Looking for some local knowledge for planning a trip to New Mexico

[vademocrat]

Ever since I read the following story on historynet several years ago I have wanted to come to New Mexico and do the same thing. It's a description of someone following the main character in a Louis L'Amour novel (Flint) to a hideout in the lava beds. The author did this in 1983 so I'm not sure if it's still possible. I'd like to do this next summer or early fall. Is anyone familiar with the Grants area? Know of trail guides in the area who would do this? Thanks!

"...My two sons were hard to see through the blinding rain. We were working our way into the eastern edge of the treacherous and beautiful black lava beds called the Malpais ("badlands"), south of Grants, New Mexico. We had decided to trail L'Amour to the Flint hideout. After taking the trail south from the railroad at McCartys, east of the Malpais, to Cebolleta Mesa, the rain let up a little and we discovered the hideout and pasture in a kupuka (island of vegetation) in the lava beds. We hiked in and had a soggy overnight camp in Jim Flint's hideout. It was much as L'Amour had described it: a grand, isolated island of vegetation--including some tall ponderosa pines -- that was sunk 50 feet in an old lava flow..."

http://www.historynet.com/culture/literature/3030756.html

[NMDemDist2]

1. I'd call the Grant Chamber of Commerce and ask them n/t

[vademocrat]

2. You're right - I've checked their website with no luck -

Talking to a person is what I need. Thought I'd check DU first though.

Thanks!

[abq e streeter]

3. Hello vademocrat

I'm in Albuquerque; about an hour east of Grants. I'll try to remember to mention this to a friend who works for the forest service here and see if he has any suggestions on someone to contact. Should see him within a week or so. Beautiful red rock formations out there too...

[Cybergata]

4. On the Highway west of Albuquerque to Grants, before

Grants, you drive right through the Malpais. My husband says that the turn off you want is marked, so you can see it. I suggest you get a map of the area. There are topographical maps of the area on line for New Mexico here: http://sar.lanl.gov/maps_by_name.html

I have lots of New Mexico links here: http://cybergata.com/nm.htm

Malpais links:
http://www.nps.gov/elma/
http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/rio_puerco/el_malpais.html
http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/el_malpais_lavabeds/national_monument.html
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=35.07801&lon=-107.80352&s=500&size=l&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG

You will be near Acoma Pueblo : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoma_Pueblo
Plus Mt. Taylor: http://www.altrec.com/published/camp/southwest/hikeupmounttaylorforacommandingview/
And all of this is in the Cibola National Forest: http://www.altrec.com/published/camp/southwest/hikeupmounttaylorforacommandingview/

Also near by, Inscription Rock http://www.nps.gov/elmo/ I have Spanish ancestors who signed the rock
Also, Zuni Pueblo is near.


Plus you will be near one of my favorite spots on earth, Chaco Canyon. I have links for Chaco and Indigenous New Mexican cultures here: http://cybergata.com/native.htm


If you have any questions about New Mexico History, especially history between 1598-1850, I'll be glad to answer them.

[abq e streeter]

8. show off...

[duhneece]

11. Loved the maps

I live in the canyons outside of Alamogordo. Thanks for sharing the links.

[Cybergata]

12. You are very welcome!

I'm always on the alert for anything having to with New Mexico online. Sometimes it is amazing what can be found.

Its nice to have a new person on the NM forum. It is way too quiet here, and we are going to be a key state this election especially with all the congressional seats we have open right now.

I believe we've always been a Blue state, especially after reading Greg Palast's books. I always had a feeling my absentee ballot wasn't voted, and now I'm sure of it. We can't take anything for granted over the next eleven months as we turn our state as a true Blue state. :hippie:

[Quixote1818]

5. Thanks for posing. I will have to find that spot now.

www.impossibledreamspub.com

[Cybergata]

6. Don Quixote1818

I'll add your website to my link of Personal New Mexican Websites. My father was a Don Quixote, plus he read the book in Spanish over and over. He was an educator, as I am, and believe me, we teachers fight windmills everyday. ;-) abq e streeter will testify to that!

[Quixote1818]

7. Thanks!

My book is for sale to at the link below if you ever want to check it out. I will be starting a new children's picture book on the History of New Mexico starting with the Jurassic Period and covering things like the Jemez Super Volcano, the Ice Age, the Native Americans, Spanish Explorers, Kit Carson, Santa Fe trail, Billy the Kid, Geronimo, Smoky the Bear etc. etc. etc.

[abq e streeter]

9. Cybergata really does know her stuff, gotta admit...

'specially for one of them Amurrika-hatin' libruls...

[Cybergata]

10. I should, considering . . .

I teach New México History, plus have ancestry here in New México that predate the Spanish settlement in 1598. Plus I had some help from my hubby. ;-)