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Long hike across a mesa above Chaco Canyon with an outlying Greathouse ruin.


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Map Key

4.3

Miles

6.9

KM

Point to Point

6,661' 2,030 m

High

6,136' 1,870 m

Low

531' 162 m

Up

535' 163 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Historical Significance · Views

The trail is open daily, 7 a.m. to sunset. The park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. A free permit (available at the Casa Rinconada & Small Villages Trailhead) is required to hike the trail.

Need to Know

Restrooms are located at the Casa Rinconada & Small Villages parking area.

Description

The South Mesa Loop begins at the furthest south village of the Casa Rinconada & Small Villages. Follow the path as it switchbacks up to the top of the mesa then heads southward - be sure to look back at Chaco Canyon. Arrive at Tsin Kletzin about mile 1.4. Most people turn around here for an out & back hike.

To complete the loop, turn westward on the South Pass Trail. The path finishes crossing the mesa and descends back to the canyon, turning northward. About mile 3.2, the path joins an Indian Service Road; turn right. Follow the road not quite a mile to the access trail, on right, that will take you back to the Casa Rinconada & Small Villages Trail near the Great Kiva.

Contacts

Shared By:

Anne Travels

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#35013

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  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#534

in New Mexico

#35,013

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1 Views Last Month
44 Since Mar 30, 2020
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Photos

Views toward the South Mesa
Apr 6, 2020 near Crownpoint, NM

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