535. Wanda's Wanda-rings: Continental Divide Trail Part 2 The Logo
Another carving by lionsmane of NM commemorating Wanda's backpacking adventure from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide and the many CDT logo markers that can now be seen along the way.

Back when I was backpacking the CDT, of course, these markers were few and far between, since even an "official CDT route" had yet to be designated back then! So, when considering where to place this fine CDT logo stamp, we wanted to pick a spot that had a good example of the trail marker itself, as well as a newer section of trail to hike that would take us off some of the roads that had previously been used as the temporary CDT route in NM. One logical and easily accessible choice seemed to be the far southern approach to Mount Taylor, one of the four "sacred mountains" in this area, just north of Grants, NM off I-40. To get to the trailhead, simply go about 5.4 miles northeast on NM547 from the Pizza Hut on Business 40, and pull into the large, well-marked CDT parking lot up the short road to the right, soon after the "Entering Cibola National Forest" sign shortly before at mile 5.1.

Find the trailhead itself in the near corner of the parking lot, where you pass through a rusty-colored metal CDT emblazoned-gate, cross a small wooden bridge and then reach a brown carsonite post CDT trail marker on your right after about 35 steps. About 65 steps more brings you to a multi-trunk juniper on your right with a large colorful metal CDT logo marker attached to it. Just past that juniper, go off trail right (c.70 degrees) about 2 dozen steps uphill to some yucca plants and rocks. The small round box is hidden in an alcove just left of of a yucca group whose lower portion looks wilted. The parking lot is plainly visible from here, since you're scarcely 100 steps away from the trailhead, and you've already gotten to see at least three different types of CDT logos - imagine that!!!

Replace the box carefully, as always, and read more about my old backpacking adventures at Wanda Wandarings

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