Beyond the MetroABQ: Salinas Pueblo Mission Ruins
Friday, July 16, 2021
Near Mountainair, New Mexico, sits some of the coolest ruins in the country. The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument consists of three Spanish Missions amid numerous Pueblo Ruins: Gran Quivira, Abo Ruins & Quarai Mission.
The above image is from the Quarai unit of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument; it is "the smallest of the three units at approximately 90 acres. Pueblo Mounds at the site suggest that prior to Spanish contact, Quarai was a very large pueblo. This fact is mainly due to the presence of a year round water source flowing from springs along Zapato Creek."
The setting is pretty stunning, especially walking among the ruins. It's an easy & interesting half-daytrip outside the MetroABQ. Bring plenty of water...
