An Inspired Cook

The White Ridge Bike Trails and Dragons Back is one of New Mexico’s natural wonders. The area is full of white gypsum which is visible all along the trails. We hiked the White Ridge Loop in March which is approximately 5 miles. And just recently we hiked Dragons back. Both trailheads are gorgeous with colorful landscapes to see along the way. It’s one of those places that we never tire of, it calls me back over and over again. The trails are wide open with little shade so we avoid going in the heat of the summer, but as soon as the weather turns cool we are ready to go back. The gypsum rocks you find along the way are like a snowflake, no one rock formation is the same, they are all unique. And those artistic dead trees that have so much character; it’s as if they are sitting there waiting to be photographed in front of a beautiful backdrop. Dragons Back is a long ridge that spans over 7 miles out and back. We hiked along the spine in early October under a partly cloudy sky which made for some amazing photos as the sun peeked through here and there. Enjoy nature and get outside for a walk, it can lift your spirits in so many ways!

The long ridge on the left side is the Dragons Back Trail. The trail runs across the top of the spine. Today we are heading on the White Ridge Bike trail that goes around the east side and will take us down through the valley before looping back.

As we hike along the trail we came up to a mineral seepage where the gypsum crystals are forming. It is powdery to the touch and has a crystallized appearance. It will form onto the dirt and eventually solidify to look like rocks crystals.

The trail takes an upward curve to the east where we see a couple of hikers ahead.

Looking west to Cabezon Peak.

Here is White Ridge with a layer of gypsum on top that looks like a snowcapped mesa!

The white line on the top right side is where we started the trail that winds down to the valley and then back up the hill dotted with cedar trees. We are about halfway and on the loop back around.

Time to walk along the spine of the Dragons Back!

It’s a gorgeous day with clouds shadowing the landscape!

Some of the fascinating trees along the way. They are so artistic with a beautiful landscape behind them.

A frame for Cabezon Peak.

We met a few bikers along the way.

The mineral springs below with gypsum that looks like snow.

We are getting there. The last leg of the spine is just ahead.

We made it! Looking back at the long ridge that we just hiked, and now it’s time to head back.

Hope you enjoyed some of our most beautiful hiking trails! Until next time . . . hasta la vista!