Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico.
A mountain peak dominates the one-mile Perea Nature Trail -- located just outside the village of San Ysidro in northwest New Mexico. The mountain highlights the Jemez Mountain Range, which is the southern start of the Rocky Mountains that extend northward to Alaska. The Perea Nature Trail offers a short, refreshing hike. If you are looking for solitude, try sitting on the park bench under the giant cottonwood along the trail. Visitors to the Perea Nature Trail may look to the southwest over the Rio Salado riverbed to view an outstanding geologic setting. Blanco Mesa, known for its unusual white surface, is used as a creative backdrop for motion pictures and photography. The high rock formations with purple hues seen in the distance are part of the Nacimiento Mountain chain, and are some of the oldest rocks in the area.
From Bernalillo, travel about 20 miles north on US 550, cross the Rio Salado bridge and turn left (west) on the paved access road just before the village of San Ysidro. A brown state highway recreation sign is posted on US 550 at the turnoff.