This is the 2nd of 2 short hikes on a day trip to the area once inhabited by the Gallinas culture. The area is north of Cuba some 28 miles on NM 96>NM 112. In years past I’ve read about the Gallina people who occupied this area until about 1275 when they suddenly vanished. There are various explanations that make for interesting reading (see References below). But this site and the other one that we visited this trip provide a glimpse into the history of these parts.
The Drive In
To get to this area from Albuquerque, travel west on US 550 to Cuba. Continue on through Cuba for 3.6 miles, turn right (north) on NM 96. Continue for 13 miles where NM 96 turns right (east); continue north on NM 112 for 13 miles (we turned here to visit the Nogales Cliff House). Continue another 6.9 miles, turn left on NM 390 for 0.2 miles, then right onto the road to parking for Rattlesnake Ridge. There are ancient signs point the way from NM 112; the roads are Class 5, deeply rutted but Ok if one stays on the ridges.
The Hike
Gallinas Hikes Rattlesnake Ridge Trail Hike.Pat.2020-11-19
This was more of a walk than a hike – not very long and on well groomed, gravel paths. But the paths took us on a tour of a half dozen kivas or tower bases on the ridgetop/promontory.
Statistics
Total Distance: 1.17 miles
Elevation: start 7,396 ft, maximum 7,484 ft, minimum 7,392 ft
Gross gain: 92 ft. Aggregate ascending 163 ft, descending 166 ft
Maximum slope: 21% ascending, 17.5% descending, 05.0% average
Duration: 1:20
GPS Tracks
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I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.
Related Posts
Nogales Cliff House Trail Hike – 11/19/2020
Plaza Blanca Expedition – 03/28/2018
Plaza Blanca Hike – 3/15/2017
References and Resources
USDA Forest Service: Rattlesnake Ridge Interpretive Site (minor)
ASCHG: Rattlesnake Ridge Ruins Hike
OtherHand: Rattlesnake Ridge ruins
Chaco Lodge Hacienda BnB: Rattlesnake Ridge Ruins
About the Gallina Culture
Wikipedia: Gallina
Gallina Landscapes of History: Gallina: the culture hidden in the hills
USFS Passport in Time: Gallina Site Relocation and Documentation
And there is much more about the fascinating history of the Gallina Culture.
