Govt giveth and govt taketh away.
Rinse
Repeat
Profit, lol

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That, and I know a couple biologists out of WV and eastern Kentucky, and they are the rich guys in town.

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Something I thought was non-existent. Biological careers generally don't equate to wealth. We get our fulfillment by doing the peoples' work.

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That, and I know a couple biologists out of WV and eastern Kentucky, and they are the rich guys in town.

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Something I thought was non-existent. Biological careers generally don't equate to wealth. We get our fulfillment by doing the peoples' work.

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Rich by WV and eastern KY standards is not that rich.....

RIP. Pat must be rolling over in his grave.

Yeah, not real keen on this idea.

--Yeah, never planned on being rich. And by rich in that area, I simply mean they are about the only ones not on some type of assistance.

So, small Valles update. In the area today, and found out that they are allowing 25 cars a day to purchase back country permits and enter the caldera. Previously, hiking or tours in their vans were the only access. We aren't going to have time to check it out this trip, but if you are in the area. I strongly suggest you try to get one.

Most of the roads are dirt and a normal car could probably make it, though a high clearance or 4WD is suggested. Twelve permits a day will be available online, and I assume the rest are first come at the gate. Daylight only, so you have to exit by 6pm

Will be interesting to see if the transition to NPS leads to even more access.

Adding a Valles article, rather than a new thread:

https://www.facebook.com/VallesCaldera/?fref=nf

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JEMEZ SPRINGS, NM: On Saturday, June 18, 2016 in midafternoon, a participant in a permitted running event on Valles Caldera National Preserve was attacked by a female American black bear when the individual came upon the bear's cubs along a backcountry road being used as the event route. The incident occurred in the southwest corner of the preserve, known as Banco Bonito, approximately seven miles away from the Valle Grande. The runner was part of a marathon event being conducted on the preserve under a special use permit. The individual was found by another runner, and aid was dispatched to their location. The injured runner was evacuated by medical helicopter and taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque for treatment, and is expected to recover from the injuries. Pursuant to New Mexico State law, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) dispatched officers to the area to conduct an investigation and attempt to locate the bear and euthanize it in order to test for rabies. Questions and concerns regarding NMDGF operations can be expressed by calling: 1-888-248-6866.

"Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the individual during their recovery from the injuries," said Jorge Silva-Bauelos, superintendent of Valles Caldera National Preserve.

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Saw that.

Another small Valles update.

The back country roads are currently closed. They stopped access on November 1, will resume on May 15. The reason is that they do not have the budget required to clear the snow from the roads. I pointed out to them that there was not a flake of snow on the ground for 50 miles in any direction, including mountain peaks and the Santa Fe ski area, but they just shrugged their shoulders. Yea big government.

If you are a mountain biker, they will allow you access on the road past the visitor's center. And you can hike in on the trails that come off of highway 4.

When they re-open the back roads, come early. I think they are currently allowing 40 cars a day in to the park, but that quota is usually done by noon or earlier. That's 40 a day, period, not 40 at a time. If one of the 40 leaves, they don't allow another to take its place.

I used to drive by there from Colorado with my parents as a kid to visit my uncle that lived in Jemez. Didn't think anything much of it back then, just another long boring road trip. Took a road trip back up there as an adult and saw it in a completely different light, truly one of the coolest places I've seen.

That road down from there to Los Alamos is not for the faint of heart, especially for flat lander from Texas...my wife nearly had an anxiety attack coming down that. My laughing at her panic did not go over well.

Some recent VC pics (Middle of October)

Beautiful coat on this coyote

Albert's squirrel

Top photo is with the zoom lens set to about the same image size as your naked eye.

The scale of that place is unbelievable.

This valley is about 3-5 miles wide, the entire caldera is 10-12 miles. If you look closely, there is a creek crossing just below the top half of the photo. The little dots just past that are the elk



Next, 400mm lens zoomed to maximum, same spot



Then a further zoom, using photo editing

chocolatelabs said:

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I guess that is the end to the elk hunting out there.

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Shame too cause some monster Elk there. Also some nice Muleys as well

BurnetAggie99 said:

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chocolatelabs said:

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I guess that is the end to the elk hunting out there.

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Shame too cause some monster Elk there. Also some nice Muleys as well

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You can still hunt

https://www.nps.gov/vall/planyourvisit/hunting.htm

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Hunting is a permitted use under the enabling legislation for Valles Caldera National Preserve (Public Law 113-231, Sec. 3043) and can be done in accordance with applicable Federal and State law. The legislation also provides for the designation of zones and periods when no hunting is permitted for reasons of public safety, administration, wildlife management, or public use and enjoyment.


Elk Hunting

Valles Caldera National Preserve is one of New Mexico's premier elk hunting locations. Between 2,500 and 3,000 elk occupy the preserve for breeding, calving and foraging. Hunts are designed to pay homage to man's oldest relationship with animals by providing the public with a memorable hunting experience. September, October, and November are the best time frames for prescribed fire season. While on your hunt you may encounter smoke, fire crews, fire equipment, road closures and closures to portions of the preserve.

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That Gilman Tunnels Road is great. Been on it a couple of times. Most non-locals drive right by it and don't know it's there.

I agree. For those that don't know, the tunnels were cut as part of a narrow-gauge train for logging

Plz delete thread and stop telling people about valles caldera. New mexico is all cactus and rattlesnakes. Kthxbye

CanyonAg77 said:

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Albert's squirrel

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I've seen a couple of these at my house, they are so cool!

Haven't been to it yet, but after I retire I hope to make a few trips.