- CDT NM 2025 Day 17, Monday, April 23
- Start mile 414.5 Toaster House
- End mile 448.4 start Chain of Craters
- Miles walked: 33.9
The route takes 603 to York Ranch Road, and stays on that nearly all day. Here is a picture of the road, not terribly interesting, but if I have to look at it all day, so should you.
In about 15 miles is TLC Ranch, which provides water and camping to hikers. Most of this road is private land, so a camping opportunity is welcome.
The road is sand, gravel, or caliche, typically going through juniper pinon forest. In the afternoon I see a stepped mesa/ridge in the distance, characteristic of the Grants area.
A solar well provides water for the day.
Going by York Ranch, the day is intensely hot, with no shade opportunities.
Finally past York Ranch, I get to the first view of a lava flow.
I need to go along pavement for two miles at sunset to get to the beginning of the cairns at Chain of Craters.
Finished audiobook Witch of the Demon Seas, by Poul Anderson.