Lower Water Canyon Spur/Ruin Mesa

 

Lower Water Canyon Spur/Ruin Mesa (AllTrails link HERE) is one of my very favorite local hikes. It is almost five miles long (if I don't get side-tracked on one of the many intersecting trails on the mesa), and takes me between one and one and a half hours to complete. It is perfect for a morning or afternoon hike when I want to get away from our neighborhood but don't want to drive too far. Jewel is a fan as well! 

The trail starts right off of New Mexico Highway 4 a few miles towards Bandelier National Monument. The spur portion of Lower Water Canyon is near the canyon's walls with beautiful structure and coloring. After a little over half a mile, the spur trail meets up with the main Lower Water Canyon trail and proceeds toward Water Canyon. I always love getting to the end of the trail and viewing all of the layers of mesas, canyons, and mountains. The trail continues along the edge of the mesa and meets up with Ruin Mesa trail with a bit of a scramble to the top. If you are unfamiliar with the area, I highly recommend using the AllTrails trail app as a guide on Ruin Mesa. There are numerous intersecting trails, and more than once I have found myself walking in circles. The hike ends with a semi-steep  climb off the mesa using Potrillo Mesa Trail (look for the dirt parking lot with piles of gravel) and a quick walk back alongside Highway 4 on the Perimeter Trail. 

I typically see one or two mountain bikers or hikers on this trail, but that is about it! I love being able to find solitude so close to home, and every time I hit this trail, I am reminded of how truly fortunate I am to live in this place. I have come across a few American Indian artifacts, and take time to pause and remember those before me who walked these trails and this land. There is also quite a bit of obsidian on top of the mesa, which always reminds me of how this earth has changed over time. Of course, I respectfully leave what I have found for others to observe and enjoy.

 💚 Katie










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