An Otherworldly View of Granite Peak From Granite Gap

The recent hike with the Portal Rodeo Hiking Club was to Granite Gap.  After watching the Union Pacific steam train pass Steins NM (see previous post) the group headed for Granite Gap.  Another group of hikers was planning on spending the day hiking the area so it was decided to join them.  It was a pleasant 4.75 mile loop.  The map may be found in the side bar or here.  Below is a view of Granite Peak from the north side.  It is a somewhat impressionistic view of the peak rather than a documentary view.  But that is how the area struck me with the deep blue sky contrasting with the jagged intrusive granite and serpentine shaped rounded white quartz on the San Simon valley side of the peak.  By increasing contrast, partially reducing saturation, and shifting the hue the original photograph was transformed into this image.

Although it was suggested that the image resembles "Forbidden Planet" rest assured it is southwestern New Mexico where the sky's are blue and the weather warm.

Granite Peak from Granite Gap.

Granite Gap, Peloncillo Mountains, New Mexico

Obligations prevented participation in last weeks Portal Rodeo Hiking Club trip, but way point data was collected by Chiricahua Sky Island, Rodeo and the map was created.  Everyone entering or leaving the San Simon Valley from the north on Highway 80 (a surviving segment of the "Old Spanish Trail" or "Broadway of America" auto route) passes through Granite Gap in the Peloncillo Mountains.  The land is primarily BLM with an in-holding of private mining claims on the east side of the highway.  The area is crisscrossed with old trails and roads which makes for easy hiking.  In fact 2 hikers chose to ride horses for a better view of the area.  The route covered about 4 miles with 550' feet of elevation change.  Below is the Screenshot from Google Earth of the route and the map is in the sidebar or here.

Granite Gap hike