Outing Invitation---East Fork Box, Jemez Mtns. New Mexico w/PHOTOS
Discussion
12 replies
Posted by Phillip Noll on May 18, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Adam Schallau and myself are tentatively planning a hike/wade/swim through the East Fork Box of the Jemez River in the beautiful Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico on May 30th (weather and water levels permitting) and would like to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to join us.
The East Fork Box is a narrow canyon through volcanic tuff at an elevation of 8400 ft. on the southern edge of the Valles Caldera. In this area the Jemez River winds its way through spruce and aspen forests and tumbles over numerous waterfalls within the "box". The "river" is more like a small creek (similar to the Virgin River in Zion). I’ll try to post a photo or two later.
Most of the hike will require wading in knee to waist deep water with slippery rocks underfoot. Trekking poles and good water shoes would be an advantage. There is at least one section of the hike that will require a short swim across some pools in order to continue down stream. Waterproof dry bags for your camera gear would be a necessity. Some scrambling over ridges and boulders and a stout climb out of the canyon at the end of the hike will be required. The hike will be all day and will cover roughly 4-5 miles. We will shuttle cars between the two trailheads.
If anyone is interested in joining us, please contact me and I can provide directions and meeting times/places.
That sounds great, Phil! I've always wanted to do that. I'll be up in Dinosaur by then though. I'll be sorry to miss shooting with you and Adam: another time. Have fun!
Love to, Adam! I've done the on-trail version, but it was in the spring, snow on the ground, would have been insane to go into the box. Nice shots, by the way!
I would love to join you on the hike. I would need to borrow a dry bag though. Do you guys have one for lend? I also need to cancel another commitment, so until I do that, I cannot promise anything. This is a great idea, and I hope we do this in the future.
Thank you.
Posted by Phillip Noll on May 18, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Hi Momo,
Would love to have you join us! Unfortunately I only have one dry bag. If you head to Santa Fe you could probably pick one up at REI for not too much $$. Let me know if you decide to go.
Posted by Phillip Noll on May 18, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Here's a few photos from within the "box".
Posted by Phillip Noll on May 18, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Another...
Posted by Phillip Noll on May 18, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Another...
Posted by Phillip Noll on May 18, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Apparently, Mother Nature isn't ready for us to be in the box! We have had heavy rain every day for the last week and temps have dropped to the low 40s up at the trail head. The river is over its banks a bit too. Rather than risk high water, flash floods, and hypothermia, we've decided to cancel this trip for now. Perhaps later in the year we can reschedule.
Discussion
12 repliesThe East Fork Box is a narrow canyon through volcanic tuff at an elevation of 8400 ft. on the southern edge of the Valles Caldera. In this area the Jemez River winds its way through spruce and aspen forests and tumbles over numerous waterfalls within the "box". The "river" is more like a small creek (similar to the Virgin River in Zion). I’ll try to post a photo or two later.
Most of the hike will require wading in knee to waist deep water with slippery rocks underfoot. Trekking poles and good water shoes would be an advantage. There is at least one section of the hike that will require a short swim across some pools in order to continue down stream. Waterproof dry bags for your camera gear would be a necessity. Some scrambling over ridges and boulders and a stout climb out of the canyon at the end of the hike will be required. The hike will be all day and will cover roughly 4-5 miles. We will shuttle cars between the two trailheads.
If anyone is interested in joining us, please contact me and I can provide directions and meeting times/places.
I would love to join you on the hike. I would need to borrow a dry bag though. Do you guys have one for lend? I also need to cancel another commitment, so until I do that, I cannot promise anything. This is a great idea, and I hope we do this in the future.
Thank you.
Would love to have you join us! Unfortunately I only have one dry bag. If you head to Santa Fe you could probably pick one up at REI for not too much $$. Let me know if you decide to go.