A Rebel Yell

[Nick Malette]

At the end of March (2022) I ventured south of ABQ to Mountainair and did a quick weekend camping trip in the Manzano mountains. Had recently ordered a Prinsu roof rack to put on top of the camper shell. This was my first adventure with it on, it was great reorganizing what lived in the drawers and all the freed up space moving the Hi lift jack and traction boards to the roof. Headed north on FSR 422 from route 60 east. Ended up exploring down a muddy trail (FSR 205A2) due to seeing the road travel along the ridge and I was optimistic I could find a camp spot with a view.






Lucked out and made camp with a lovely view and was able to set up and enjoy the sunset




Took a different way out which came out through the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. However before I got there I came across a Bobcat or Lynx? that was trapped. I took a tight slow left corner along the trail which curved around a juniper and as I got through, something had darted under my truck.
This was in Cibola National Forest and I left messages with the Mountainair Ranger district as well as with the ABQ supervisor's office and no one returned my calls. I came across the Bobcat around 10 a Sunday morning. I was able to speak with a ranger Monday morning from the Mountainair RD but they could not tell me if the trap was there intentionally or trapping was allowed. It didn't seem like a ranger was going to go out and attempt a rescue either. Maybe I'm just naïve but I assumed trapping was illegal on NF land and the wishy washy response was disappointing knowing it most certainly died but I left some water in hopes it might buy it time.

 

[Nick Malette]

Short update - started working on a solar shower tube that I'd mount to the roof rack. In reality, I used it most as a dishwasher. Held a little less than 4 gallons and I hooked up a short garden hose and foot pump to add air pressure. Added some quick fist mounts for the shovel and axe. Out of all the things on the roof the shovel gets used predominantly.

 

[Nick Malette]

[May 2022] Short trip out to Manzano Mountains, did some exploring and camped near Fourth of July Trailhead. Nice escape out to the cooler eastside of the mountains.

 

[Nick Malette]

[May 2022]

Had an all day Saturday tattoo in Taos and spent Friday and Saturday nights out on the mesa. Crossed paths with Big Horn Sheep along the way to camp.

I love turning off the paved roads into endless sage and unreal clouds




If I remember correctly, this is a shot of one of the wildfires from last summer.





Short hike once I found camp

 

[Nick Malette]

[Memorial day week 2022]

Went up to the Piedra River in Colorado for the holiday weekend. Camped along the river and couldn't have asked for a better time. Met a couple trekking with their two donkeys and I've since desired to someday have a donkey buddy.







Taking his time on a short hike along the Piedra River




We don't hike as far as we used, Brooks the Dog will be 13 in Dec 2023




Ventured on another hike, with a hot spring as the reward

 

[Offroadnutz]

Nice adventures man!

 

[FishinCrzy]

Good photography and writing! The Southwest is on my list. Done middle Colorado northward to Idaho and Montana a couple of times and would like to return. If I get to head that way I would like to pick your brain about some of those amazing spots! You have done well with your rig and I am sure it's not finished. Keep up the amazing reports!

 

[Nick Malette]

Good photography and writing! The Southwest is on my list. Done middle Colorado northward to Idaho and Montana a couple of times and would like to return. If I get to head that way I would like to pick your brain about some of those amazing spots! You have done well with your rig and I am sure it's not finished. Keep up the amazing reports!

Thanks! There is still so much to see out here, only scratched the surface of AZ and UT at this point. I hope you make it out, give me a ring, we'll get together on your way through and talk shop

 

[Nick Malette]

In mid June of 2022 I made my first voyage up to the Conejos river valley. I have since been back a number of times and have fallen in love with this area. The San Juans and Rio Grande NF is an incredible area. It has since become my go to summer heat escape.

I camped Friday night off Fox Creek rd (FSR 101) where I drove farther than I needed to in order to find a suitable camp but I was having fun and it was nice to be off pavement.



Didn't even make camp, just passed out and made coffee when I woke up in the morning. Forest Service road 250 was calling.



Heading back to highway 17, a beautiful morning



FSR 250 follows the Conejos river and is quite well maintained as the small fishing / mountain town of Platoro is about 30 miles north along this road.




I camped Saturday at a specified dispersed camping area, which was closer quarters than I prefer but I appreciate how the river is protected.




It rained most of the day and I wandered around, ate, and read with the old man.



Sunday was a day of exploration - I continued up FSR 250, got some coffee in Platoro, saw the reservoir and turned onto FSR 380 beginning to head west (FSR 380 comes out on Highway 160, north of Wolf Creek)



Platoro Reservoir


Little Red Mountain and Big Red Mountain



Lookout Mountain




One of my favorite camp spot if had the luck to spend time at. Along Park Creek, not far off FSR 380 (37.452903, -106.654581)








This view never gets old



Aired up along the Rio Grande (South Fork)

 

[Nick Malette]

As I mentioned in the previous post, I enjoyed my time so thoroughly I went right back up to that same camp spot up on Park Creek for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Much less rain this time!





Peace, I've found it





He sleeps so hard when we spend our time out in the woods, time slows down and I forget my time with him is finite






Packed up camp on Sunday and desired to take 380 east and see the "town" of Jasper, tucked out in the woods. A piece of land of there would be special




Made camp off Silver Lakes rd




It isn't everyday you camp under the watchful eyes of the Stone Iguana



Found myself back on FSR 250



Short detour to find water for my sweet old water buffalo to wade in



Took another FSR (105) south of Platoro to see if I could find some elevated views of the reservoir




Not many places to camp along this road but wonderful scenery!






Made one final camp and was able to see some of the most incredible clouds (37.306392, -106.533694)



Breakfast burritos ALL the time

 

[Nick Malette]

After spending Friday evening at my friends place in Valdez, NM I went north to the Rio Costilla area near the NM / CO border for a little day trip.

As someone who doesn't know how to fish, yet, I sure seem to find myself at coveted fishing holes!

In the hamlet of Amalia was this gem of a Texaco station





Views for days




Lunch spot with Brooks


Similar to swinging of a swing set, climbing a tree transports me back to being a kid




One of Ted Turner's Ranches is on the north side of this forest service road. Must be thousands of acres (550,000), saw signs for Vermejo Park Ranch for 20+ miles along FSR 1950



Popped out on Hwy 64 and I wasn't ready to go home so I meandered up to Dawson (Ghost Town) and saw the cemetery

 

[Nick Malette]

Another weekend up in Taos for a Saturday Tattoo. I like to spend the night before and after up in the Taos area. Friday was up on the Mesa and then Saturday I started home via The High Road to Taos and begin exploring forest service roads. This was my first time on this road and I've since chosen to go this longer way as it one of the most beautiful drives in New Mexico (Opinions are my own).





Camp south off FSR 114, northeast of Vadito / Peñasco NM

 

[Nick Malette]

Sept 2022 I went up to Buena Vista for Renewal (going back again this year WOOOO! ). 285 north from Espanola to Denver is a fantastic drive. I recently drove Denver back home to ABQ via this route and it was incredible but last summer was my first time heading up into the BV area and the valley is a sight to behold. I assume everyone who lives up here grew up here or won the lottery.



Had lunch




This view does not get old. Big fan



Best queue I've ever had to wait in...



This year I will take way more pictures of all the adventure vehicles at this lovely music fest. Oh yeah, the stars were elite





Another of the stars - unforgettable



Collegiate Peaks



FSR 222 back in New Mexico, north of Las Tablas - Lunch spot on the way home from a memorable weekend

 

[Nick Malette]

[Oct 2022]

On a whim I went up to Jemez Mountains, on a Wednesday after work. I was craving some fresh air and given that all I usually need to do is pack a bag, I ventured up and had a quiet, cool evening where I did absolutely nothing.






Next morning around 7a



In hindsight, I thought I would do this more often but almost a year later, there have been no additional mid week, overnighters. I'll have to fix that for this fall.

 

[Z Adventures]

Nice memories. I bet we all wish we could get out more.

 

[Nick Malette]

[Oct 2022]

Went up to the Ponderosa are of Jemez mountains, up along FSR 10

Nice, simple camp to get to, lovely view (35.729636, -106.622306)




Huge Alligator Juniper



Phone cameras are crazy good

 

[Nick Malette]

[Dec 2022]

Another weekend camp in Jemez. I drove up through the Gilman tunnels and continued onto FSR 144. Found a few new spots to camp along the way. Ended up at two different spots overlooking the Jemez river and not far from the San Antonio hot springs. It was quiet and cold and just what I needed.








elected to have my morning coffee near this crazy rock




I will be back to this spot for sure






I do love the pine trees here

 

[Nick Malette]

[Jan 2023]

Spent a few nights up in Taos on the mesa like a mad man. It was peaceful, some roads I hadn't travelled down and with the snow falling on and off, almost deafening silence.







One of my favorite pictures taken to date. I edited out the free standing solar panel to the left and something off to the right. Reminded me something straight out of Star Wars. Made me feel like a kid.

 

[Nick Malette]

[Feb 2023] Put new tires on the rig!! Twas a very exciting day. It has been 7 months and ~7k miles and I am a huge fan. I see why people love these tires. I'm generally not dealing with mud, mostly sand and dirt here in NM and these KO2 fit the bill perfectly. I knew I was planning to meet my friend up in the Valley of the Gods area in Utah and I needed new shoes due to the wranglers being low on tread, it being winter, and having never been up to this area in Utah.





Went for a drive after, unreal views along the High Road to Taos. These are both up near Ojo Sarca, NM

 

[Nick Malette]

[Feb 2023]

First real trip to Utah. I had been to Moab but it was a flash in the pan, I didn't have this truck yet and I stayed in a campground - boo. The plan for this trip was to see Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods and Natural Bridges National Monument (and everything we could in between). Monument Valley wasn't open the weekend I went but I snagged some photos and views from the 'Forrest Gump running' overlook spot. I'll try not to gush too much but over the four days I was out there, it became exceedingly apparent why folks fall in love with overlanding this state.

It was a long drive out and my plan was to get after it, knowing I'd arrive after dark most likely. I was aiming for a FSR along the Comb Ridge, had no idea was I was getting into but it was close to VotG and I knew I didn't want to miss any of that in the dark. Comb Ridge is visually wild - huge fan. Glad I got to wake up to such a striking, on going ridge. The first pictures below are driving through the Navajo Nation.




Camped not far down 235 and got there with time to see the sun set.



It was a cold weekend


Comb Ridge


Stopped for coffee at Twin Rocks Trading Post



Enjoyed my coffee and took Brooks for a short walk along the Sand Island Petroglyphs



Gassed up, got more ice and sundries and took off for the Valley of the Gods!



Lady in the Bathtub



He approves of the soft red clay



Painted Hills on the way to Mexican Hat



As close as I got to Monument Valley



Second camp, went back to VotG road




The Moki Dugway was epic, no other way to slice it. We took the snow covered dirt road out to Muley Point as well. Seeing






Heading north to Natural Bridges. I took 6 million pictures of Bears Ears, I'll attempt to find my favorite. I'm not sure why I fell so hard for them but it was unreal to see in person.

Sipapu Bridge


Kachina Bridge


Owachomo Bridge


This one:



Camp off FSR 228 heading north (Elk Mountain rd?)







Had to go back for a good picture of Mexican Hat, also a nice lunch location



Quick stop out to Gooseneck State Park as well




Spent one more night in VotG before the slog home









Jupiter and Saturn



Until I go back!