When we began our drive to the Jemez Historic Site, we didn’t know we would be driving on New Mexico Scenic Highway 4. We soon discovered that the road to the site was a destination in itself.
Red Rocks
Not long after turning north on Hwy 4 at San Ysidro, we crossed the boundary line into the Jemez Pueblo. Up ahead we saw towering red rocks across the highway from the Walatowa Visitor Center. We quickly turned right into the parking area for the Red Rock Trail and started exploring.
This area is sacred to the Jemez people. There are signs along the rocks reminding visitors not to climb them.
There are fences in certain areas to keep tourists from going too far back into the rocks. We were saddened to find that one area, similar to a slot canyon, contained graffiti.
The area hosts arts and crafts shows, powwows, and vendors starting Memorial Day weekend. When we stopped in March, there were only tourists.
Here are a few more photos from the red rocks along Hwy 4 near the Walatowa Visitor Center.
Across from the hiking area is the Walatowa Visitor Center. Inside the center, a small museum displays the history, culture, and art of the Jemez Pueblo. In their gift shop, we purchased a small turtle to join our souvenir family. We also picked up a copy of the Jemez Mountains Vacation Guide. This free publication contains information for each mile marker along scenic Highway 4.
Outside the visitors center, you will find several historical replicas of life in the pueblo. Below is a replica of an ancestral field house.
National Recreation Areas
From Walatowa Visitor Center, we continued north on Hwy 4, entering the Jemez National Recreation Area. Our first stop, the La Junta Fishing Site, was near mile marker 10. We walked the short trail to the shore of the Jemez River and captured a few photos.
Back in the car, we drove about a mile and a half to the Las Casitas Area. This area also features a short trail and access to the Jemez River.
Jemez Springs
We continued north along Hwy 4 towards the Jemez Historic Site. About a mile from the site, Andy saw the entrance to Jemez Hot Springs, quickly detouring us into their parking lot.
He had seen the older building from the highway and wanted a few pictures. After speaking with the manager, we discovered that the historic bathhouse was built sometime in the mid-1800s. After taking pictures outside, the manager took us on a quick tour inside the privacy fence to the hot springs pools. (We added this destination to our list and visited the pools later during our stay.)
We thanked the manager for the tour, and continued the short distance to the Jemez Historic Site. It was early in the afternoon when we left Jemez, so we continued our trip on Highway 4, hoping to see more of the sites listed in the vacation guide.
Soda Dam
Our next stop was created over centuries by mineral deposits from a hot spring. Even in early March, the Soda Dam is a popular spot.
A gallery of photos from the Soda Dam
(Click the thumbnails to see full-sized images)
Small pools of water from the hot springs inside the Soda Dam
Across the highway from the Soda Dam, a hot spring flows along the side of the road. This is definitely an interesting place to explore. Please use caution driving through here because people walk back and forth across the highway.
BATTLESHIP ROCK
Our next stop, Battleship Rock, was formed during the last eruptions of the Jemez Volcano. This large rock formation marks the confluence of the East Fork of the Jemez River and the San Antonio Creek. The site includes the trailhead for the McCauley Hot Springs trail and a picnic area.
JEMEZ FALLS
The last place we wanted to explore before heading back to the RV was Jemez Falls. The guide suggested we drive to the day use area, park our car and hike the short quarter-mile trail to the falls overlook. We had plenty of daylight left for this short trip.
We drove about 9 miles on Hwy 4 to the entrance to the campground and day use area. Unfortunately, the gate at the entrance was closed. We saw several cars in a small parking area along Hwy 4 about 30 feet from the gate. We pulled into a spot and got out.
It was a bit cooler here and there was snow on the road leading into the campground. We decided to walk the road to the trailhead, guessing it wasn’t too far. Actually, it was a bit further than we thought. It was about a mile to the falls from where we parked.
We didn’t mind the walk, we just wished we had packed jackets in the car. We enjoyed our time at the falls and were glad we took the time to see them.
We hadn’t figured the extra time needed for the walk to the falls when we planned our day. We arrived back at the RV around 7:15 pm to a couple of hungry dogs that needed to be walked.
Scenic Hwy 4 is a part of the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway.