Defensive Sites of Dinetah

About Defensive Sites of Dinetah

The small, aboveground masonry structures of northwestern New Mexico called "pueblitos" (Spanish for "little pueblos") drew the attention of the first European visitors to this area centuries ago. The pueblitos were observed by Spanish travelers in the early to mid-1700s, who remarked that they were places of defense against the Utes and Comanches. The early 20th century residents of the Gobernador area used the term pueblitos in reference to these small stone structures. In the early 1900s, the noted archaeologist Alfred Kidder proposed that these structures might have been built by Puebloan refugees fleeing Spanish reprisals after the Spanish resettlement of New Mexico in 1692, although research since then has well established that most, if not all, of the pueblitos were constructed by the Navajo (Diné).These "Pueblitos of Dinétah" (pueblitos in the homeland of the Diné) were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries and used defensively as well as for shelters and cooking. They are often situated on large boulders or outcrops, allowing the residents to have maximum vantage points. Architectural elements include roofs, hooded fireplaces, hogan foundations as well as peep holes for doorway security.Pueblitos under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management include Simon Canyon Ruin, Tapacito Ruin, Split Rock Ruin, Frances Canyon Ruin, Hooded Fireplace Ruin, Largo School Ruin, and Crow Canyon Site. All of these sites were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and 1987.

How to Get There

Simon Canyon RuinSimon Canyon Ruin can be reached by driving to the parking lot and picnic area for Simon Canyon Recreation Area, located on the north side of the San Juan River, 3.5 miles below Navajo Dam. A moderate half-mile hike leads to the site.Frances Canyon RuinTo access the site, take NM Hwy 527 north from US 64 to mile marker 11, and turn left (west). Follow the road to the mesa top. Continue to follow the road to a "T" intersection approximately 2.5 miles from the base of the mesa. Turn right (south) and continue an additional 0.5 miles, then keep left at the Y-intersection, continue about 400 feet, then turn left (northeast), and follow the pipeline about 0.2 miles to the parking area. A short, gentle hike leads to the site.Crow CanyonTo reach the petroglyphs, a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Take County Road 4450 for 19 miles south from its junction with Highway 64. Follow the signs across Largo Wash, and then turn north and drive approximately one mile to the mouth of Crow Canyon. (NOTE: Do not cross either wash when water is present, and caution should be used when sand is either very wet or very dry. Get out of your vehicle to check the condition of the wash). Signs direct you to the main panels at the mouth of the canyon. To see the "44 Panel," follow the road up the canyon, and then park at the well pad. Signs direct you to the trail to the "44 Panel," a hike of about 3/4 of a mile.Tapacito RuinFrom the bridge at Largo School Ruin,

Plan Your Visit to Defensive Sites of Dinetah

Heading to Defensive Sites of Dinetah? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)