Cibola National Forest - Sawtooth Mountains

Sawtooth Mountains

We did this little hike during my Thanksgiving break. There are no trails in the Sawtooths other than those made by livestock and wildlife, but there are many old, little used, unmaintained roads which can be used for hiking. We've done a few outings using them and I've scoped out several more for the future. This one began off of Forest Road 312 on the north side of Lone Mountain. The route we were walking headed north to a low pass on the north-south ridge of the mountains.

The road. Lone Mountain

 Cave? at center.

Lone Mountain

 As with almost every hike I've planned in the Sawtooths, the rock formations are a big part of the reason for getting out there. We were treated to great views off to the west with colorful cliffs, towers, and a rocky coxcomb during our modest ascent (we only gained about 130 feet).

At the pass, were two concrete foundations, probably for water storage tanks now long gone. We continued down the other side on what was now more of a path than a road, although it did show use by motorized vehicles.

 There was still snow patches on the ground on this north facing side of the ridge. The way followed the same fence line from the south side (which is not property boundary) for a ways before heading off to the northeast following a small drainage, which we crossed a couple of times.  We were getting spectacular views now of the massive snow-clad cliffs on the north side of the ridge, but most of the time they nearly impossible to photograph. We did manage a few good shots which hopefully capture the magic of this place.

Nessie

 Eventually we hit upon a road that may or may not be considered the upper most extension of FR 319. We used it to meander to the east a bit along the base of the mountain. After less than a 1/4 mile this road ended at turnaround nestled in the piñons and junipers. We used it to turn around. After heading back retracing our steps for a little awhile we found a dry enough log to enjoy a lunch in the woods. 

Andrea

This was a very pleasant, stress free walk of a little over 2 miles (round trip).  Nessie was kept motivated by all the chipmunk activity in the many downed logs on the north side.  Thin clouds made for pale blue skies and the temperature was quite pleasant for late November.