We thought we were pretty high before, driving at 4000-5000 feet. But the road coming out of Bandelier NM takes you even higher, up above 8000 feet. And what a beautiful drive!
 |
Looks Like Snow!, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge]
|
 |
Did Someone Say Snow?, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge]
|
After driving a bit we came across this vast high mountain plain, which turned out to be the old caldera from the volcano that created this landscape. Pretty amazing -- it's really neat to not have a plan and just stumble upon these sights.
 |
Mountain Bluebird (we think), Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge]
|
 |
Valles Grande, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge]
|
And speaking of not having a plan. While gazing upon this vast open area, we noticed a speck of a vehicle driving *across* the caldera. Who knew? So we decided to try that too ;-)
 |
| High Desert Stream, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge] |
 |
| Windswept Grasses, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge] |
 |
| Tranquility Crater?, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge] |
A little more driving to get to our destination, as we watched the sunset.
 |
| Sunset on the Trees, Valles Cauldera, Jimenez Mountains, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge] |
