J Jemez Mountains
 

Apache Springs 
Continue west on NM4 (up a steep windy road that climbs the cliff face) to Apache Springs. this is located 1.7 miles on the left from the Ponderosa Campground and just past the easily visible American Springs pull-out and road. There is a small parking area and a miniscule sign indicating that this is Apache Springs trailhead. The walk is gentle up and down hill for the first mile and becomes rougher after that. Fortunately, Three-toed Woodpecker live within the first half mile. These birds can be anywhere within this area, but are most often found beyond the large open field that the path crosses. The path goes up a hillside and branches left and right. The trail to Apache Springs goes right, but this point is the most reliable area to the woodpeckers. You are well above 8,000 feet at this point so the bird species will be changing. Red-breasted Nuthatch, Red Crossbill, Clark's Nutcracker, Stellar's Jay, Hairy Woodpecker, and Dark-eyed Junco (in summer), are seen here. The road into American Springs is closed to vehicular traffic but can be walked. This area was heavily burned during the 2000 fire and some logging is taking place. It may be good for Three-toed Woodpeckers in the future and has a number of other species where the trees remain.
 

Dome Road (FR289) 
Continue west 4.5 miles on NM 4 to FR289 turning left (there is a large parking area here and the road is well marked) and after another 2.3 miles reaching Graduation Flats. This is a large open meadow having a large parking area. The area can be crowded with campers and picnickers. Birding the meadow and surrounding forest can result in a number of montane species including Hermit Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, a variety of Flycatchers, and Red Crossbill.

From here a network of dirt and gravel roads winds through the mixed conifer and aspen forests. Continue on FR289 0.9 miles to a dirt road going off to the left. Park and walk the roads and paths in this area. Three-toed Woodpeckers have been found in the old burn areas. Continue down FR289 for another 0.6 miles to another dirt road to the left. Again this is Three-toed Woodpecker country and there have been Olive-sided Flycatcher in this area.

You can retrace your journey back to NM4 and the Valles Caldera National Preserve or continue on FR289 which eventually ends at Cochiti Lake (caution: the road gets progressively worse).

Jemez Falls 
About 8 miles from the western edge of Valle Grande, the highway crosses the East Fork of the Jemez River. Shortly thereafter, FR233 on the left goes to Jemez Falls Campground. A half mile downhill walk from the parking area bring you to the falls overlook. [Remember you are well over 8000 feet at this point and the walk back is all uphill.] Black Swift nest annually under the falls and can (with luck) been seen. [Note that they are not present until the first of July.] Dipper are also common along this section of the Jemez River.

Fenton Lake 
Continue west on NM 4 for 5.4 miles to the small village of La Cueva at the junction of NM 4 and NM 126. Turn north onto NM 126 for 9.7 miles to Fenton Lake State Park. There are camping areas among the mixed conifers on both sides of the lake. The road passes through a large marshy area at the north end of the lake. This area is not recommended during winter.

Seven Springs Hatchery and Picnic Area 
Continuing north along NM 126 for 3.2 miles through the housing area call Seven Springs, you come to the turnoff to Seven Springs Hatchery (just past mile marker 26). Turn onto the forest road for 0.2 miles to the hatchery. Bird the ponds and stream around the hatchery. The picnic area is reached by continuing up the forest road for 1.2 miles. Pull off at any convenient spot and bird the stream. The habitat has changed to fir-spruce at this altitude.