Wallsmith Canyon 9th Dec, 2006

Wallsmith Canyon (or Wall Smith Canyon) is located over the ridge (to the west) of Rodamarker Canyon, just above Bonito Lake. On some maps there is a trail marked partway up this canyon so our hike was an exploration of this canyon. We found a lot of evidence that there was a trail that was maintained up until perhaps 10 years ago.

The trail appeared to end a mile or so from the Crest Trail. Below is a photo of after the trail ended.


Emerging into the meadow below the Crest Trail:

The Crest Trail is just blow the horizon.

This was the view across the Bonito Catchment, Nogal Peak is left of center.

We climbed up to the ridge between Wallsmith and Rodamarker canyons rather than go all the way to the Crest Trail. Below Dick covers the final uphill stretch.

Our Lunch spot; view northeast. Monjeau is out of frame to the right.
Decent into Rodamarker Canyon. The first drop (until we joined up with the trail) was fairly steep.

Near the top of Rodamarker canyon we crossed a Cougar/Mountain Lion's day-old path. (Approx. 3-4inches toe-to-toe).
The final walk down the well-maintained Rodamarker Canyon trail: