This is an interesting site partly because it is on a fuzzy boundary between the ancestral Mogollons and the ancestral Puebloans.  Sometime between A.D. 1000 and 1300, the Dittert Site was built and occupied by the Anasazi people, who were the ancestors of modern Pueblo Indian people. The ruin is an L-shaped masonry structure that was originally two stories high and consisted of 30-35 rooms and a kiva.

The site was named after Alfred "Ed" Dittert Jr. who along with R.J. Ruppe Jr. excavated it between 1947 and 1949. The two men recorded eight rooms and the kiva. All the rooms were built close together, with the kiva incorporated into the building. The walls are made of compound masonry with "pecked" sandstone (worked by hand so the rocks are uniform). Is the Dittert Site a Chacoan Great House? Dr. Dittert thought not. By the time of highest occupancy in this valley, downtown Chaco had waned in prominence, and some think Aztec to the north had grown in its stead.

This site was likely occupied in Chaco times (1000s). Some believe some of the adjacent Acoma ancestors migrated from Chaco and settled here resulting in higher populations that eventually peaked in the 1200s. Chaco and this site may be quite related over time. Why was it abandoned? Some say ancestral puebloans migrated, as they had for thousands of years. Others add that the severe drought of the 1270s may have ended a Chaco style hierarchy and its resource intensive lifestyles - including Great Houses. Some suggest a revolt against this heirarchy and a subsequent change to life more like the modern puebloans.

One researcher suggested that the Chaco rulers moved north to Aztec, then south along a nearly perfect north south line, and eventually arrived in northern Chihuahua to impact the great site of Paquime. This line passes right through this area. Do you think Chacoan elites settled here for some generations?

The law requires all archaeological sites be left undisturbed. Even moving or posessing a tiny pot sherd is illegal. Everything in the site is protected and left undisturbed can give valuable clues to how these ancestors survived amid drought and social upheaval. Leave it as you find it, so our modern culture can learn and benefit.

Those that are interested in wilderness will find the wildflowers and birding rewarding. Those that like to explore wilderness will enjoy the easy access, the nearby sandstone cliffs and the Armijo Canyon.  Once finished exploring the Dittert site, the opportunities are boundless for hiking off trail in wilderness. 

Safety    There is the possibility of encountering cactus, rattlesnakes, and other wildlife on the hike. Watch where you step. The ground can be unstable - especially crossing the large arroyo. This area is not recommended when there is the possibility of flash flooding. If the arroyo fills, wait until it subsides before crossing. Wear clothing and sturdy footwear to protect from the elements and carry water. The walk is fairly flat.

Directions    From I-40 exit 89 head south on State Road 117 past the Ranger Station, then past the arch for a total of 26 miles to County road 41. Turn at the Wild Horse Estates sign. (If this turn is missed, you will curve to the west and in 2 miles see the Chain of Craters Back country Byway sign for County Road 42. Turn around and go back to CR 41.  Head south for 3.5 miles on maintained gravel road. Opposite the York Ranch sign and headquarters entrance head east past the Armijo Canyon sign on a sandy 2-track . Drivers with low clearance, 2 wheel drive should be skilled in driving on un-maintained 2 track. There are a few rutted places with mushy sand. Go 1.3 miles to the wilderness boundary fence and park. The Dittert site is visible on a 45 degree bearing about 400 yards away. (the wilderness boundary fence runs north - south.

Hours Open: http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/nm/programs/recreation/rec_docs.Par.46259.File.dat/BrochureDittertSite.pdf

Visitor Fees: Free

There are no trails except old 2-tracks and modern cow trails. Access is only permitted on foot or horseback. Wilderness laws prohibit any mechanized items, including bicycles.

Pets must be on a leash.