San Lorenzo Canyon is a remarkable place. It is mostly on BLM land and borders the southern edge of the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (not to be confused with the Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Refuge). This canyon is made of sandstone, my old pal conglomerate rock, and a jigger of volcanic material. I would give you, dear reader, more detail on the geology of the canyon but most of the information I could dig up on the area was geologic technical jargon that made my eyes cross and my tongue poke out a little, before lapsing into a ten minute coma. There are a few spots here and there where a hillside has turned a bluish- greenish- grayish color as if it has suffered a large bruise or has become violently ill. I believe it has something to do with the mineral content of the soil. Certain parts of the canyon are also reminiscent of the canyon on Tatooine in the first Star Wars movie. I kept looking over my shoulder, half expecting to be ambushed by Jawas and have my droids stolen.
I found that (as with most places I wander off to) getting there was part of the fun. Exit I-25 at Lemitar, approximately 70 miles south of Albuquerque. The name Lemitar always brought to mind for me some mythological creature, perhaps a cross between a Minotaur and a lemur. And I always pictured Hercules pitted against it a la one of those awful (yet hysterical) 1950's movies like Hercules Against The Moonmen (which I own, thank you). Back to the directions... Exit I-25 at Lemitar and go north on the west frontage road for a distance of about 4 1/3 miles. The frontage road goes up and down repeatedly like it was paved over a stormy sea. I sped up a little and found myself exclaiming "Whee!" upon cresting each little hill. At the 4 1/3 miles point, the paved road curves to the right but you want to turn left onto the dirt road. There is only one official road to San Lorenzo Canyon but you'll find a confusing number of dirt roads branching off in all directions. At the first cattle guard, stay in the middle, and at the power lines stay left. You should soon find yourself driving atop some low hills. If you end up on the wrong road (as I did), don't worry too much because I believe they all make their way back to the main road at one point or another. This official road is maintained but does have some large-ish ruts and some sandy spots. I have read of the occasional motorist getting stuck, but most seem to make it okay. In fact, I know someone who recently traversed this road in a late- model Mustang (although it was a fully insured rental and I don't believe he was a bit concerned with the long term consequences). From the initial paved road it is roughly 2 1/4 miles to the second cattle guard, a bright yellow one on the right, which you want to cross. From this cattle guard it is about another 2 1/2 miles to the mouth of the canyon. Some folks like to park at the entrance and walk the length of San Lorenzo, while others choose to drive. Either way, a short distance into the canyon, on the right and partially concealed by a poofy oak, is the entrance to the largest and most impressive side canyon (the area in the photo at the top of the page). There are many side canyons and various trails to explore. One could easily spend a few days wandering the area. Forgive me, reader, for I was so busy gawking at the scenery that I forgot to note the drivable length of the canyon. I would guess, however, that it's just under a mile. The drivable portion of San Lorenzo dead ends at a pile of massive boulders that look as if they don't belong there at all. Indeed, they appear much like the primer- gray fake boulders seen in the old Star Trek shows in which the crew beams down to some planet and the anonymous crew member in the red shirt meets an untimely demise by way of an innocuous- looking plant that shoots poison gas clouds. I climbed over and around these boulders, keeping a lookout for unassuming murderous foliage, to have a peek at what lay beyond. I was disappointed to discover that it was a continuation of the canyon much like the rest of the portion I'd already been through. I say disappointed only because the boulders seemed so out of place, and a touch foreboding on this gloomy day, that I half expected to find the edge of the universe, or at least a portal to Hell. With this in mind, my findings seemed rather mundane.
I did not have the time this trip to really explore the area but I plan to return, perhaps several times, to give the place a thorough going- over. I feel I should warn you that locals congregate here in large numbers for Easter, and certain evidence points to occasional wild parties in the nighttime hours. Take this into consideration when planning your visit. I should probably mention that there are no fees for this area, nor are there any facilities. Camping is allowed with no additional fees.
San Lorenzo Canyon appears on maps back to the mid- 1800's, and most likely derives its name from the patron saint of the nearby town of Polvadera. San Lorenzo, the man, died in 258 A.D. when he was burned to death on a gridiron. Ironically, he is said to protect against fires. San Lorenzo is also the patron saint of chickens, of the poor, and of crops in August. So, if you're a disenfranchised chicken with pyrophobia and a large vegetable garden, Polvadera is the town for you! The town's Catholic church also takes its name from the multifaceted saint. On a random note, while I was passing through the little town, I spied the Polvadera Assembly Of God church and wondered to myself, "Does their god come in pieces in a box marked 'some assembly required'?"
The mouth of San Lorenzo Canyon is about an hour and a half drive from the Big I in Albuquerque.
For official info go to http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/socorro/san_lorenzo_canyon.html
