Jemez Springs is a charming little village nestled in the bottom a deep canyon with tall cliff walls of red and white stone; natural formations of tent rocks, fissures and caves are revealed as the light shifts. The Jemez River flows through it, offering places to picnic, soak your feet and relax. There are a few artist co-ops, dining establishments and places to soak in the natural hot waters.
Travel up canyon just fifteen minutes you will find natural warm and hot springs on USFS land, several trails and fishing spots along the river and cooler mountain climates as you approach La Cueva, another small community of Jemez Springs. Stop into Amanda’s Country Store for snacks and a fishing license and end your day with a delicious pizza or sandwich next door at Nomad’s.
Jemez Falls is the main hub of the race, where runners will check into an aid station twice, as well as finish the race. There are trails here as well; enjoy a short hike to the falls and wading pools or take a more strenuous (but worth it) 2 mile hike to the McCaulley Warm springs for a soak.
Ten minutes north of Jemez Falls is the Valles Caldera National Preserve, boasting spectacular views and one of the largest herds of elk in North America. Colors should be changing and the elk bugling when you visit for the race!
LODGING: Jemez Springs & La Cueva Lodging Jemez Springs lodging is convenient to the race start. La Cueva is 15 minutes to the start and 10 minutes to Jemez Falls (major aid station and finish).
Casa Blanca Garden Cottage *discount* Casa Blanca has a beautiful cottage for rent on the high bank of the Jemez River, nestled in the cottonwood trees. It’s across the street from Hwy 4 Bakery and walking distance to the park, 2nd Alarm Brewhouse and START. They are offering a generous 20% discount to race participants!
CAMPING: There is camping at Jemez Falls campground available. 25 to 30 minutes to the race start, but convenient to the aid stations and the race finish. We are working with the USFS to reserve a loop for race goers and an option to reserve one of these spots is available when you register for the race. More information here: Jemez Falls Campground. There is also Redondo Campground just a couple miles north of La Cueva towards Jemez Falls; these sites do not require a reservation. There is also dispersed camping in the area. *Please pack out what you pack in and be prepared to put your campfires “dead out” (cold to the touch after stirring)!
DINING: Please support our sponsors! I can’t tell you enough how appreciative of their support we are; both are start-ups and the forest closures have not made the first season easy, yet there was no hesitation about sponsorship from them!. Both are also known to have gone above and beyond expectations in providing delicious meals to our local fire crews this season!
NOMAD PIZZA (La Cueva) is one of our newer establishments and one of our race sponsors! We encourage you to show them some love in kind and check them out! With hand tossed brick oven pizzas with the perfect crust, great sandwiches with in-house smoked meats to homemade apple pie, you will certainly have a happy belly!
SECOND ALARM BREWHOUSE *SPONSOR!!*& Monica’s Firehouse Grill are also sponsors and will be crafting a special “Wildland 52” brew for us! Monica makes amazing burgers and (my weakness), fresh ribbon fries.
There’s plenty of Other Wonderful Dining Options in Jemez Springs as well!!
AREA ATTRACTIONS:
Jemez Monument is a must visit (and you will get a sampler at the race start!), as it has much historical significance to the area dating back to the 17th century! The Jemez Monument has been so gracious to open the gates early for us so runners may follow the course through the monument itself; family and friends are welcome to visit the site throughout the day! We hope that you will take the time to visit the ruins of the old Mission, enjoy the exhibits that share the Jemez Pueblo’s story; please consider a donation to them for their hospitality and support of the Wildland 52!
Fenton Lake State Park is a great place to unwind, cool off and bird watch! It’s within a few minutes drive of the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery.
A must visit, just ten minutes from Jemez Falls is the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Take a scenic hike, trail run or mountain bike ride, listen for elk bugling and watch the prairie dogs play, or visit Walt’s cabin from the show Longmire! Van tours are also available.
Bandelier National Monument is another must see! A 40 minute drive from Jemez falls is well worth the trip. Set in a beautiful canyon, visit ancient cliff dwellings; there are plenty of hiking trails appropriate for all ages.
Hot Water: And of Course, it IS Jemez “Springs”! We have three area natural hot springs on USFS lands and are free to the public; you just need to be willing to take a little (or long) hike to get to them. There are also two local commercialized hot springs right in the village; perfect for relaxing after the race!
Wildland 52 Mountain Race & Backyard Ultra 