"There's no use going back to yesterday because I was a different person then." - Alice in Wonderland

Once in a lifetime...it's a phrase that makes me scrunch my face. Every moment of our lives, each one of them, is a once in a lifetime type of moment. Sometimes I think the world forgets. Make it epic, they say. Make it grand. But in reality, every single moment, the big ones and the small ones, they *all* are just as important and just as special. Well, today I turned 37, and turning 37 is a once in a lifetime deal. So naturally, we had to celebrate in classic Stockton Six style.

The East Jemez River slot Canyon is such a hidden gem amongst the Jemez wilderness. The trailhead is hard to find, and you have to hike a good mile to even get to it, but the payoff is soooo worth it!

First stop, park at the East Fork trailhead. This trail can be just as beautiful, but if you want to see the amazing-ness that is the slot canyon, you have to hike a mile south, along the highway, and hit up the trailhead that sits at the curve of the road. Most of the time you'll see cars parked just off the shoulder, but in my experience, it's best to park in a designated parking lot! Check out the adventures page on the website for a link to the trailhead and to the parking lot!

Once you hit the trial you'll hike through a few fields just off the stream. The trail winds, up and down, and you'll cross the river over half a dozen times! Definitely make sure you have a pair of water shoes...not shoes that you don't mind getting wet, but actual water shoes! The ones you see in the link are the ones I use, and they work just fine for me. You'll appreciate it at the end of the hike, trust me on this one!

River crossings....there are sooo many on this trail! And they are FUN! We found ourselves wanting to hike straight up the river for most of the trip instead of staying on trail. There's something fun about water in any circumstance, but when you're surrounded by canyon walls, the lure is even stronger.

I definitely recommend pulling this trail up on All Trails! Swipe through the pictures and check out the recordings of those who have completed the trail before. It'll give you a good idea of how much time to plan on! We gave ourselves a whole day to be here, including the hour and a half travel both to and from Albuquerque. We didn't have to leave super early or anything, but were on the road by nine in the morning!

The trail itself feels longer than it actually is. The girls needed some snack-age twice on the way in...so pack plenty of food. It's an easy hike, so making the trip with a backpack cooler isn't too bad. Here's the one we use...we love it! If you have the time, the end of the trail has a few waterfalls and some small pools to play and splash around in. We've been twice, and both times, we set out a blanket, had a picnic lunch, and splashed around for a good hour before setting off. Swimsuits are a must...hiking in wet clothes definitely creates discomfort. 

Also, if you can manage a towel or two, I know it would be appreciated! The water was cool, even in the middle of the summer, and being able to towel off the girls helped them air dry so much faster!

This trail is quickly becoming a favorite for the Stockton Six! I hope you all get a chance to scope it out, and if you do, send us some pics! Rock on!

https://stocktonsix.com/jemez-river-slot-canyon

Hike the Jemez

Jemez NM