Nothing too dramatic to the east, leaving US 550.


To the west and north, though, is a different story. This is just about as colorful as New Mexico gets; the state is dominated by whiter sandstone, as opposed to Arizona's redder hues.


The east side of the road catches up in quality.


The west side of the road responds. I accept this form of one-upsmanship. (Incidentally, there's plenty more scenery on State Road 485 to the left - see link at bottom.)


Looking east in this valley.


The wind has eroded a natural arch into the cliff face.


Looking east and west at Jemez Springs.


The ruins at Jemez Springs are on the main State Road 4 page. This is the other sight at that location: the Soda Dam. Formed by minerals dissolved in a hot spring (which of course made the town famous), the Soda Dam is made of limestone and yet not inside a cave. The hot springs are heated by the same crust weakness that caused the Valles Caldera to the north and come out through a fault line here.


More western and northern scenery.


One last look to the northeast.

Continue northeast on State Road 4 to Valles Caldera
More Jemez Mountains photos on US 550 to the south
More Jemez Mountains photos on State Road 485
Back to State Road 4 scenery main page

Road photos from State Road 4
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