Stop 4: Redondo

Redondo Peak, as viewed from the entrance road of Valles Caldera.

NPS/Victoria Prieto Ruarte

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Pets Allowed, Scenic View/Photo Spot

The volcanic formation you are looking at now is called Redondo Peak. This name was first seen on maps in 1892. 

Before that, it was named Cerro Pelado, which translates to Bare Hill. This volcanic formation has had many variations of the same name including Sierra Redondo and Mt. Redondo. Although Redondo is Spanish for "round," there is no historical evidence suggesting that the name comes from its shape. 

When this name first appeared on a map, this property was called Baca Location No. 1 and was occupied by the Cabeza de Baca family. The family owned this land between 1860 and 1899, having secured it after a decade of legal disputes. 

During Spanish occupation of the Southwest, the Spanish and Mexican governments issued land grants to Spanish settlers in the New Mexico colony. Luis Maria Cabeza de Baca was the recipient of one of these grants. 

When American forces occupied New Mexico in 1846, the initial Cabeza De Baca land grant was nullified; consequently, the De Baca family was offered the option to select five land parcels, the combined area of which equaled 500,000 acres - that of the original Spanish grant. 

Baca Location No. 1 was the first of the five parcels.