Trail Overview

This route travels up a rutted hill and then on some easier oil and gas roads before getting rocky and rougher right before Old Fort Pueblito parking. A free New Mexico State Land Permit is required to visit both Pueblitos. Old Fort is a 1/2-mile flat hike from the end of this route. To the south, near the end of the route is the picturesque Three Corn Pueblito. It can be reached by a difficult hike by parking just off the main road.

Photos of Old Fort & Three Corn Pueblitos

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Difficulty

The difficulties on this trail consist of mud and deep ruts.

History

Old Fort and Three Corn Pueblitos were defensive sites constructed around in the 1700s by the Navajos or Dine' escaping Spanish rule. Old Fort Pueblito, one of the largest Pueblitos built in the Gobernador period, was strategically located overlooking San Rafael Canyon with 2 meter walls surrounding it to prevent enemy attacks. Pottery found at the site came from Zuni, Hopi, Jemez and the Galisteo basin. The Three Corn Pueblito sits defensively on a sandstone massif also overlooking San Rafael Canyon. At least 10 ground floor rooms and two second story rooms were built from 1710 to 1740. Chinese porcelain was found at this site. The Pueblito gets its name from three corn plant petroglyphs found at the base of the massif.

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