Mule Canyon Anasazi Ruins

Stats

Length:	11.00 miles
Difficulty:	Strenuous
Estimated Hike Time:	6-7 Hours
Trail Type:	Out and Back
Elevation Low:	5,955 feet
Elevation High:	6,797 feet
Total Elevation Gain:	842 feet
Optimal Season:	Early Winter to Mid Winter
Best Access Point:	Blanding

Summary

Beautiful Desert hike through a river bed with breathtaking views as well as ancient Anasazi ruins. The drive alone is worth it going across wild desert vistas!

Hike Images

Overview

Mule Canyon runs to the Northeast and has several Anasazi ruins throughout the hike. These ruins have never been officially excavated, but other visitors over the past 800 years seem to have taken off with most if not all of the artifacts that may have been left here by this mysterious tribe. Depending on what time of year it is, there may be water running though this canyon and after a spring storm you may have to wade through this. There is little danger of flash floods, but it has been known to happen here so be sure to pay attention to any weather alerts.

Directions

gps coordinates of trailhead:

37.537432, -109.731971

Trail Information

The Hike can be separated into two segments, Lower Canyon and Upper Canyon. Lower Canyon: This segment will be the most interesting if you are into ancient American history since this is where the ruins are located. As you leave the parking area the trail travels to the northwest. The trail will meander along the bottom of the canyon following the stream bed. You may pass a pool of water or two and if so, you may find a number of desert creatures including the Desert Shrimp. The most famous ruin you will see is the Mule Canyon Ruin number three aptly named House on Fire (See image below) due to the way the rock of the roof spreads out on the top. This is about 1.25 miles from the trailhead on the right hand side of the canyon along the cliff, about 25 to 30 yards off the trail. Further on you will come across another half dozen ruins along the northern side of the canyon. These ruins have withstood thousands of years so please be respectful so future generations can enjoy this as well. Upper Canyon: After you pass the last ruin you will notice that the canyon walls have increased in size as the river has cut through this area. The trail will also be come more rugged as there is less and less foot traffic as you travel. The fun part of the upper canyon is the many side box canyons to explore along the way. Early in the year, many of these have running springs that bubble up out of the desert. The rock along the upper portion of the canyon will turn lighter and then as you near the end of the canyon the red sandstone will reappear. If you are adventurous you can climb out of the canyon following the bottom of the wash until you get to the top of the mesa, which will be the only big elevation gain on the trail. You may have to find your own way to the top of the mesa following game trails and bushwhacking so make sure you bring a compass not to loose your way. At the top of the mesa you will have a great view of the deeper Texas canyon to the east, and Navajo Mountain to the southwest, and various mesas in the vicinity.

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Posted By: Adam Gilbert

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