I normally go out to the Ojito Wilderness only in winter. I’ve always thought it would be way too hot any other time, especially in the summer. However, I never managed to get out there earlier this year, mostly because I figured there’d be plenty of mud due to all the rain we’d had. The mud in that area is truly formidable — it’s so slippery that it’s very difficult to simply stand in it. Never mind trying to walk.
So I can’t honestly claim that the scene above, with a plethora of wildflowers poking up through the dried grass, is atypical — but I certainly suspect it is. It’s fairly unusual to see large masses of wildflowers anywhere in New Mexico, ever.
I’d begun driving toward the Rio Grande Gorge that day, but the clouds in the sky beckoned me westward instead of north. The two scenes above are both reasonably generic Ojito landscapes, with the exceptions of the wildflowers and gorgeous sky.
I noticed the ground was much softer than I’d expected so I wasn’t surprised to see even more wildflowers, including the feather daleas I mentioned last week, and the penstemons1 above. The little spikes poking up out of the sand in the image below are also blooming penstemons.
There are numerous rock formations scattered throughout the Ojito Wilderness, all hidden within generic landscapes. It’s hard to find them unless you know exactly where to look. Fortunately for me, there was a trail straight out to the hoodoos above.2
The sky that day was a gift that kept on giving and giving. I had to begin hustling at about this point on my way back because I could hear thunder behind me. You’ll be happy to know that I was able to grab a few more shots and get back to my vehicle unscathed.3
I think they’re James’ penstemons (aka James’ beardtongue) but I’m not positive.
They’re called the Bernalillito Hoodoos.
These photos are actually just the tip of the Ojito iceberg. There will likely be more coming to your inbox soon.
Spectacular, as always!
Great pics, not familiar with Ojito, looks interesting!