シボーラ郡周辺の簡単なハイキングとウォーキング

The lava caves were formed by ancient lava flows and are now a world of their own. These caves are often diverse ecosystems that remain secluded from the rest of the world. You can check out a bunch of different caves off the side of the trail around here, but don't get too close or try to go in.

The Lava Trench is a reminder of how quickly and how efficiently a volcano can shape the surrounding landscape. There is a giant "gutter" down the middle of the hillside from where lava once flowed.

This section of trail is filled with so many different kinds of wildflowers, budding plants, and other flora. Located on an easy to travel forest service road, this is a fantastic spot for the camera.

This spot on the Continental Divide Trail is an excellent turnaround spot for a day hike. The views from here are of Mount Taylor and the rest of the San Mateo Mountains. There is a post here with a small bell to ring before heading back to the car or pushing on further.

This is a great area to park the car if you are planning on hiking up to La Mosca Lookout Tower or Mount Taylor (or both). Most cars can make it to this spot on the road, but 4wd is the safest option. If you aren't here for the walk, this road will take you all the way up to the La Mosca Tower, but you will definitely need 4wd and high-clearance to get that far. There are also numerous pull-offs on the way up the road if you ever feel like parking the car early and getting in more walking.

The peak of Mount Taylor sits atop the area being the tallest mountain in Cibola National Forest and San Mateo Mountains. This dormant stratovolcano has a visitors log at the top; read through the entries of prior summiteers and have a snack before making your way back to the car. Be observant of the weather, as spring and summer can often bring afternoon storms.

Take a pitstop on your way to the bluffs to view this small collection of ruins directly off the side of the access road. These ruins are believed to have been an old, attempted homestead built in the 1830's during the Great Depression. There are a few different small ruins that can be found around this area.

This unique area is one of very few official overlooks available within El Malpais National Monument. The viewing area offers sights of Mount Taylor and canyon walls and rocks. The sandstone surrounding this area is Dakota Sandstone and offers a stable surface for standing, with there being some picnic tables and and vault toilets also near this feature.