We took a drive to Jemez Springs. We thought maybe my friend would do some fishing and I might go hiking and take some pictures.
We have been friends for many years but we don't spend much time together anymore. I miss that. We value our friendship. So, at least once a year we try to do something together. This year we decided to go for a day trip.
It's been several years since I've been to Jemez Springs. We stopped at the Soda Dam as we drove up. From what I remember there was way more water running through here the last time I was up here. It was beautiful non the less. The sound of running water always stirs up something in the soul.
As we kept driving we came across a hiking trail. We didn't come prepared to go hiking for a long distance but decided to take a nice stroll and check it out.
The trail runs along a small stream. Perfect right!
It's a beautiful day, weather is sunny and sometimes cloudy, temperature is just right for walking. The water sounds peaceful.
It's a calm trail, not too much climbing, at least as far as we went.
It's Fall, some of the leaves have changed color and have started falling.
We were not high enough to see too many aspen trees. But some of the foliage changes color too.
What do you see in the rock formation? Let your imagination wander a bit.
This bridge plays mind games too. At first glance it looks like it has steps or different levels. But as you look closer it is flat.
This bridge was a little more fun because it moved as you were about half way across. Ok, some of us think moving bridges are fun.
After walking around for a while, we decided to head back to look for the "tunnels". My friend had seen somewhere that there were tunnel near Jemez Springs. We didn't see any signs as we came through so we decided to pay closer attention as we drove back.
We still didn't see any signs. We decided to turn towards Fenton Lake. Still, no signs of the tunnels.
On our way back from Fenton Lake we stopped at La Cueva store, at the crossroads, and ask about the tunnels. Yay! They had a MAP on the counter! Thank goodness for maps right?
I took a quick picture of the map and off we go.
As we drove back we stopped at a stand on the side of the road in Jemez Pueblo to get something to eat. YUM. The food is always so good there.
With map in hand we drove towards the tunnels. We drove for a while and the road got narrower and narrower and still no tunnels. The map was not to scale and didn't show miles. We figured they had to be close. So we kept driving.
Then, there they were!
There are two tunnels next to each other. They are quite big actually. Or better said, they are tall. Here's a quick video of the drive through both tunnels.
Have you ever heard the quote, "There is light at the end of the tunnel"?
The picture below gives some perspective as to the size of the tunnels. Can you imagine carving these out of the rock?
Here's a little history I found about the tunnels on: dangerousroads website: "The route was part of the former Santa Fe Northwestern Railway (SFNW). It was used in the early 1900s to haul lumber from the Jemez. The railroad never fully recovered from the Great Wall Street Crash of 1929 and ceased operations in 1941 following flood damage from the Guadalupe River. The railway was eventually retired, which allowed the tunnels to be converted into one of New Mexico’s most photogenic and interesting stretches of road. They were named after William H. Gilman (one-time CEO of the SFNW Rail Road)... The Gilman Tunnels were used in the filming of at least three Hollywood movies: 3:10 to Yuma (2007), The Lone Ranger (2013), and The Scorch Trials (2015)."
The mountain we basically went around towards the tunnels is called Mesa de Guadalupe. Cool huh?
It looks like there are some waterfalls to explore beyond where we went. Maybe next time. It would be nice to go back again and drive further into the canyon.
It was a nice, quiet, day. Just "being".
In this crazy world we live in today, it's nice to get away from it all once in a while and just enjoy nature and good company.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the views.
Until next time, try to enjoy the outdoors every time you get a chance.
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