- CDT NM 2025 Day 20, Saturday April 26
- Start Bonita Zuni Alternate mile 4
- End CDT mile 530.5 in heights after trailhead north of town
- Miles walked: 27.5
Continuing on Bonita Canyon, the route gets to Zuni Canyon and follows it east for several miles.
Zuni Canyon is narrower, with higher walls. The south-facing wall has less vegetation, and the geology is more visible.
The north-facing wall has more vegetation, with trees managing to grow on extremely steep slopes.
Zuni Canyon Road starts as a gravel road, and transitions to pavement on the approach to Grants.
Exiting the canyon walls brings us into the suburbs of Grants.
Twelve years ago when going through Grants I stopped at the Mining Museum. Now I see a History Museum that happens to be open, and notice there is a Historic Airways Museum to explore someday.
Did you know Grants was involved in growing carrots? I did not.
I knew about nearby Bluewater Canyon, but not Bluewater Dam, likely used to provide water for carrots.
Here is the first telephone switchboard for the city.
After the museum I appreciate the nearby park.
I stop at Smiths Grocery for food resupply and snacks, and then hike on. I have only been on trail for 3 nights since Toaster House, and am not ready to spend another night in town yet. Maybe at the next town, Cuba.
The road out of town passes by a prison.
Hitching is discouraged near the prison.
At the trailhead I climb up the trail for a mile or so to a flat spot, and pitch a tent.
I had been cowboy-camping recently, but wanted to try a tent for more warmth.
Finished audiobook The Amazing Adventures of Letitia Carbery, by Mary Roberts Rinehart.