November 4, 2006

November 4, 2006

After waking, we continue our drive west towards El Paso. To get some exercise we stop along the way at Guadalupe National Park to do a morning hike. The Guadalupe Mountains are the limestone remnants of an ocean reef that was formed here 260 million years ago. After stopping at the Visitor’s Center to get oriented, we opt for the 4 mile hike to Devils Hall. The trail first crosses a rocky desert ridge and then descends into a dry wash. Once in the wash, we are shocked to see bright red sugar maples trees mixed in with the cactus and pine trees. The colors are gorgeous. I had no idea the southwest also experienced autumn colors. The trail continues up the wash until the canyon walls converge into a narrow gorge of layered rocks. On the way out the trail becomes packed with Texans wanting to see the colors. This national park is fairly remote and I thought little known. I am surprised to see how crowded it is here.

After our hike, we eat lunch and continue driving another couple hours. West of the Guadalupe Mountains, the terrain is white sandy desert, just what you would expect of an ocean floor near a reef. We stop for the night at a campground in Las Cruces, NM. The weather is finally in the 80’s and I get my sandals and t-shirt out.