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https://www.google.com/maps/place/San+Mateo+Mountains,+New+Mexico+87825/@33.7186029,-107.4681276,1575m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x8720f1969a81db9d:0x98e78a7282664fa3
After tumbling more than 30 miles up a jeep road and into the mountains, I arrived at the lookout station on the top of Mount Withington. I hadn’t seen a single other person all day, and the expansive 360 degree view added greatly to the sweet sense of solitude. It was that quintessential feeling that keeps me chasing wilderness time and time again. Sweeping grasslands stood between me and the Magdalenas, some 20 miles to the northwest, where I stood just a few hours before.
There were some challenges in finding an unobstructed view beneath the summit since the ridgeline was so heavily wooded, but every opening I found in the piñon and juniper revealed subtle rolling contours that slowly shifted with the passing of the afternoon sun. Portions of the San Mateos are currently designated wilderness, but this vast mountain range still has large areas that warrant protection.
Another 20 miles down the jeep road I began to descend out of the mountains. The transition zone between forest and grassland offered some of the best views and the most interesting vegetation. I could have easily spent several days exploring this area, but it was time to make the haul back to Las Cruces before heading out on the next adventure.
source: http://wilderness.org/photographic-tour-through-some-new-mexico%E2%80%99s-unprotected-hidden-gems
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