Pecos River

[Picacho]

Moderator note: Split off from Homero's Seminole Canyon trip report

Another nice state park on the Pecos River.

[SHANEA]

Another nice state park on the Pecos River.

I didn't know the Pecos went all the way into NM.  I thought it petered our around I-20.

Pecos River

The Pecos River has its beginnings in Mora County, New Mexico, then flows southeast for approximately 500 miles where it joins the Rio Grande. Of its total length, approximately 350 miles are located in Texas. Red Bluff Reservoir, a small lake established for hydroelectric power, is located in Loving and Reeves Counties near the Texas-New Mexico border. The river flows through flat, semi-arid lands along the upper section, where the shoreline varies from no trees and few bushes to dense saltcedar thickets. In the lower regions, particularly below Pandale, the river flows through picturesque canyons and rugged desert terrain.

An Analysis of Texas Waterways: A Report on the Physical Characteristics of Rivers, Streams, and Bayous in Texas: Major Waterways of West Texas

[Pedreo233]

I am a fly fisherman and fished the Pecos above Santa Fe, NM last year.  It was about 10 to 20 ft wide and raging with snow melt (could hardly stand up in it).  Actually, the Pecos runs over 900 miles to the Rio Grande from that Mora Co in northern NM.  You should check out the Pecos Wilderness where its headwaters are - a great alpine forest area to hike and camp (and fish, if you are into that).  Be careful of the water though, a good friend of mine got Giardia sp. up there about a decade ago.

Anyway, more on Seminole Canyon SHP, you have my interest!

[Picacho]

I am a fly fisherman and fished the Pecos above Santa Fe, NM last year.  It was about 10 to 20 ft wide and raging with snow melt (could hardly stand up in it).  Actually, the Pecos runs over 900 miles to the Rio Grande from that Mora Co in northern NM.  You should check out the Pecos Wilderness where its headwaters are - a great alpine forest area to hike and camp (and fish, if you are into that).  Be careful of the water though, a good friend of mine got Giardia sp. up there about a decade ago.

Anyway, more on Seminole Canyon SHP, you have my interest!

Yep, been to the Pecos Wilderness quite a few times.  Passed by Pecos Falls and hiked the trail to the Pecos headwaters and on up to the Skyline Trail.  I've climbed all 4 of the Truchas Peaks, South Truchas 4 times.  Also climbed East Pecos Baldy, Pecos Baldy, Chimayosos, and Jicarita.  Got quite a few more peaks to climb there when time permits.  One of my favorite places on this earth.

Here is the snowfield that starts the Pecos River. 

[Pedreo233]

Picacho, agreed, a realy nice place.  And one I too intend to get back to as soon as I can.  I envy you since you have done so much of that area. 

Tell us more, Homero...
Al, you behave.

[Al]

Richard, thank you. You are, as always, on top of things. I have a chat with Pete.

Al

[homerboy2u]

Do you guys have any pictures of the spot where the Pecos comes to surface?...right now the Pecos reaches the wlls of the caynon and it musta have had several good snow ins tomelt all this water and get it flowing down t the Rio Grande.

 What's the name of the fungi algae bacteria you friend got Pedreo?

[Pedreo233]

 What's the name of the fungi algae bacteria you friend got Pedreo?

Homero - it is called Giardia which is the scientific name for a group of parasitic organisms that  cause severe intestinal distress known as giardiasis.  Giardia are protozoans with a flagella (bacteria like microorganisms that have a tail they use to swim in water).  If you get it, it reproduces in your intestines and you basically poop your guts out.  You take a pill to kill it.  It gets in the water from animals pooping in the water or via poor hygiene.  Filter natural water with a good filter and you should not have any problems.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giardiasis
This is a wikapedia link where you can read more about it from those more educated on it than I.

[championbaum]

the pecos wilderness is great, we have our family reunion there, i usually say high to the family and then spend the week trekking around. Skyline trail is wonderful, it is a great escape from the heat down here.