintegrate.<\/p>\n

Using a Kleenex, SPHP dried the jar’s interior.\u00a0 Placing the registry in a plastic bag, SPHP put it back in the jar.\u00a0 The pencil, pen, and a single dry piece of paper with Lupe’s name on it completed the collection, which was then returned to its hiding place in the cairn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Taking it easy on Polvadera Peak<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The registry jar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Contents.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The registry wasn’t the cairn’s only item of interest.\u00a0 Two fancy stones were hidden in a cleft near the top.\u00a0 One was a small square block of white crystal.\u00a0 SPHP couldn’t get it out without damaging the cairn, and thus never really got a good look at the other stone stashed beneath it.\u00a0 What could be seen looked pointed like a big tooth, pink at one end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The white crystal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s summit hour was not what had been hoped for or expected only a short while ago.\u00a0 Like Chicoma Mountain, Polvadera Peak was another case where a ring of trees blocked the views in most directions.\u00a0 Even so, there were only a few trees along the E edge where there should have been a grand panorama, but the weather kept getting worse and worse.\u00a0 Every now and then Loop accompanied SPHP over to the E edge take a peek, but there was never anything to see.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking SE. Too foggy to see whatever was out there!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most of the time Lupe simply sat with SPHP in the shelter of the spruce tree W of the cairn.\u00a0 More than 50 minutes after arriving, conditions were getting just plain miserable.\u00a0 A cold rain was falling as the wind roared out of the W.\u00a0 Snowflakes had been seen.<\/p>\n

Come on, Loop!\u00a0 Let’s get out of here!<\/em><\/p>\n

Puppy ho! time, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah!\u00a0 We’ve evidently overstayed our welcome!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Last moments on Polvadera Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe left Polvadera Peak heading S through the forest, and soon reached the big open meadow on the W slope.\u00a0 Totally exposed to the fierce wind and frigid rain, the descent was no picnic, but this was the fastest, easiest way down.<\/p>\n

In order to keep heading S, the American Dingo eventually had to enter the forest again.\u00a0 By then conditions were improving.\u00a0 Lupe discovered a use trail that brought her down to the meadow W of Pass 10419<\/span><\/strong> directly across from the rock by the spruce trees at the N end of Trail No. 108.<\/p>\n

The rest of the return was pleasant and uneventful.\u00a0 Near the end, SPHP began gathering Lupe treasures along USFS Road No. 144.D1.<\/p>\n

Back at the RAV4, Lupe had a big meal, after which she promptly conked out on her pink blanket.\u00a0 The storm had passed, though, so SPHP invited her out for an evening sniff.\u00a0 Preferring the comfort of the RAV4, the Carolina Dog politely declined, returning to Dingo dreamland.<\/p>\n

Long glowing beams of sunlight filtered through the trees.\u00a0\u00a0Alone in a chilly W breeze, SPHP continued gathering up Lupe treasures near the RAV4 until the sun collided with western ridges and sank from view.\u00a0 Chicoma Mountain and Polvadera Peak!\u00a0 What a day it had been!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Polvadera Peak<\/strong>, Jemez Mountains, New Mexico 5-21-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2021<\/span> Dingo Vacations to New Mexico, Wyoming & the West Coast Adventure Inde<\/strong><\/span>x<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Part 2 of Day 13 & Day 14 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to New Mexico! 5-20-21, 5:13 PM – Heading NW out of Espanola SPHP missed the turn off Hwy 84\/285 to the Jemez Mountains.\u00a0 This mistake had been corrected, though, and the American Dingo now stood in the middle of … Continue reading Chicoma Mountain & Polvadera Peak, Jemez Mountains, New Mexico (5-21-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34860,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1416],"tags":[105,106,1453,26,1452,104,1429,1455,1454],"class_list":["post-34897","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-chicoma-mountain","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-jemez-mountains","tag-lupe","tag-new-mexico","tag-peak-11110","tag-polvadera-peak"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0613.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34897","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=34897"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34897\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42238,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34897\/revisions\/42238"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/34860"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34897"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=34897"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=34897"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}