An Inspired Cook

Last year Joe and I started exploring the northwest part of New Mexico. Since then we’ve taken several day trips or long weekends to explore the breathtaking areas that you can only experience when hiking to them. I’m biased but I think this area is one of the most beautiful parts of the state. One place in particular that we wanted to go back and explore was the Red Rock Park approximately 10 miles east of Gallup, NM. As part of the Navajo Nation, these two trails lead to Pyramid Rock and Church Rock. There is a connecting trail between the two but it’s a bit too much for Joe and I to do all in one day. They are both moderate trails approximately 3 – 4 miles roundtrip respectively that have some spectacular views. Pyramid Rock as we discovered is not only beautiful from a distance, but the trail leads all the way up to the tip top of the peak. From there you can see for miles and miles in any direction. Joe and I are not in the same shape as our grown kids but we both felt this trail was fairly easy to climb. We met many hikers that had been hiking these trails year after year. They shared with us that if we didn’t go all the way to the top we would miss out on an amazing experience. When someone stops to tell you how much you will treasure an experience; listen. This was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Looking from above you can see the landscape that surrounds Gallup. From the beautiful Mesa’s that are dotted with shades of green and blue to the Red Rock formations that have been sculpted by the wind and sand, this area will always be one of my most cherished places to visit!

This is the beginning of the trail. Of course I had to get some dead wood in the picture as I love the artistic character of dead wood and/or trees that makeup the dessert Southwest.

It’s amazing to see how nature has transformed the landscape over time.

Capturing a crow soaring over the Red Rocks.

The chemtrails in the sky make sky art on a dark blue canvas.

As we hike along the edge of a beautiful rock canyon, Pyramid Rock stands tall in the distance.

Across the park to the east stands Church Rock. I will take you there in the next chapter of our visit to Red Rock Park.

There are markers along the way to mark the elevation as we hike upward.

As we gradually get closer to Pyramid Rock we will actually go around to the back side before scaling upward. Here are a few of the sights that are unique on our trek.

We saw several hoodoos along the way. Seen from below.

As we gain ground you can see the same hoodoos at our level.

Another artistic sculpture made by nature. It looked as if someone laid a large slab of rock on top of a hoodoo.

Another fine sculpture.

As we begin to climb higher we begin to see more of the Mesa down below, as you can see in the background.

Just beyond the trees is the marker at the top of Pyramid Rock. There are a few people already there taking pictures. Both Joe and I both feel excitement as we make the last few yards up to the top!

Yay!! We made it! If you want to know how far it is to LA, Miami, New York, Seattle or Albuquerque, look no further!

Joe, at the top of the world!

My turn to show off!

I would give you a 360 degree view if I could. But here are a few of the sights we saw from above Pyramid Rock . . .

And some panoramic photos that shows off the area.

I hope you enjoyed the sights surrounding and from above Pyramid Rock. I look forward to sharing our trip to Red Rock Park hiking along the Church Rock Trail which was only a few weeks ago. Even though they are in the same park, they each have their own unique formations and beauty.