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Socorro Isopods and Sedillo Springs |
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Socorro Isopods and Sedillo Springs |
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This gently climbing route ends at the edge of the hills west of Socorro where an ancient warm spring still harbors an aquatic crustacean, the Socorro Isopod. This endangered species is related to sow bugs and pill bugs, but is unique in having adapted to a warm aquatic environment. This is the only place where this creature exists. Please respect its habitat. This is the site of an old warm-springs spa
The springs are on private property. The land-owner has given permission only for bicycles and only for this route.
| Mileage | Surface | Notes |
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| 0.0 | PAVED | Start at the Plaza and head west on Fisher Street, toward M Mountain, past the fire station. |
| 0.3 | PAVED | At the stop sign, turn left onto Grant Street, and bear right at the next stop sign. |
| 0.7 | PAVED | Turn right at the Town House Motel, onto West Spring Street which turns into Evergreen Street. Continue west on the pavement, gently climbing uphill, until you reach the Power Line just before the end of the pavement. |
| 2.4 | DIRT | Go left (south) onto the dirt road that runs under the power line, and watch for the little-used road to the right in 0.3 mile. |
| 2.7 | DIRT | Turn right onto the dirt road that ends at Socorro Springs. Keep on the main route; there are several jeep roads in this area, but the main road leads where you want to go. |
| 3.1 | DIRT | Notice the ruins of an old adobe bath-house resort off to your left at this turn. Respect private property here and be alert for snakes. |
| 3.3 | DIRT | Sedillo Springs, home of the Socorro Isopod, flows at about 80 F and was once the city water supply. Note the old concrete-lined reservoir, and the older stone one, which at one time served as part of a Spa. Follow the seepage up to a small horseshoe-shaped concrete pool, which is home to the last of the isopods (except for a few kept at the University of New Mexico). They usually stay near the bottom, but if you watch a while you will see them swim in a most peculiar manner. |
Retrace your route back to the Plaza. |
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| 6.6 | DIRT | Back at the Plaza. |
