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Guadalupe Ruin & Tapia Canyon
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GUADALUPE RUIN LIES IN THE HIGH DESERT OF CENTRAL NEW MEXICO AND IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE ON DIRT ROADS THAT ARE IMPASSIBLE AFTER RAIN STORMS.
Located on a sandstone cliff, about 200 ft. above the valley. Access this archaeological site through a short, somewhat steep and narrow trail that leads to the top of the mesa, where you’ll find 39 rooms and 7 kivas plus great view of the surrounding area.
After your visit, you can proceed a little down the same road, to Tapia Canyon for a moderate 8 mi. day hike.
Guadalupe Ruin Overview
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This is real backcountry and only attempt this with a reliable vehicle with a full tank of fuel. The roads can be nearly impassable after rainstorms and 4WD may be necessary. Watch out for herds of cattle.
Tapia Canyon Overview
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Tapia Canyon Trail
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Trail Details:
Pass a fence to enter the canyon and then mostly follow the streambed all the way to the arch. You’ll find a slot canyon behind the natural arch.
On your way back, make a steep climb up the canyon wall to view some petroglyphs and a sacred Navajo site “Tower Ruins” which is still in use and closed during specific times of the year.
Closed to ensure privacy for sacred Native American traditional activities:
- Sep 15 – Oct 15
- Dec 15 – Dec 31
- Mar 1 – Mar 15
- Jun 20 – Jun 30
Appears to be an absolutely incredible hike! We’d love to do it, but can probably do only 4 miles. What would you suggest in this area?
This is not a hike for unexperienced hikers. Especially during inclement weather, its remote location clearly poses risks. A completely different, yet enjoyable outing is El Morro National Monument located south of the I-40. It offers a few very basic hikes and a lot of history, in addition to free camping.
This area of New Mexico is ‘inundated’ with trails and hikes and one that I like lies SE of the monument and is called Dittert Archaeological Site. More of a real hike of simple to moderate difficulty and easy to access. Up to 7 miles distance or less if you so desire.
I haven’t done these hikes recently, so always verify access and weather conditions, before heading out.
Van Williams