Manzano Mountains facts for kids
The Manzano Mountains are a small mountain range located in the middle of New Mexico, a state in the United States. These mountains stretch about 30 miles (48 km) from north to south. They are found just east of the town of Belen. The name "Manzano" comes from the Spanish language word for "apple tree." The mountains got this name because of the apple orchards that were once planted in the nearby town of Manzano.
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Exploring the Peaks
The tallest point in the Manzano Mountains is Manzano Peak. It stands at an impressive 10,098 feet (3,078 meters) high and is located at the southern end of the range.
Other Important Peaks
Besides Manzano Peak, there are other cool peaks to know about:
- Bosque Peak: This peak is 9,610 feet (2,929 meters) tall and has a flat top. It's found near the middle of the mountain range.
- Mosca Peak: Standing at 9,509 feet (2,898 meters), this peak looks like a pyramid.
- Guadalupe Peak: This peak is 9,450 feet (2,880 meters) tall and also has a pyramid shape.
Mosca Peak and Guadalupe Peak are often called "twin pyramids" because of their similar shapes. If you're looking at the mountains from the city of Albuquerque, these two peaks are usually the easiest to spot! While Manzano Peak and Guadalupe Peak are very steep and dramatic, the Manzano Mountains don't have as many big cliffs as their neighbors, the Sandia Mountains.
Manzano Wilderness Area
A large part of the Manzano Mountains, including Manzano Peak and the western slopes, is protected as the Manzano Wilderness. This special area covers about 36,875 acres (14,923 hectares). It stretches 17 miles (27 km) from north to south and is 3 to 5 miles (5 to 8 km) wide.
There are many trails for hiking in the wilderness, totaling about 64 miles (104 km). One of the most famous is the 22-mile (35 km) Crest Trail, which goes along the highest parts of the mountain range. This is a great place for nature lovers to explore!
How the Mountains Were Formed
The Manzano Mountains are part of a bigger group of mountains called the Sandia–Manzano Mountains. These mountains were formed by a process called fault-blocking. Imagine a giant crack in the Earth's crust (a fault). One side of the land tilted up, creating the mountains! This happened as part of the Rio Grande rift, a large crack in the Earth that runs through New Mexico.
The Manzano Mountains are separated from the Sandia Mountains to the north by a smaller area called the "Manzanitas Mountains" and a canyon called Tijeras Canyon.
Rocks of the Mountains
The tops of both the Manzano and Sandia mountains are made of sedimentary rocks from the Paleozoic Era (a very long time ago!). The steep western sides of the mountains are mostly made of older metamorphic rocks from the Proterozoic Eon. These rocks tell us a lot about the Earth's history!
Protecting the Mountains
The Manzano Mountains are part of the Cibola National Forest. The southern part of the mountains is managed by the Mountainair Ranger District, and much of the northern part is managed by the Sandia Ranger District. These districts help protect the mountains and make sure people can enjoy them safely.
Fun Things to Do
Compared to the Sandia Mountains, the Manzanos are visited by fewer people. They don't have a paved road or a tramway like the Sandias do. However, there are still many fun things to do in the Manzano Mountains! You can enjoy:
- Picnics
- Camping
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
It's a great place to get away and enjoy nature without too many crowds!
