Moderate Hiking for Mellow People

Kwastiyukwa Pueblo Ruin (Giant Footprint Ruin)

Will be rescheduled due to weather

Hiking distance - 2.5 miles
200 feet elevation change
Loop hike
Off trail and dirt road
Elevation - 7600
Ponderosa and mixed forest
Driving distance to trailhead - 80 miles

The Giant Footprint Ruin is located on Holiday Mesa west of Jemez Springs and is one of the largest Jemez Pueblo sites with 1,250 rooms, five kiva depressions, one large communal kiva, and a reservoir. Some parts of this impressive ruin were two stories high, however, another archaeologist estimates that it was much larger. It is reported that this was the first site in the Jemez Mountains to be occupied by the Jemez people.

The site has an enormous collection of pot sherds and other artifacts which all must be left at the site for others to appreciate and future research (collecting is unlawful). Pottery has been dated back to 1325 AD and there is evidence that there may have been occupation after the Pueblo Revolt in 1692.

On our way we can see a logging operation and pass a small 250 room ruin. Our parking area is nestled under Ponderosas and is located on a rise above a bad section of the road. We will follow the road for about a mile to a breathtaking view of Virgin Canyon and then we will bushwhack up a low plateau to find the site. Our return route is an old logging road and bushwhack (this is where I stepped over a large rattler without knowing it). This may not be a good one for dogs.

Getting to the parking area takes some time as the last six miles of the road are very rough and slow going. A 4wd high clearance vehicle is mandatory.

Everyone will be placed on a waitlist and those with the proper vehicles and that I have hiked with before will be given priority.

Please pay your driver $15.

Joins for this easy two-mile hike in the Santa Fe forest
Elevation gain: 149 ft. ... Route type: in and out ... Dogs on leash: yes
The Dear Creek Trail, also known as Grasshopper Canyon, runs along the creek bed through a narrow canyon for about one mile. There are interesting rock formation that are a favorite place for the local climbers to practice their climbing technique. Wear good hiking boots. Bring poles, hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks. Dogs on leash are welcome. We will meet to carpool at Albertson's on the corner of St Francis and Zia Rd. Please offer your driver $2 for gas.
CHECK BACK DAY OF FOR ANY UPDATES.

Eagle Traps is an easy/moderate 4.5 mile round trip, on good trail and cross-country. The first part is on Burnt Mesa trail for about 1 mile. Then cross-country for about 1 ¼ miles. We return the same way. The total elevation gain is 366 ft. The pace will be slow cross-country.
The Eagle Traps are on the tip of a promontory overlooking the upper Frijoles canyon. The traps consist of two holes about four feet apart, big enough for a man to hide in. A rabbit would be tied between the two holes and when an eagle came to get the rabbit the Indians would jump out, catch the eagle, and pullout some tail feathers.
Santa Fe people will meet at Tesuque casino at 9:00 AM. Los Alamos people can meet us at the trail head at about 10:00 AM
Bring water, hat, sunscreen, good hiking boots/shoes, poles, plenty of water and lunch. Dogs are not allowed at Bandelier. Plan to offer your driver $8.00 for gas.
CHECK BACK MORNING OF FOR ANY CHANGES
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