Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
La Cieneguilla
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
Santa Fe
Hike Difficulty:
Easy
Total Length of Hike:
1.3
Max to Min Elevation:
125 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
256 /
236 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Out-and-back
Exposure Type: Full sun
Seasons :
Not Summer
"Wow" Factor: Petroglyphs
Authors last hiked: 2017-03-10
More!
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For additional photos, click here:
Photo Album Link
Additional Album Link
On-line directions to the trailhead:
Google Directions
Scroll down to see photos and additonal information. Click on photos for enlarged view. Red segments on the elevation chart indicate slopes of 18 degrees or higher.
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The La Cieneguilla hike is short but full of pleasant surprises, a popular site for locals. Located not far from Santa Fe, the location is well marked on most maps, and provides an ample parking area along NM56.
After a short walk along the fence going south (arrows mark the way), you proceed up into the lava hills through a marked gate. Once near the top, the walk stays high along the mesa and offers some pleasant views of the area - but more amazingly, a large number of petroglyphs. Even compared to the national park system, this area is remarkable for its many close-together carvings and varieties of style - from spirals, to animals, to hands, to odd-shaped characters, including numerous Kokopelli figures. It is a very worthwhile excursion!