Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Peñasco Blanco
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
Lybrook
Hike Difficulty:
Easy-Moderate
Total Length of Hike:
7.9
Max to Min Elevation:
225 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
558 /
541 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Out-and-back
Exposure Type: Full sun
Seasons :
Not Summer
"Wow" Factor: Ancient Ruins and Canyon
Authors last hiked: 2023-04-01
More!
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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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Chaco Canyon is the home of multiple ancient ruins dating back from 900 AD to 1150 AD. The Penasco Blanco Trail heads out to the namesake ruins as it follows the base of the northeastern cliffs. The Penasco Blanco ruins can be seen on the opposite cliff wall as you approach. They constitute a large circle of houses and walls, in a straight line with Pueblo Bonito and Hungo Pavi.
The trail itself has other points of interest: it passes Kin Kletso, a large complex of ancient houses, and the smaller Casa Chiquita. About a mile in is a long stretch of petroglyphs (about .4 miles) on the cliff walls. Later, approaching the ascent to Penasco Blanco, a pictograph is seen which depicts the supernova from 1054, as recorded in ancient Chinese texts.
The cliffs hold their own beauty with a meandering wall, desert varnished edges, caves, and occasional balanced rocks. It is a trip well worth the effort.