Tonuco Uplift Walkabout
Came back to the Tonuco Uplift once again. A friend was on a mission to find a couple of petroglyph sites. We found them both.
Soft sandstone was easily carved by 20th century visitors |
Kokopelli figure. Some images at this site, like this one, may have been done in homage by 20th and 21st century artists, |
Mask petroglyph |
Historical graffiti |
We parked in and then walked along Tonuco Arroyo heading west. We then turned and followed an old road heading south. It was very warm for January, and the unrelenting winter sun ( once we got out from under the shadow of the cliffs) eventually took its toll on us and on our black dogs, mostly remedied by frequent rests and lots of water.
There's was much to see in this northwest quadrant of the uplift: remains of 20th century mining, railroad and ranching activity, as well artifacts and art from earlier centuries long gone by. If you choose to explore out here, keep in mind NONE of it is for collecting.
Viewing Tonuco Mountain's abrupt rise of close 1000 feet above the Rio Grande valley here was worth the price of admission here. The rest was just a bonus. As always, when exploring a new area, many new possibilities for new ventures began to multiply in my mind. We will be back again.
NOTE: A good portion of this area is on State Trust Land. A recreation permit is a requirement for access.
Labels: hiking, petroglyphs, rockhounding
1 Comments:
Hi Devon,
If you come back here to explore, could I maybe join you? I would love to see the petroglyphs. I want to note that I have intense respect for archaeological history and would not disturb or remove any of the artifacts present here. Thank you very much and I hope all is well with you. I would still love to purchase your book sometime.
Best,
Stephen Bendel
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