Ignoring the lightning strikes in the area, and the oncoming monsoon, I headed towards Rio Grande Gorge after dropping off my stuff at the Abominable Snowmansion Hostel in Arroyo Seco (about 20 min N of downtown Taos).

La Vista Verde was one of the more interesting trails I have encountered. However, this was because I overlooked the obvious trail. Unfortunately the BLM failed to mark the trail leading to the steps, so I ended up climbing down a series of boulders to get what I correctly perceived as the trail.

Of course, since I was hiking solo, this was sheer stupidity.

However, by Zeus, I was going to make it to the "Target Rock Formation", even if I had to destroy the gods themselves. This time, it did not come down to that, but I was wondering about the couple who were merrily traversing a trail when I was about half way though the rocks. When I arrived at the bottom I shook my hands in defiance of the Gods. They'll have to try better next time! I made it to "Target Rock Formation", but decided against climbing it, because I had tried the Gods too much that day.

The hike back was significantly easier than the hike going to trail's end. Expect about a 1 - 2 hour hike if you take the correct trail. Expect a 4 hour dangerous crawl among boulders if you end up off the trail: you will face major spinal dislocation if you take a wrong step. (Note: I didn't break any bones.)

Follow the directions here to get to La Vista Verde trail.

Click on the pictures for a larger image.

Copyright (c) 2003 by Kerr Reno. All Rights Reserved.  For more information or if you have questions, contract kerr_reno "at" hotmail.com