We drove Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.  It cuts through the rugged center of the park with great views of volcanic geology.  We hiked a bit and birded a bit along the way.

Tuff Canyon was created when streams cut through a thick layer of volcanic ash.  The white walls appear in stark contrast to surrounding igneous rock.  Boulders must have been ejected with the ash and are embedded haphazardly in the canyon walls.  A brilliant yellow flower hangs from the wall.  Prickly Pear cactus find footing in unbelievable places.  A BIG mouse-like critter attempted to get a slightly oversized cactus leaf into his house…no luck.  We watched him drop it twice.

Seeps and springs create striking green oasis at sites of now abandoned ranches.

The road ends at Santa Elena Canyon, one of the most dramatic cuts made by the Rio Grande.  Today we hiked the cliff side trail until the canyon walls became too steep for even a footpath along the water’s edge.  It is a pretty dramatic even with the river very low as it is right now.  We still plan to kayak through there.  Maybe Wednesday?