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Sep 17, 2017
Comanche Gap
Office of Archaeological Studies

More formally known as “The Creston,” a prominent volcanic dike forms a curtain across the landscape in the southwestern portion of the Galisteo Basin. Famous in the pantheon of great New Mexico rock art locations, the south face of the top of The Creston is the canvas for a remarkable array of pecked images, most dating from the fifteenth through seventeenth centuries and perhaps later. Warrior imagery is particularly abundant, but the range is wide and covers most of the iconic symbolism of the Galisteo Basin as a whole. FOA has received permission to lead tours of the portion of The Creston on San Cristobal Ranch on Sunday, Sept. 17. This will include an opportunity to see the most famous of the Comanche Gap images. We will offer multiple, small (12 person) tours throughout the day, beginning at 8 a.m., with additional tours at 90-minute intervals. This is the most rugged trip offered by FOA. The elevation gain is equivalent to rapidly climbing 20 flights of stairs with large steps and very uneven, and occasionally unstable, footing. The tour can take up to three hours, and everyone will need to carry their own water and whatever weather gear is necessary. At an elevation of 6500 feet, visitors from lower elevations should be prepared to move slowly. This tour is not recommended for anyone with heart, breathing, or agility problems. (We were forced to remove several participants from the tour, for their own and others’ safety, the last time we offered it.)

Cost will be $60 for FOA members and $75 for non-members. Lunch will not be included. Bring snacks to keep yourself fueled. Reservations open at 7:30 a.m., on June 20. Call the hotline at (505) 982-7799, ext. 6, and leave your call-back information. Tour times will be assigned on a first-called first-served basis.


This is a members only event. Find out how to join the Museum of New Mexico Foundation.



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