Stable Mesa Ruin - Jemez Mountains

Stable Mesa Ruin (Tovakwa) is reported to be the largest known pueblo in the Jemez region with an estimated 1,850 rooms. Some sections of the pueblo were up to two or three stories high. There are five plazas, 14 kiva depressions, and one great kiva which is the largest remote kiva that I have ever encountered. It is an awesome structure.

Most of the standing walls are found in the kivas which are impressive. North of the main pueblo is a row of rooms that were built following the Pueblo Revolt.

We will also visit an abandoned logging camp from early 1900s and a remote pueblo shrine.

We will be hiking on an old logging road that has a level grade and will be among towering Ponderosa pines. The hike is about 5 miles round trip and is rated as easy. Hiking poles are handy in negotiating the rubble mounds.

A 4wheel drive high clearance vehicle is required to reach the start of the hike. It takes about 2.5 hours of driving to reach the trailhead. Please provide your drivers $15. The elevation of the site is about 7900 feet.

Please check on Friday morning for any changes. If you are going to be delayed you can call me at 505-699-2546.