Thursday, April 11, 2013

Angel Peak Scenic Area, New Mexico


Angel Peak, New Mexico

One of the many lovely things about New Mexico is that you can be in an area that appears flat, but if you just go down this road or that, you will encounter an other-worldly terrain that has you breathing, "wow."

Angel Peak, New Mexico


Angel Peak Scenic Area is like that, and it is only a short distance off of Highway 550, about 30 miles southeast of Farmington, New Mexico. The first 1/2 mile or so of the gravel road is, to be honest, ugly, with mechanical works and trucks and gas paraphernalia about. And this first 1/2 mile of road isn't in the greatest condition. Once you get past that, you're still on a gravel road, but it's in good condition and the rim of the canyon is only about a mile, maybe a mile and a half from the highway.

Angel Peak, New Mexico



It's a perfect place to stop for a picnic on your way north or south along the highway. There are picnic tables with shelters close to the rim. And a pit toilet - although when I visited, the toilet in the first picnic area was in need of a good cleaning. (The pit toilet two picnic areas away, the Cliff picnic area, I believe, was a much cleaner place. There's also a toilet at the campground.)

Angel Peak, New Mexico



I recommend driving or hiking all the way to the campground, as the views vary significantly, and you get much closer to the Angel Peak the closer to the campground you go.

Angel Peak, New Mexico


Someone's loved one is memorialized here.

Angel Peak, New Mexico

Angel Peak, New Mexico


I watched a bird perform flying stunts over the canyon. Whenever it spiraled downward, it emitted a hoarse double-honk. 

Angel Peak, New Mexico

Angel Peak, New Mexico


I liked this thoughtfully-placed bench at one of the picnic areas. And look how tidily the path is maintained.

Angel Peak, New Mexico



Angel Peak, New Mexico

Angel Peak, New Mexico

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