Obsidian Ridge Archeological Site - Jemez Mountains

OBSIDIAN RIDGE
Distance: 6 to 7 miles
Elevation change: 450 feet
Maximum elevation: 8800 feet
Minimum elevation: 8350
Hiking will be on an abandoned dirt road and off-trail
Santa Fe National Forest

Obsidian Ridge archaeological site is located along the western boundary of Bandelier National Monument and is a thin ridge line separating Frijoles and Alamo canyons, which are 1,000 and 500 feet below the ridge respectively. On the way to the eastern end of the ridge we will find a lunch spot with a spectacular view. Once at the eastern end we will return to the cars.

Obsidian Ridge was an important source of tool making material for indigenous people with artifacts from this site observed over a vast area. The black shiny obsidian from the ridge can be sharpened to such a fine edge that it could be used as a scalpel.

Everyone will be placed on a waitlist and those that have hiked with the group and are in good standing will be given priority. Any available places will be provided to first-time hikers.

I haven’t been to the ridge in a while so it will be interesting to see what effect fire has had on the area.

We will meet in the parking lot behind Market Street parking lot in DeVargas Mall. Please be considerate of your fellow hikers and if you need to cancel please do so 24 hours before the hike. If you are running late call me at 505-699-2546.

Please pay your driver $7.