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.