Sangre de Cristo Mountains

San Miguel County New Mexico

For westbound trail caravans approaching the Pecos River fords at San Miguel del Vado and San Jose del Vado, this first glimpse of the 12,000' high Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the N must have induced awe. Still a spectacular sylvan panorama (see closeup photo).

The coniferous forests, spilling S from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, provided firewood for trail caravans and building materials for settlers. Big game lured hunters. The Pecos River, which begins in these mountains, was a source of water for draft animals and people.