Stable Mesa Ruin - Largest pueblo ruin in the Jemez Mountains
Details
Stable Mesa Ruin (Tovakwa) is reported to be the largest known pueblo in the Jemez Mountains with an estimated 1,850 rooms. Some sections of the pueblo were up to two or three stories high. The ruins cover a large area and include five plazas, 14 kiva depressions, and one great kiva which is the largest remote kiva that I have ever encountered. It's 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 with several cabins from the early 1900's and a remote pueblo shrine that I came across while wandering through the forest searching for the site.
We will be hiking on an old logging road that has a level grade through a beautiful forest with towering Ponderosa pines. We will then be off trail and expect lots of brush and unstable terrain. Trekking poles.
This hike is about five miles round trip and is rated as easy. Minimal elevation change.
A 4wheel drive high clearance vehicle is required to reach the start of the hike. It takes about 2.5 hours to get to the trail head; the site is west of the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Please provide your driver $15. The elevation of the site is about 7900 feet.
Everyone will be placed on a waiting list and those with the required vehicle or that have proven to show up for hikes will be given priority.
We will meet in the parking lot behind the Market Street Grocery in DeVargas Mall. I drive a dark grey Toyota 4Runner with a black roof top cargo bay. If you are delayed call me at 505-699-2546.