“Climb every mountain, ford every stream. Follow every rainbow till you find your dream.” This inspiring advice from The Sound of Music resonates perfectly when you consider the breathtaking mountains of New Mexico. They are a constant, awe-inspiring presence across the landscape.
Exploring New Mexico’s Highest Peaks
Did you know that New Mexico boasts an impressive 21 mountains that soar over 12,000 feet above sea level? Among these giants, Wheeler Peak, nestled in the Taos Mountains, claims the title of the state’s highest point. Reaching an elevation of 13,167 feet, Wheeler Peak offers truly spectacular vistas. A fantastic way to immerse yourself in this stunning scenery is by embarking on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, an 84-mile loop that encircles this majestic peak. This route not only provides panoramic views but also grants access to a wealth of backcountry and mountain adventures, including hiking, camping, skiing, and opportunities for fishing and hunting.
The mountains of New Mexico are undeniably impressive. The majority of the towering peaks are concentrated within the Taos and Santa Fe Mountains. These ranges are both integral parts of the expansive Sangre de Cristo Range, which extends northward into southern Colorado. Many of these mountain names are likely familiar, evoking the rugged beauty of the region: Mount Walker, Truchas Peak, Gold Hill, Santa Fe Baldy, and Vallecito Mountain.
Unveiling the Rocky Mountain Formation in New Mexico
Given that the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are a southern extension of the Rocky Mountains, it’s worth exploring their fascinating geological origins. Unlike many mountain ranges that form along the boundaries of tectonic plates, the Rockies are situated far inland, almost in the middle of the North American continent.
The question then arises: how did these mountains come to be in such an unexpected location? Geologist John McPhee, in his insightful book Assembling California, part of his four-volume series on North American geology, provides a compelling explanation. Millions of years ago, the western edge of North America was located much further east, roughly around present-day Utah. Over vast stretches of geological time, exotic terranes – geological term for crustal fragments originating elsewhere – collided with and accreted onto North America. Some of these terranes originated far south of the equator. The immense pressure exerted by these colliding landmasses caused the uplift of the Earth’s crust, giving rise to the Rocky Mountains. This mountain-building process, known to geologists as the Laramide Orogeny, commenced approximately 75 million years ago and continued for about 10 million years.
It’s important to remember that before this period of mountain uplift, this region of North America was covered by a shallow sea. The bedrock that was pushed upwards was primarily molten magma that solidified into basalt. This period was followed by extensive volcanic activity, depositing layers of ash and mudflows. Over time, these volcanic materials, along with sediments, were compressed and transformed into sedimentary rocks like shale, slate, and pumice. These are precisely the types of rocks, alongside basalt, that are characteristic of the Taos and Santa Fe mountains, providing tangible evidence of their dramatic geological past.
Exploring the Diverse Mountainscapes of New Mexico
Beyond the Rockies, New Mexico’s landscape is further shaped by the Rio Grande Rift, the second most active fault zone in the nation, only surpassed by the San Andreas Fault in California. This rift is a significant contributor to mountain formation across other parts of New Mexico. A striking example of the rift’s impact is visible when driving the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway: you’ll traverse the Rio Grande Gorge, a dramatic chasm carved out by the rift’s geological forces.
While imperceptible to us in our daily lives, the Earth’s crust is constantly in motion, albeit at a very slow pace, typically less than half an inch per year. Cracks and fractures, like the Rio Grande Rift, have developed in various locations across New Mexico, providing pathways for magma to rise from the Earth’s mantle. This magma intrusion is a key process in mountain building. Ranges such as the Sandia Mountains, Organ Mountains, the Black Range, and Potrillo Mountains all owe their formation to this volcanic mountain-building mechanism. Exploring Google Maps of southern New Mexico, from areas around Columbus and Deming extending towards El Paso, reveals a remarkable concentration of volcanic cones, further illustrating the prevalence of volcanic activity in shaping the state’s terrain.
Distinguishing the Unique Character of New Mexico Mountains
Many of the mountain ranges in the southern part of New Mexico also reach impressive heights, exceeding 10,000 feet above sea level. Notable examples include Sierra Blanca, Whitewater Baldy, McKnight Mountain, and the Sierra Ladrones, each with its own distinct character and ecological features.
Ship Rock, an iconic landmark in northern New Mexico, is a particularly striking example of volcanic geology. This towering rock formation is the solidified volcanic neck of an ancient volcano. Rising dramatically 7,000 feet above sea level, it stands an impressive 2,300 feet from its base to its pointed summit. Over millennia, the softer volcanic cone that once surrounded this core has eroded away, leaving behind the remarkable spire that Ship Rock is today. Another similar volcanic neck is Cabezon Peak, located about 75 miles northwest of Albuquerque, showcasing the diverse volcanic landscapes found throughout New Mexico.
Experiencing a Cinder Cone Volcano: Capulin Volcano National Monument
Capulin Volcano crater rim trail
The geological story of New Mexico’s mountains is one of both similarities and fascinating variations. Part of the vast 8,000-square-mile Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, Capulin Volcano, situated 40 miles east of Raton, offers a unique opportunity to explore a dormant cinder cone volcano up close. Designated as a national monument, Capulin Volcano features a spiraling road that allows visitors to drive right to the summit. At the top, a mile-long paved trail encircles the crater rim, providing panoramic views into the volcanic bowl and the surrounding landscape. For a closer look at the volcanic vent, a trail descends into the crater’s bottom, a half-mile round trip with a modest elevation change of 100 feet. The visitor center also marks the start of a nature trail, which is dog-friendly, equipped with informative markers explaining the local plant life, wildlife, and geological features of this remarkable volcanic landscape.
Ascending the Sandia Mountains via the Tramway
Sandia Peak tramway new mexico
For a memorable and perhaps exhilarating experience in the New Mexico Mountains, consider a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway, ascending from Albuquerque to the summit of the Sandia Mountains. This aerial tramway offers breathtaking views as it climbs high above the city. As you ascend, tram guides often share fascinating stories, including the somber tale of the TWA Flight 260 crash in 1955; remnants of the aircraft’s wing may still be visible on the mountainside. Alternatively, a scenic drive up the eastern side of the mountains provides access to the summit. Depending on the season, the Sandia Mountains offer a range of recreational activities, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking trails in warmer months, often adorned with vibrant wild blue iris in the spring.
Mountains Steeped in History and Heritage
The mountains of New Mexico are not only geological wonders but also repositories of rich history. Manzano Peak, the highest point in the Manzano Mountains, undoubtedly played a vital role in providing resources for the inhabitants of the ancient Abó, Quarai, and Gran Quivira pueblos, now preserved as the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. A visit to these remarkable pueblo ruins is an awe-inspiring journey into 17th-century architecture and a poignant exploration of the complex interactions between Spanish and Pueblo cultures, often marked by conflict.
North Baldy Peak, a 9,800-foot mountain near Magdalena, carries a more tragic historical note. During a training flight, a B-17 pilot tragically misjudged the mountain’s height, leading to a crash that claimed the lives of all crew members on board, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of mountains and the risks of aviation.
Stories from the Black Range Wilderness
The Black Range is a land brimming with captivating stories, a region where Hispanic and Anglo settlers historically sought silver and gold, often leading to conflicts with the Apache people who traditionally inhabited the area. This region is now home to the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, protecting over 200,000 acres of New Mexico’s most rugged and untamed landscapes, as well as the Gila National Forest, within which lie the remarkable Gila Cliff Dwellings, built by the ancient Mogollon people. The Black Range is also renowned for its geothermal activity, being the source of the hot springs that make bathing in Truth or Consequences a uniquely serene and tranquil experience, drawing visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
The Organ Mountains: A Name Inspired by Nature
The Organ Mountains, rising dramatically east of Las Cruces, received their evocative name from a Spanish conquistador who likened their jagged peaks to the pipes of a grand pipe organ. Over the centuries, these mountains have yielded valuable resources, including lead and feldspar, through mining operations. The iconic Organ Needle, reaching nearly 9,000 feet, marks the southern terminus of the range. To the north lies Baylor Canyon, named after Confederate Lieutenant Colonel John Baylor, who strategically led his troops through this pass to outmaneuver Union forces stationed at San Augustin Pass. Within the Dripping Springs Natural Area, visitors can explore the remnants of Eugene Van Patten’s historic mountain camp, once a popular retreat from the summer heat, which also housed a tuberculosis sanitarium, the ruins of which can still be seen today, offering glimpses into the area’s past.
Mountain Recreation in New Mexico
The mountains of New Mexico are so numerous and diverse that it’s impossible to fully encompass them all. However, nearly every range offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Miles of trails beckon hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Campsites range from basic, secluded spots to more developed sites with amenities. Opportunities abound for fishing, hunting, rock climbing, caving, or simply immersing oneself in the profound tranquility of nature.
To plan your mountain adventure, select a mountain range that appeals to you and seek out information from the relevant managing agency – be it the Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, or a state agency. These resources provide essential details such as hours of operation, directions, fees, required licenses, and other crucial information to help you prepare for your exploration. While you might not be scaling Everest, with its towering 29,000-foot challenge, or even Mauna Kea in Hawaii, a mountain that conceals half of its 33,500-foot height beneath the ocean’s surface, the mountains of New Mexico offer their own unique and fulfilling opportunities to pursue your dreams of mountain adventure.
Story and photography by Bud Russo
Originally published in Neighbors magazine
Posted by LasCruces.com
