A mile or two north of the village of Jemez Springs is a 7000 year old natural geological phenomenon known as Soda Dam, though thanks to us humans it’s no longer really a dam.
The Jemez River flows under a natural arch sculpted over thousands of years by layers of calcium carbonate and travertine laid down by the mineral rich hotsprings in the surrounding area.
With their curves and maws, and patches of slightly sulfuric smelling slimey ooze, the landforms have a curious monster creature nature to them, just asking to be the set for a fantasy movie.
These earth spirits seem friendly to me, though I don’t really know why they should feel that way toward humans.
Construction of New Mexico State Road 4 also known as the Jemez Mountain Trail, a National Scenic Byway, destroyed a section of this geological marvel in 1960s, altering the course of the original springs which were the source of the mineral deposits and setting off a process of collapse of the dam.
Which might account for a sadness which I felt about the place too.
On the morning I visited, a storm was brewing. A cold wind was setting the pink Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) dancing.
I’ve often driven by Soda Dam on roadtrip adventures which involve traveling the Jemez Mountain Trail. This visit to the area I took the time to stop and explore. Call it my “ One day I will is now” 2024 theme.
I am glad I did stop, even though I found this otherworldly place tinged with an eerie melancholy.
I have heard told it is spectacular in winter when icicles form under the bridge.
With an honor guard of dancing Apache Plume this (slightly road construction damaged) geological wonder was beautiful in autumn.