(nr Pie Town NM)
Hiked out to see Monument Rock which reaches 8,541ft elevation. Round trip from camp was about 5 miles. It was the longest trek I’ve done in quite some time. And, my knees were complaining.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/9C097CEE-AA9C-4D22-9FB6-55B84314C949-500x379.jpeg)
During a prior visit there, I remained a goodly distance away from that rock pillar. But, this time I went up to near the base and walked about 2/3rd around it. Many more photos were taken at various viewpoints.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/BE0A836F-CF2B-445C-B1B5-0926CFAAD1BB-373x500.jpeg)
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CCEF9DDF-753D-448F-A26D-8AF3549CBB39-500x396.jpeg)
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/E18DBFA8-497A-49AF-BF00-24687C03E1EC-500x375.jpeg)
Getting closer with a more skewed angle showed the rock’s massive quality. The texture could also be seen better. And, the varied shapes of the formation appeared from different spots.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/D18F2273-D0B8-4EAB-A97D-5EADFB8B0294-368x500.jpeg)
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/EBE668E1-0C5D-45E5-862E-551CF67E7C68-500x381.jpeg)
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/16043124-A3AA-4539-AB6E-1C6A3791DC37-500x364.jpeg)
Below the pillar were numerous rock slides, dense vegetation of mostly piñon and juniper trees; and some downed dead trees. Also, a couple of drainage ditches. All provided added interest to the scene.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/29A1F923-6C8B-44E3-8CB6-9A176D75E345-scaled-e1597270722641-375x500.jpeg)
After seeing the monument near and far, a track was taken to return to camp through the forest. The idea was to lessen the distance back. A deer trail was followed most of the way, which involved a lot of ups and downs.
Camp: Cibola NF-Criswell Rd boondock
Scene: Rock formation, mountains, trees
Beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing
Glad you liked them, Betty. Hope you continue to follow the journey.
Lovely.
Yes, beautiful country out here.