I’ve climbed steep paths for a dramatic view into Juan Tabo Canyon.
But I’d never seen its rugged rock walls rise hundreds of feet above me.
Until yesterday.
You can get a good gander at the Sandias’ Shield, Prow and Needle from many spots near the canyon. Yesterday’s hike took us through the canyon’s less-traveled northern sections.
Down arroyos, following footprints and deer tracks. Through stands of bare trees and brush. Over damp rocks where a stream had recently flowed.
The sun and a light breeze warmed us. Still, our feet crunched snow in shady spots.
We squeezed against jagged slate canyon walls. The further south we went, the higher the rock rose above. Mountain chickadees and towhees darted from juniper to juniper.
It made me wonder if this canyon bottom would flourish green in a wet spring and summer.
Our first view into the canyon looked verdant even today, blanketed with evergreens.
The light and warmth shortened with the afternoon. Winter cloud cover built.
Time to go, taking a new view of the canyon with us.
Hike length: 6 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Trail traffic: very light
Wildlife spotted/heard: hawk, blue jays, spotted towhees, mountain chickadees, Jerusalem cricket
TIPS:
-I recommend this hike, like my other recent ones, November-March. It’s very sunny.
-This barbell-shaped route comes from Mike Coltrin’s Sandia Mountain Hiking Guide.
Woman Seeks Elevation 
4 Replies to “Juan Tabo Canyon from the bottom up”