Cibola National Forest, near Albuquerque, NM

Before moving to New Mexico I had visited with relatives in the southeastern part of the state. Without giving the matter much thought I just assumed most of the state would be low land desert. Lots of sand, and rock. Later, I was to learn those thoughts were very wrong. New Mexico and Colorado are very much alike in many ways. Both have plenty mountains and lots of open, flat land. There are places in each state you would be hard pressed to discern an appreciable difference.

East of Albuquerque are the Sandia Mountains. (I have been told this means the Water Melon Mountains). Albuquerque is quite diverse in topography, but fifteen minutes east of town is much like the same scenery west of Denver. Been to both many times, and lived both places, so I know what I am talking about. My present location is Cedar Crest, NM, and five minutes from my house is a great hiking area known as Sulfur Canyon. This small part of the Cibola National Forest is quite beautiful. In three or four miles the elevation changes about three thousand feet. From the parking lot at the base to the top of the mountain are thousands of acres of tall pines, the occasional running stream, lots of wildlife, and cool shaded areas. Kit and I have hiked this area many times. Enjoy the pictures.