Florida Mountains (Part 1):
Dragon Ridge bears a striking resemblance to a sleeping dragon. I saw it for the first time the summer before when first visiting Rockhound State Park which turned into a climb to the Little Florida Mountains HP.
I was totally fascinated with the entire Florida Mountains, and intend to continue to explore them in the near future.
From El Paso:
- Take i10 to Deming, New Mexico
- Take 549 East
- Right on 143 (eventually becomes Cam Real Rd)
- Continue straight even as the road becomes gravel
- We parked just off the road where Cam Real ends, turns, and becomes Coyote Rd begins.
To actually approach the feature we hopped the fence. The feature straddles State and BLM lands (everything south of the fence is State and BLM). It is worth mentioning, that I only recently learned that state lands may also mean the land is leased, so it is recommended that one take the time to determine who the steward(s) of the lands are and seek their blessing prior to penetrating them.
We used an arroyo to approach and begin the ascent. It starts off gradual, and becomes significantly steeper the further you go. If you enjoy talus slopes you'll enjoy this festive climb. Two thirds of the ascent is maneuvering up them. We encountered some isolated patches of stinging nettle which was pretty easily avoided.
Towards the top, as the talus begins to end (more stable rock face takes its place) the steepness reaches a climax as you encounter a near vertical wall. As tempting as it might be to give it a whack, just shimmy left/east to weasel your way up the slot canyon. At its height your given a spectacular sneak peak of the rest of the Florida Mountains. On the west wall is a section you can scramble up.
Carefully make your way up the wall. Once it levels out you should be able to identify the summit. From there you have a beautiful view of the rest of Dragon Ridge, the rest of the Florida Mountains to your south, Tres Hermanas Mountains (south/southwest), Cookes Range up north, the Little Floridas to the east, and MORE! I cannot say it enough, it was absolutely a phenomenal view! There was also a summit registry.
The way down provides its own challenges as you carefully work your way down the talus slopes. Theoretically you could surf parts of it down, but that's a good way to pick up cacti or protruding branches as I learned.
Once you make it down and back on the lower sections you'll be grateful for the solid ground. Be mindful of any rocks that might be slick from water (we found a small spring).
This was absolutely a fun time! I'm glad I was able to share the experience with a friend. Be cognizant of nearby property, respect the land, and stay safe!
Photos and videos by Alexander F. O'Connor
Soundtrack:
"The Mountains Where Dragons Live (Dragon Ridge Intro)" by
Alexander F. O'Connor
"The Mountains Where Dragons Live (Dragon Ridge Variant A)" by
Alexander F. O'Connor
"The Mountains Where Dragons Live (Dragon Ridge Variant B)" by
Alexander F. O'Connor
"The Mountains Where Dragons Live (Dragon Ridge Summit)" by
Alexander F. O'Connor
"The Mountains Where Dragons Live (Dragon Ridge Variant C)" by
Alexander F. O'Connor
"The Mountains Where Dragons Live (Dragon Ridge Variant D)" by
Alexander F. O'Connor
"The Mountains Where Dragons Live (Dragon Ridge Credits)" by
Alexander F. O'Connor
Music production, mixing, and editing made possible using
Music Maker (Version 28.0.3.51) by MAGIX Software GmbH
Video produced using Movie Maker (Version 2012) by
Microsoft Corporation
Thank you for watching!