(nr Grants NM)
My route took me within about five miles of the Dittert Site Ruins. It was found south of the El Malpaís National Conservation Area, and just inside of the Cebolla Wilderness. A trailhead was found 1 1/2 miles on a dirt 2-track.
Dittert Site Pueblo Ruins – Toward the Mesa
From the parking spot, it was a hike of about 1/2 mile across an area strewn with shrubs and juniper trees, down and out of a deep wash, and then to the site. Luckily, I had a GPS reading, else it would have been difficult to find.
Pueblo Ruins on Approach
Crest of Hill with Walls
Built of sandstone blocks around 1200, by ancestral pueblo people, it originally had two stories and up to 35 rooms plus a kiva. This pueblo was the primary unit of more than 60 such sites discovered in the region which were connected by primitve roads.
Another View with Rooms
Remains of the Kiva
Such a large community and a nearby water supply would have supported a good life. However, a 50 year drought began around 1250 which likely caused them to abandon their homes in search of a more hospitable location to settle.
Wash had to be Crossed
The setting was at about 7,300ft, and close to an even higher mesa. It reminded me somewhat of the Casamero Pueblo ruins about 60 miles north. While not an impressive set of ruins, I still enjoyed visiting this easily accessible site.
Camp: BLM-Joe Skeen CG drycamp
Scene: Native pueblo ruins
See also: Casamero Pueblo
Thank you very much for the report. I love visiting those sorts of places.
Glad to help, Barney. You could do this one.
I would love to see an artists’ rendition of what it once may have looked like. Thanks for your description and photos.
Sometimes there will be an illustration on the internet site for the ruins. But usually, only for the more well known ones.