Guide | ♦ | 7 Triplogs | Mine 0 | 2 Topics |
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Tall House Tales by Randal_Schulhauser Overview: Kin Ya'a is one of several major Chacoan outliers that are protected by the National Park Service at Chaco Culture National Historic Park. This site actually lies within an isolated section of CCNHP that is separate and detached from the main section of the park. "Kin Ya'a" means "Tall House" in the Navajo language. Hike: As you approach Crownpoint from the south on NM371, look for the Ikard-Newson Propane site on east side and pass through the south gate. There's a maze-like network of crisscrossing double-tracks heading to the east. As you crest the ridge you'll make out the distinctive spire of the 4-story tower kiva on the lower plain. Pick a path heading towards the north side of the site where the TH and registry is located. Sign the registry and complete a CCNHP trail pass and explore the Kin Ya'a ruins at your leisure. You are likely to have this site all to yourself (the last entry we saw in the registry was 6 days prior). You will likely be drawn to the spire of the tower kiva. Note the thickness of the masonry wall as it tapers towards the sky. Don't ignore the large trash midden to the south of the main site. Although not as abundant as I expected, there's still many fine examples of Chacoan black and white pottery sherds to be examined. There is a roadway which is evidenced by a pronounced swale (a low-lying or depressed piece of land) which approaches Kin Ya'a from the northeast. The roadway turns at an angle and leaves the site on a southwest orientation, heading toward Hosta Butte and Coyote Canyon. The road is defined by a linear swale 18 to 27 feet in width and 3 feet deep. Today, the prehistoric roadway which passes through Kin Ya'a is known as the "Great South Road." There are several roadways which enter the building from the northeast. One leads NNE toward Bee Burrow, and then heads north to the South Gap of Chaco Canyon. Another leads northeast toward Pueblo Pintado. The roads may have been used to direct travelers to Chaco for ceremonies and trading, or to symbolize the importance of the people's connections to Chaco Canyon. Summary: Kin Ya'a was my first experience exploring a Chacoan outlier. HAZ hike descriptions now exist for 3 additional Chacoan outliers - Kin Bineola, Pueblo Pintado, and Kin Klizhin. Go experience one for yourself! Enjoy! Check out the Triplogs. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community. |