03-Mar-2009 -- This CP lies south of the Chaco Canyon wilderness area. I had scouted this confluence in mid January of 2009 just to get an idea of where I wanted to start my hike to the CP. At the time, there was plenty of snow on the ground with tons of sunshine reflecting off the white covered wilderness expanse. This area is high plains desert with mesas jutting out from the ground. The whole area is pristine and open rangeland for as far as you can see. The area is pretty remote. I came in from Crownpoint on route 371 and turned right onto 57 / 197 just north of Crownpoint. I stayed on this road for about 13 miles before turning left onto 57. Here the road turns to dirt. There’s a sign that states that the road is rough and at times impassable. “Travel at your own risk” is in bold lettering. The road was actually pretty good. I drove on this road for 16 miles to where the road takes a hard right heading east. At this junction, there’s a jeep trail that heads west. This is where I parked my car. The CP is 2.9 miles due west from this point. You could drive west on this jeep trail which would get you to within 1.8 miles of the CP but as usual, I made a good hike out of it. All the snow that was on the ground in January had melted.

I headed north on a bearing of 338 degrees true for 1 mile. This put me on the back side of a small mesa which is seen from the road. From there, I traveled on a course of 270 degrees true for 2.5 miles and intercepted 108W longitude. This was a gradual loss of altitude of some 300 feet which crossed Chaco Wash. I turned south bearing 180 degrees for 1.1 miles and intercepted the CP on the south side of a wide shallow wash area. I took the required photos and hung out for a little bit just to enjoy the solitude and infinite views in all directions. I headed back to my car on a bearing of 87 degrees for 2.9 miles. Total distance traveled was 7.88 miles at an average speed of 1.7 mph. The hiking was relatively easy over gently rolling terrain.

I didn’t see much in the way of wildlife with the exception of one big Jack rabbit. The hike itself was quite pleasant and the scenery superb. As I said in the beginning, the area is remote. Should your vehicle break down, just stay put! You may not see another vehicle for a few hours but eventually someone will come along. It’s a long walk to anywhere in any direction!