Today we decided to take a thirty-minute drive to our area of Cibola National Forest. Waiting for COVID-19 test results is for the birds. We needed to get out.

Route 66 is a straight shot from the RV park to the forest. Most of what surrounds me are red rock mesas–which are beautiful–but I’m a piny kind of guy, feeling most at home in the woods. I’ve seen magnificent photos of Cibola National Forest near Albuquerque, but I wasn’t so sure about the forest near Gallup.

Once we turned into the forest at Fort Wingate, the road was all ours.

Gallup seems less popular than other destinations, which is fine by me. First, we decided to check out McGaffey Lake, a local fishing spot. Since it’s July, the water was low–but it was still beautiful. Sadly, trash skirted the lake. Next time I go there, I’ll bring a trash bag.

Then we ventured off the main road, discovering many quiet camping sites. A few roads close from December to March. I’m not sure whether that has to do with snow conditions or some other factor. Even now, the roads are a little tricky without four-wheel drive. We followed dirt side-roads here and there. At one point, we found our eureka moment.

I’m excited to return here in the cooler months. I may have to park further down with my Corolla and lug up some camping equipment, but it will be well worth it.