The Jemez Mountains

The village of Jemez Springs is surrounded by the Jemez Mountains. The Jemez (pronounced HAY-mez or HAY-mus) are unique from the Southern Rockies to the east, in that the Jemez are of volcanic origin. Millions of years ago there were volcanic explosions creating an area of mountains, mesas and canyons the size of some Eastern states.

The volcanic history of the Jemez makes it a colorful history. From the red rock country on its lower edges to the deep greens of its high country, the Jemez offers landscape diversity. Fortunately, much of it can be viewed or accessed from Highway 4, the Jemez Mountain Trail.