Hiking
Five Kiva Pueblo
Blanding
Overview
The area around Blanding is rich in archaeological sites. This site, just south of town, is the Five Kiva Pueblo site. Easy access, with a short hike, makes this is a fascinating place to visit if in the area. It is one I had overlooked for many years as I passed through. When we finally stopped to visit in 2024, we found it an amazing and fascinating site.
Getting There
From downtown Blanding, head south on US-191 toward Bluff for about 1.5 miles to Ruin Road on the right. This is about 0.2 miles past mile marker 50. Follow Ruin Road to it's end in 1.7 miles at the trailhead.
Route Description
From the trailhead, look across the canyon. You can see the Five Kiva Pueblo across the canyon, as well as a well-preserved ruin wall to the right (north) of the main site.
Follow a social trail south that descends off the canyon rim from the trailhead down to the stream below. It hops across the stream, then heads up to the alcove and Five Kiva Pueblo Ruin proper.
If you look across the canyon, and upstream, you can see another ruin. To reach it, follow a rough social trail down and upstream from Five Kiva Pueblo. You'll pass a granary right below Five Kiva as well as a few other minor ruins.
Return the same way.
Photos
Maps
12S 632423E 4161466N
37°35'27"N 109°30'00"W
12S 632317E 4161470N
37°35'27"N 109°30'05"W
12S 632325E 4161488N
37°35'27"N 109°30'04"W
12S 632414E 4161548N
37°35'29"N 109°30'01"W