Normally, I have a rule: no hiking in New Mexico below 9,000 feet after June 1st. For some reason, I threw that rule out the window earlier this week when I decided we should spend the day circumnavigating Bandelier National Monument (Frijoles Rim Trail, Stone Lions Trail and Mid-Alamo Trail). The 15 mile hike was great – sweeping mesa views, rugged canyons, hoodoos, critters and pueblo ruins. On the other hand, the 600 foot, stair-step, switchback climb out of lower Alamo Canyon 11 miles into the hike – not so great. The canyon is a giant oven. We each brought 3 liters of water for the day, and wished we had brought more. However, despite the heat and aching knees, we had a great time. Here are a couple of photos: