In February, I hiked twice. I graced Lincoln National Forest and Caprock Canyons State Park with my presence and had nice little hikes in each. Check it out.
Hike 5 - Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico
Trail: Switchback (just outside of Cloudcroft, NM)
Date: Sunday, Feb 16
Distance: 5.01 miles
Distance From Home: 548 miles
Weather: Mild and Sunny
Trail Notes: Snow in shady areas of trail, mud in the sun
I was in New Mexico for work again, so I decided to take advantage of my surroundings and get a good hike in on a familiar trail. My aunt and I visited this trail last September, but it was completely different this time around. Same great trees and mild incline, but with sparkly bright snow. The snow was not deep enough to require anything more than my hiking boots, but it was prominent enough to fill my heart with joy. I miss regular snow, but apparently only when it’s nice to look at and not deep enough to require snow boots. The trail has a mile slope as it switchbacks along the hillside. It’s at about 8,000 feet, give or take, and follows the highway out of Cloudcroft. There are sweeping views of trees and mountains, but it also feels like a hallway through some big trees. It’s a nice little trail to do if you don’t have all day and want to enjoy some fresh pine scent. It’s not secluded feeling; there is road noise on occasion.
Hike 6 - Caprock Canyons State Park
Trail: North Prong Spur, Upper North Prong
Date: Saturday, February 29
Distance: 7 miles
Distance From Home: 290 miles
Weather: Partly sunny, warm, windy
Trail Notes: The climb to Fern Cave was not exactly what I remembered, but still manageable
We planned a family weekend of camping, hiking, and most importantly campfires. My aunt and uncle hauled their camper out and set up a few days before the weekend, and Eric, Chewy, and I made our way out Friday afternoon. It was windy and sunny, mild, and seemingly perfect for the end of February. We planned to hike Saturday, I wanted to show my aunt Fern Cave and just enjoy the day we all had together. We started out, a little late because a wee bit too much was consumed the night before. The sun stayed behind some clouds most of the day, which was actually a relief for temps. We were doing alright, a little windy but alright, then we hit the final push to get to Fern Cave. It was a little more intense than everyone was used to, but we made it up and then down in only to find they were all brown! I had only been in the fall, so I wasn’t sure if they went brown in the winter and came back to life in the spring? I didn’t know what to expect. Either way, we enjoyed the cool temps but had to get out because some people were monopolizing it with their lunch making (making it stink like fuel) and dogs off leash everywhere. We meandered out and back to the main trail and eventually back to my car. The dog was TIRED, we were mostly spent, and it was definitely time for a cocktail and some dinner.
No matter how many times I visit Caprock Canyons, I always enjoy the trails. It’s one of my go-to locations in Texas and I already can’t wait to get back for another weekend.
