Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
La Bajada East
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
Santa Fe
Hike Difficulty:
Easy-Moderate
Total Length of Hike:
3.7
Max to Min Elevation:
483 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
885 /
897 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Out-and-back
Exposure Type: Full sun
Seasons :
Winter
"Wow" Factor: Views
Authors last hiked: 2018-10-19
More!
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For additional photos, click here:
Photo Album Link
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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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TRAIL TIPS!
The road to the two parking spots for this hike is severely rutted in places. 4-wheel drive is highly recommended, and a sturdy off-road vehicle might be required after any significant precipitation. Driving in some of these areas is also prohibited without a special permit from the Forest Service. Consult Forest Service signs and paper maps to be sure. Also note this is a two-part hike with a short drive between the two "trail heads" - one hike is on the mesa top and the other is in the valley. The drive shows up on the map as two straight sections making an inverted "V".
La Bajada - East is scenic two-part hike with gorgeous views and hundreds of years of history to contemplate. The Royal Road (El Camino Real) once followed the Santa Fe River on its way to Santa Fe. Remnants of dwellings from the Tsinat Pueblo and other peoples appear in the valley and on the mesa top. Agricultural improvements also reveal themselves to the trained eye.
The Tsinat built miles of one-rock dams on the mesa top. These helped the infrequent rains sink into the soil. The Tsinat also built hundreds of knee-high rock pyramids to create microclimates for their corn, squash and beans. More recently, cattlemen have made trail improvements and built fences and wells. It wasn't all work, though. The many pottery sherds and petroglyphs in the area tell us that the Tsinat and others had time and talent for creating beautiful art.