Coyote Tank Canyon-Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument

 Seamus and I went out to explore the upper reaches of this canyon that's cut into the escarpment on the south side of the Uvas Mountains. It was a breezy, but sunny winter afternoon as we started out just short ways west of the Corralitos Road. I had wanted to find a way to drive out to the water tank on the low mesa, but the road situation in this area is a mess. Wash-outs and brush, disappearing tread, and alternate routes that go nowhere all add up to a very confusing bit of ground. There still may be a way to drive out to the tank yet, but this, shortest day of the year, was not the day to look for it. We hiked  on the road and made it to the tank in short order, and then it was northwest cross country toward some junipers in the distance that mark where the canyon comes onto the flatlands.
I saw a deer that Seamus luckily didn't. He did chase a couple of jackrabbits though. We flushed out one good sized covey of quail as well.
 There is fantastic boulder field on the benches of the east side of the steep canyon where we explored, looking for rock art. We found none.

 In the highest sections of the stream courses on either side of the main canyon  were lines of junipers leading up to the plateau above us. The ultra-rugged qualities of this highest section of the canyon would seem to preclude its use by ancient peoples,but we still looked a little longer. We then made our way to the creek bed for a bit.


 Eventually we got out of the creek to  head back to the tank, which was brimming with water,but must be for storage and distribution only, as it was too high for cattle to use. We got off the road at one point to walk straight to our vehicle.Unfortunately, this more direct line of our return approach was made difficult by the myriad of dessicated, but still potently thorny weeds that covered  much of the territory. Just a few hours out in our desert, another of my many quick-hikes done.
NOTE:I'm calling this Coyote Tank Canyon because the stream leads right to Coyote Tank on the east side of the Corralitos Road. It is a tributary of Silva Canyon. This is not Coyote Canyon a short distance to south.

San Lorenzo Canyon

  This canyon is a wide wash where I-25 crosses it, but a few miles to the east it has wonderful box section with towering formations and cliffs. There is a many nook and cranny to explore in the numerous side channels as well. Unfortunately we only had time for  quick picnic, while returning home from a trip to Santa Fe. After eating we drove to where vehicles of all kinds must turn around, but now that I've had a first look at this little gem, I will be back for a hike. It's easy enough to get to, just take exit 156 ( Lemitar) and then follow the signs on  the west side frontage road. Once the driving in the canyon itself begins, four wheel drive may be needed, but the dirt roads heading there are excellent. Perhaps because it's so easy to get to, it appears this place is pretty popular, so don't expect to be alone, especially on a weekend.