Route Editor
Route Scout
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DESTINATION Horse Canyon Ruins 7 Photosets 2024-12-08 2020-03-03 2011-05-18 2011-05-11 2011-03-26 2011-01-15 2010-03-31 |
| HAZ Member JauntingJessica's 10 Photosets 2026-03-07 2026-03-07 2026-03-06 2026-02-25 2026-02-25 2026-02-23 2026-01-14 2024-12-08 2024-11-25 2023-11-05 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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After riding up FS609 to FS1938 we turned left/south above jump off spring and rode out to the edge of Mesa where the old road ends. From there we took off hiking over the hills and through the woods and decided to try staying ontop of the rocky point that leads out to the butte the ruins sit on and see if we could make our way down once coming to the end. We enjoyed the walk and views along the way but once coming to the end of the rocky point we realized the descent far exceeded our courage and abilities! Back to the bikes we went. The 3rd time was the charm so to speak. I rode up to the spot on 1938 where the dry stream bed dumps off the side of the road down to jump off spring and began my journey. The waterway is a most excellent hike with several dry waterfalls to descend and very little vegetation to fight off. After a mile or so I scurried up on the grassy area below the rocky point my husband and I had called our terminus and low and behold I began finding pottery 
less than a half mile later I was scaling the base of the 5200 foot butte where the ruins lay. I had expected to be giddy at finally finding this ancient treasure but I was in fact completely awe struck by the peacefulness and the grandeur of the views! I’m generally more impressed by cliff dwellings than free standing ruins but this place is on its own level of wonder. I circled the hilltop taking it all in and noting the abundance of giant pottery pieces. Then I perched myself on the edge of the butte and had my lunch while soaking in the views. Of all the places I’ve been so far in TNF this one holds special feelings. It took me around 2 hours to hike in and about 2.5 to hike out, it’s all uphill ! Fantastic day in an epic place that I’m privileged to call home.