| Ruins Tour! |
| INTRODUCTION Below are listed the primary ruins that you can easily visit, our comments, and directions (plus links where available). We haven't spent too much time on the likely origen of each of the ruins here, since much is pure conjecture. See the next section 'Development' for a broader discussion of the ruins' origen and likely demise. Want to visit a neat archeology internet site? MORE INFO |
AZTEC WEST NATIONAL MONUMENT Located northeast of Farmington NM, we like Aztec because it's one of the few ruins that have been reconstructed (a no-no these days!). It has a small explanatory museum, after which you can literally walk into the darkness of the ruins and imagine a by-gone day. Especially impressive is the great kiva, painted as best they can determine. Imagine the sounds of the drums pounding, or the quietness of a ceremony. This is a good place to go BEFORE you visit Chaco further south.DETAILS: Most likely, this was the northern edge of Chacoan influence from 1100 to 1150, being re-occupied by the Mesa Verdeans during the 1200s. There's an estimated 405 rooms and 28 kivas, with three stories in some areas. Final abandonment was in 1252, retreating either to Mesa Verde or the Rio Grande valley. DIRECTIONS: From Farmington NM, drive NW on US550 to Aztec NM. Just before you cross the San Juan river bridge, make a left(north) on Ruins Rd. The park is about a mile almost at the end of the road. MORE INFO AZTEC PICS! |
CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT  These are one of the signature ruins in Arizona ... many, many pictures abound. Being on the Navajo Nation, they're administered by both the park service and the navajos themselves. There's a small museum at the entrance, with two roads going on the north and south sides, along the canyon rim. To go INTO the canyon, you need a special navajo guide (available). Ruins are hidden among the canyon alcoves, thus requiring binoculars, when viewed from the rim. Unless you take the guided tour into the canyon, we recommend the south side first, and then the north, which connects up with the remaining tour. Best pictures are early morning or late afternoon. RV camping is available in the park, along with a historic-ish(!) hotel.DETAILS: Early occupants were the Archaic, possibly back to 1000 bce. The eastern branch of the Kayenta Anasazi later occupied it from about 750 to 1300ce, with some Mesa Verdeans joining them in the 1200s, but all left by the 1300s. Navajos entered the picture 300 years later in the 1600s until now. DIRECTIONS: Exit I-40 at Chambers going north on US191. If you get a chance to visit the Hubbell trading post NHS, it's on the west side of Ganado and south of the cutoff from SH264. Worth the visit. For Chelly, drive further north on US191 to Chinle. Near the center of town, BIA7 heads east to the Canyon de Chelly NM (about a mile). MORE INFO |
CASA GRANDE NATIONAL MONUMENT  This Hohokam site has an impressive 4-story building dating from the late Hohokam period, probably 14th century. It is located south of Phoenix in Coolidge AZ, in between the Gila and Santa Cruz rivers. The building was once part of a collection of settlements scattered along the Gila River and linked by a network of irrigation canals, that archeologists are still finding. Easy for seniors, but best visited in the winter/early spring.DETAILS: Hohokam means 'those who have gone' or 'all used up' in Pima. Casa Grande represents the later stage of Hohokam culture mainly in the Salt and Gila river valleys, and occurred in several stages. In the earlier periods, the natives lived in below-level 'pit houses'. Their preferred pottery pattern was red-on-buff (see our Pottery section). And, cremation burials were typical. The later stages, which you see today, favored polychrome ceramics, a pueblo style of building, and inhumation burial (likely an invasion from mesoamerica further south). Interestingly, the large 'casa' was not likely built with 'forms' ... figure that. Quite a number of hypotheses surround why the large building was constructed, ranging from storage (not likely), to viewing the irrigation networks (possible), to ceremonial use (more probable). DIRECTIONS: About 20m south of Phoenix on I-10, use exit #185 onto SH387 and drive east connecting with SH87 into Cooledge. Make a right (south) on Arizona Blvd (SH87), and drive a short distance. At the monument sign make a right (west) into the monument. MORE INFO |
CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK  Along with Meas Verde, Chaco is probably one of the two 'crown jewels' of the southwest. Chaco has a small museum, with tours of each of the major areas (well worth it). Archeologists haven't quite 'nailed' who the Chacoans were, but they had well-traveled roads running out from this center, and thus its importance. RV camping is available in the park, though generally full during the summer months. It's quite romantic in the early spring or fall, when the moon is over the ruins. DETAILS: Chaco was occupied almost exactly 200 years, from 920 to 1120, after which it was abandoned (almost 100 years before its counterparts at Kayenta and Mesa Verde). Based on the limited burials and other factors, it is assumed to have been a major ceremonial center. Its flourescence and beauty was a mere generation, from 1055-1083 ... so sad. You'll always wonder what happened. DIRECTIONS: Both north and south entrances to Chaco are by rough wash-board roads. The north entrance is from SH44 about 35m south of Bloomington. You'll need to watch for the sign, since they shifted the choice of dirt roads (don't trust your map, but at least north of Nageezi). Allow ample time, since you won't get much above 15-20mph. The south entrance is hard to figure out coming in; easier to use as an exit! MORE INFO CHACO PICS! |
| CHAVEZ PASS This isn't a formal park, but we included it for your imagination. The Palatkwapi trail goes south from Hopi, down to Homolovi, up through Sunset Pass, further south through Chavez Pass, passing on the south side of Stoneman Lake. On US87 going south from Winslow, just after you pass into Coconino NF, Chavez Pass is on your right (west) about 5m (US87 itself goes through Sunset Pass). Also, if you're a Zane Gray fan, his novel 'Sunset Pass' was centered here as well (his details pretty accurate). Either way, imagine yourself on-foot, maybe carrying pottery and basket trade goods to the pueblos in the Verde Valley. |
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ELDEN PUEBLO If you're stopping over in Flagstaff, Elden Pueblo is a nice easy visit. It's about 1.5m north of Flastaff Mall and a few feet off of US89. Park, stroll among the ruins, and maybe even chat with NAU archeologists on-site. The ruins are a little unique, being made of basalt rock. There's no museum, but it's still quite fun. DIRECTIONS: From Flagstaff on U89, drive 1.5m north of the mall. The entrance is very near the Townsend Rd cut-off on the west side of US89. MORE INFO |
EL MORRO NATIONAL MONUMENT  This park is better known for its 'signatures' rock, signed by early explorers above a beautiful spring. But high above are small pueblo ruins that you can stroll among. The ruins themselves aren't spectacular, but the view is, and it gives you a good feel for western NM and the Zuni area. Some climbing is required, plus bring your binoculars. The park also has an RV camping area. DETAILS: The ruins here are called 'Atsinna' and they lay along the trail from Zuni to Acoma and the Rio Grande Valley. It was one of the few sources of water along the entire route. Built from the 1200s to the 1300s by the Anasazi, the multi-storied pueblo reached over 1,000 rooms, before being abandoned in the late 1300s in favor of the Zuni area. DIRECTIONS: From Grants NM on I-40, go south on SH53. The road will 'curve around' going west; from Grants, drive about 40m, with the park entrance on your left (south). MORE INFO |
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HEARD MUSEUM When we were growing up, Heard was a place for amazing dead mummies (we were just kiddos)! But these days, it's quite impressive for its displays, as well as research in coordination with nearby ASU. We recommend it as a good place to start your tour, if you're driving north from Phoenix. 'Ed-u-ca-tion-al'! DIRECTIONS: 2301 N. Central Ave (downtown) The easiest way is to exit 7th St going north from I-10 (exit #145). After 4-5 blocks, turn left (west) on E. Monte Vista Rd and drive two long blocks. MORE INFO |
HOPI  We have 'mixed feelings' concerning Hopi (reservation). It's certainly unique and ancient, but tourists (like us!) contribute to its slow demise, and thus our reluctance. If you'd like to visit, the drive up from Flagstaff/Leupp is a nice one, and we recommend the Hopi Cultural Center for a nice lunch stop (they have several basic Hopi dishes), and small jewelry shop where you can get piki bread. If you venture off the main roads, you generally need permission, and a significant amount of courtesy regarding pictures. None of the ancient sites can be publicly visited. DETAILS: Ancestral hopi have been traced back almost 10,000 year along the Little Colorado valley. During the 1200s, groups from the Virgin river area, Grand Canyon and Kayenta regions relocated and joined the hopi below the southern edge of the mesas (many springs). Later on, most of the pueblos concentrated and moved on top of the mesas for defensive reasons. DIRECTIONS: From east Flagstaff on US89, drive east on Townsend Rd (about a mile north of the mall). After about 9m, turn north onto SH419, which later turns into BIA15, which takes you 25m to Leupp. If you missed SH419, you'll end up in Winona near I-40 ("Flagstaff Arizona ... don't forget Winona"). After you drive through Leupp, and cross the Little Colorado river, turn north again onto BIA2 and drive another 50m to SH264 (just east of Old Oraibi and the First Mesa area). Turn right (east) and drive another 5m or so to the cultural center on the left (Second Mesa area). Hopi is spread out along US264, with 'First Mesa' to the east and 'Third Mesa' to the west. And, don't expect 'fancy' ... just sincerity! MORE INFO |
HOMOLOVI STATE PARK (AZ)  This park doesn't get a lot of modern visitation, but was one of the largest cities (pueblo) a 1,000 years ago. It's perched on the north side of the Little Colorado river, and was a center of trade from virtually all directions. These days, it's mainly little hills and 'holes' where digging has occurred. We like it because of all the loose pottery sherds (don't take!), and often an archeologist in the museum to chat with. An RV campground is also available down near the river. NOTE: As of 3/2010, this state park is temporarily closed due to budget issues in Phoenix. Hopefully, 'this too shall pass' soon! DETAILS: The primary occupation was from 1300-1540 and consists of four large sites, somewhat 'loosely' built. The estimated population was approximately 10,000 people, very similar to Sedona. Based on the variety of pottery and other artifacts, Homolovi was a major trade center between the Rio Grande valley, south to the Verde river, and further west to the Colorado river and Baja. Abandonment occurred in favor of the hopi mesas further north, with the entry of the spanish. DIRECTIONS: Just east of Winslow AZ, from I-40 drive north about 2-3m on SH87. The entrance will be on your left (west), with the headquarters after you pass the campground road. MORE INFO |
HOVENWEEP NATIONAL MONUMENT Most people visit Mesa Verde NP and don't have time (or know about) Hovenweep. The national monument is a photographer's paradise (gorgeous colors), and stretches northeastward from Aneth/Montezuma Creek Utah to Pleasant View Colorado (US666). We strongly recommend you visit the internet site for directions and features, since there's so much to view. We love it because it's so much like a century ago, before hoards of 'tourists' (like us)! DETAILS: Hovenweep is a series of isolated buildings, at the heads of shallow arid canyons southwest of Mesa Verde. Prior to Hovenweep, occupation was in clusters on tops of mesas. Then, for unknown reasons, they moved to the heads of canyons in the 1200s. A similar pattern occurred at Kayenta, Canyon de Chelly and Mesa Verde. Most of the ruins were 'public' buildings, many with truly amazing engineering. Eventual abandonment matched the whole northern San Juan in the early 1300s. DIRECTIONS: If you're averse to dirt roads (muddy?), come north from Red Mesa AZ (US160), on BIA35 to Montezuma Creek, then east on SH162 to Aneth and drive north to the vistor center. The road from Bluff (US191) is faster, turning east on McCracken Rd with a short dirt portion. Going through the park, you'll be on dirt roads. MORE INFO HOVENWEEP PICS! |
KINISHBA (WHITE MTN APACHE) This is one of the few visitable sites on the White Mountain Apache reservation. Back in the 50s, it was a ruins reconstruction, to attract visitors, as well as display a proud history. Today, it's a bit run-down, but educational. The museum is at historical Ft Apache (next to the community of Ft Apache), which houses both displays for the native-american history, as well as the late 1800s military. Getting to the ruins themselves is a bit of a challenge due to the road, but a nice step back in time. DIRECTIONS: SH73 kind of loops south of Showlow, just east on US60 and return to SH60 on the west. In the middle is Whiteriver, and south of that Ft Apache. The ruins are on the east edge of the community of Ft Apache; look for the sign on the north side of the highway (a dirt road). The ruins are about 5m mile north of the highway. MORE INFO |
MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK  If you're short on time, AT LEAST visit this park! It's amazing, and will remain in your memory forever. No kidding. Due to its popularity, you'll enjoy your visit more if it's in the spring or fall. Sitting high above Mancos Colorado, the ancient ones (anasazi) built unbelievable ruins hidden in side-canyons, with small fields on top. Most of the ruins are 'seniors accessible' and merit time to just sit and consider (plus pictures, of course). You can clamber around a few of the ruins (along a path) and chat with the park ranger. There's also a campground, though quite popular. Also, bring your binoculars for the long-views northeast to the Rockies.DETAILS: The park has almost 4,000 sites, including over 600 cliff dwellings! From 1100-1300, there were probably 30,000 anasazi in this area (3 times Sedona). Although the 'park' was generally occupied from about 600 to 1300, the large cliff ruins were in the terminal phase before abandonment. We recommend that you first stop at the large visitor center (parking above on right), and then proceed onward to Spruce Tree House, Cliff Palace, and Balcony House. The drive to Long House equals the drive to Spruce/Balcony, so allow ample time, if you're interested. DIRECTIONS: The park entrance is on US160, about halfway between Mancos and Cortez, in southwest Colorado (Cortez has the better hotel/restaurant choices). After you pay your entrance-fee, it's quite a drive upwards to the visitor center and ruins. So, take your time and enjoy the views! MORE INFO |
MONTEZUMA CASTLE / WELLS NATIONAL MONUMENT  These two ruins are easily accessible from I-17, just north of Camp Verde AZ. The visitor center is at the 'Castle', but the 'Wells' (spring) is equally interesting further north. The name for both came from the early military that had just won the Mexican War in 1848 and noticed the similarity in the mexico construction (Montezuma), and the ruins here. 'Aztec West' naming above is similar. The 'Castle' sits high above a flat path for viewing (with binoculars), plus a ranger for discussion/questions. The 'Wells', about 5m further north, is even more interesting, but you have to walk up a little into the springs. In the summer, it's cool and gorgeous, though the ruins are limited. Carry water. DIRECTIONS: For the 'Castle', exit I-17 at #289 (Middle Verde Rd), and go east past the casino. A side road turns north about 2m to the visitor center (well signed). For the 'Wells', on I-17, drive further north to exit #293 (McGuireville), and turn east and then north. Drive through Rimrock, following Beaver Creek Rd to the ruins (well signed). MORE INFO |
NAVAJO NATIONAL MONUMENT  If you're a hiker , you'll love these ruins (definite climbing!). Two 'cave' ruins, are in Tsegi canyon, one just below the visitor center (Betatakin), and the other a healthy hike up canyon (Keet Seel). Both need permits from the visitor center. The overall ruins construction is similar to Mesa Verde, but the quality of work is different. Most curious is that Kiet Siel was 'prepared' for the party to occupy it, but only lasted a short time. Then they disappeared! The park also has a nice RV campground, small museum, and separate jewelry shop. DETAILS: During the last half of the 1250s, about 700 kayenta anasazi in the tsegi area moved deep into the canyons, possibly due to the erosion of farmlands. Their masonry was crude, compared to Chaco and Mesa Verde, with walls generally only 1 row thick (lightness or temporary?). Mud was extensively used, and allowed the walls to 'stick' to the sloping floors. As a rule, they had very few kivas. One generation later they all left, likely to the hopi mesas. DIRECTIONS: The entrance road (SH464) is about 20m south of Kayenta AZ on US160. After turning north, drive about 10m to the visitor center (good pictures along the way). MORE INFO |
NORTHERN ARIZONA MUSEUM If you're on our 'tour', you HAVE to visit this museum. Back in the early days of southwest archeology, it was the center of much of the expertise. We've used some of Dr Colton's (the founder, along with his wife) pottery definitions on this site, so you can share in his dreams. The museum itself sits hidden in a forest glade, and includes great displays of both the archeological records, and the geology as well. They also do much to support native-american culture with a high quality jewelry shop, and periodic Hopi/Navajo festivals (summertime). Well recommended.DETAILS: The museum is a nice place for a picnic, overlooking a small 'canyon'. Your kids will love it, hiding behind trees and rocks. Also, it you can time your 'tour' to catch any of the special festivals, you'll learn a lot. Typically they include jewelry specialists, artists, musicians, and much for sale, all high quality! DIRECTIONS: The museum is northwest of Flagstaff on its outskirts. Take US180 (goes to Grand Canyon) north, and drive until you're almost out of houses. It will be on the left (southwest) side of the road. Also, if you continue a few more miles north on US180, you can drive up to the Arizona Snowbowl. In the summer, they have a nice restaurant plus the lift up to 11,000 ft. WOW. MORE INFO |
PETRIFIED FOREST / PAINTED DESERT NATIONAL MONUMENT  As the name suggests, this park is most known for its petrified wood, and unbelievable geological colors (Painted Desert). The park itself straddles I-40, with the Painted Desert portion on the north side, and the Petrified Forest on the south. In the center of the southern section are various ruins, the most interesting being the petroglyphs (bring your binoculars). The whole area of the Little Colorado and Puerco (here) rivers represents a strung-out series of ruins. If you use the pottery guide (this site), you'll notice a lot of the naming is for sites near here (Adamana, Woodruff, Silver Creek, and so forth). Combined with the painted desert/petrified wood, it's worth the visit.FOREST PICS!DETAILS: Several ruins are included in the park. The main one is Puerco Ruins, a single-story rectangular pueblo with a plaza. It had no ground floor doors! It was occupied from 1100-1200 and again from 1300-1400. Includes easily viewed petroglyphs. Also in the park is 'Newspaper Rock' which is covered with drawings, hand and foot prints, and clan symbols. The Puerco stream is year-round, but abandonment still occurred in 1350. DIRECTIONS: 'Normally' you'd visit PFPD from I-40, first driving through Painted Desert and then Petrified Forest, exiting on US180. If you're on our 'tour', it's better to enter the park from the south (US180), where the ruins views are better. Imagine if you will, the ancient ones and what they thought about the petrified wood! MORE INFO |
PALATKI / HONANKI SITES (USFS)  Being proud Sedon-ians, we view Palatki/Honanki as probably the center of the universe of southwestern ruins (and everything else too)! They're hosted by USFS, and manned by knowledgable volunteers. They're an especially nice visit among the famous red rocks, where you can stroll/hike to your delight. The ruins themselves are hidden among the cliffs, being a miniature version of the larger Montezuma Castle further south. Also, native-americans (hopi) attribute many origen stories to this general area. DIRECTIONS: From SH89A in west Sedona AZ (second to the last traffic light), turn north on Dry Creek Road. This will take you out toward Boynton Canyon and tremendously gorgeous views. The pavement will stop (for you) at the turn to Boynton; turn left on forest road 525 and drive about 5m (ruins well signed). This whole area is a hiker paradise; have fun (and carry water/cell phone). INFO-PALATKI or INFO-HONANKI (USFS photo)>> |
SALMON RUINS (LOCAL)  These ruins are one of my favorites, and I'll tell you why. Back when they were occupied, they had a fire and it destroyed a good portion of the pueblo. To me, that tells you a lot about pueblo living and its strains among the occupants. Children's bodies were found grouped on the burned-out roof above the fire. The site itself is a nice (good quality) historical park, sponsored by local enthusiasts, and it's an easy stop between Aztec and Chaco.DETAILS: Salmon was contemporary with Aztec West, just up river (see Aztec for 'details'). We included the picture to the right because it's so interesting. On your browser, use the zoom and examine the chacoan masonry. Somebody was definitely careful and determined ... like all other chacoan walls. However, as Salmon grew, the quality of masonry varied considerably. DIRECTIONS: The park/ruins are about 2m west of downtown Bloomfield NM on US64, high above the San Juan River. If you're driving west, they'll be on your left (south) near a small 'rise' (you'll likely make a 'U' turn). MORE INFO |
| SHOWLOW AZ This isn't a ruins site (though ruins are here). Instead, it's the place where archeologists linked two sets of tree-ring data (dendrochronology), thereby allowing the dating of the southwest ruins. Previous to that, archeologists really had no firm idea how old some of the sites were (some estimates ranged back to 2000 bce). The 1920s team stayed in a small hotel without electricity in the center of Showlow, across from some ruins in a farmer's field. The farmer had previously 'helped' them by digging around for pottery. It was depressing. The team was looking for some buried burnt logs from the ruins that would link up the dating sequence. And they found it! By the way, 'Showlow' refers to a card game. The team gambled and won. |
SUNSET CRATER NATIONAL MONUMENT  Back in the good old days of national monuments, Sunset Crater was separate from Wapatki, which is further north. These days, it's the same park, with a beautiful backroad connecting the two (one park fee for both). Sooooo ... if you're going to visit Wapaki (recommended!), enter at Sunset Crater and enjoy the volcano that 'created' Wapatki. Good pictures and a visitor center. By the way, in our childhood, we happily clambered up to the top of Sunset, with the general rule, 2 steps forward, 1 step slide! These days, there's no climbing here. SUNSET CRATER PICS!DETAILS: The volcano exploded about 1066, covering much of the Wapatki basin. In theory, the light covering of ash held moisture and thus farming. The sinagua quickly moved into this area, followed by the kayenta anasazi. plus mogollon and hohokam from the south. See 'Wupatki' below for more details. DIRECTIONS: The Sunset Creater park entrance is about 12m north of Flagstaff Mall on US89. The Wapatki entrance is another 12m north. The backroad between the two is about 15m between visitor centers. MORE INFO |
TONTO NATIONAL MONUMENT  This is the only site on our tour from the 'Salado' ancient native-american group. The name comes from the Salt River below the ruins (these days, Roosevelt Dam/lake). This is definitely hot country, and illustrates just what humans are capable of. The ruins themselves are under a cave-lip, far above the river and you'll need to climb upwards from the visitor center. But it does make you wonder about carrying water all that distance from the river (fields were near the river). I'd bet the site-pickers were not water-carriers! DIRECTIONS: If you're coming south from Payson on SH87, make a right just before Jake's Corner onto SH188. You'll parallel Roosevelt Lake, eventually coming to a large bridge in front of the dam (pictures!). The park entrance is about 3.5m beyond the bridge on the right (south). If you're wondering, the road from the dam back to Phoenix is dirt, not paved. By the way, the bridge at the dam is the largest of its type in the world (single arch/span). In a state with so many natural sights, the bridge doesn't get its just due!. MORE INFO |
TUSAYAN (GRAND CANYON NP)  Most Grand Canyon'rs never see Tusayan, or any of the other ruins for that matter. Wonder why? But, the ruins are near the south-rim visitor center (east side), and are worth a visit if you're there. As with everything else ancient, we don't understand how they got water up there. The park service pumps theirs from springs down in the canyon! By the way, take our CANYON PICS!DETAILS: The Grand Canyon area was occupied by the kayenta anasazi about 1050, where they constructed hundreds of small sites over a broad territory. However by 1200, they were all departed to the kayenta heartland further east. The Tusayan ruins were built around 1185, with 7-8 rooms housing about 30 people. Like the rest of the area, it was abandoned 15 years later. Why? DIRECTIONS: From US89, drive west on SH64 from Cameron AZ (about 35m). The entrance provides a park map, with the ruins near the visitor center. In Cameron, be sure and stop at the shops/restaurant just north of the Little Colorado bride. There's a historical trading post, plus the old bridge. The restaurant has several navajo dishes. Plus, also stop along SH64, and view the Little Colorado gorge (and shop the jewelry vendors); the gorge is 'almost' as amazing as the GC. MORE INFO |
TUZIGOOT NATIONAL MONUMENT  These ruins are located between the center of the universe (Sedona, of course), and the old mining ghost town of Jerome. It's built on a hill above the Verde River, and has some nice reconstructed rooms. The view from the top of the pueblo is worth it (bring binoculars), plus there's a small museum. Take our
TUZIGOOT PICS!. DIRECTIONS: From Cottonwood AZ, take SH89A west to the turnoff betweeen Jerome (left) and Clarkdale (right). Drive south through Clarkdale, curving around east on Main St (which is the old road back to Cottonwood). The entrance to the park is about 1.5m from the Jerome/Clarkdale split. MORE INFO |
WALNUT CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT 
This is one of those ruins that teachers just love to bring school kids. It has a small museum display, and then a winding (steep) trail down into Walnut Canyon, with small ruins along the way. You will get your exercise! We recommend the spring for interesting flowers along the way, plus binoculars (many ruins on the opposite side of the canyon). In fact, you'll have fun finding them! NOTE: In 2008, a truck-size rock fell on the 'island' trail. Normally the trail is a full circle, but for the time being, it's closed in the 'back', so visit both 'tails'! EXTRAS: Next to the Walnut NM parking is a small monument to the Daughters of the American Revolution. Why? They were instrumental in establishing the park. Also, if you drive further east on I-40, watch on the right, where I-40 eventually crosses Canyon Diablo at Two Guns. You'll find an old abandoned route 66 tourist center, that is absolutely fascinating. The old National Trails Highway bridge, old gas station, tourist courts, and a 'mall' for native-american wares, all high above the canyon. Easy to miss. I'd guess the 1940s, maybe. DIRECTIONS: For Walnut Canyon, from Flagstaff, drive about 4m east on I-40 to exit #204 and then south about 3m to the visitor center. For you old-foggies, the entrance road used to go south from Cosnino (if you're lost, of course!). MORE INFO |
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WHITE MOUNTAINS ARCHEOLOGY CTR / RAVEN SITE This is a small display/site (and archeology center) just north of Springerville AZ. If you're headed into the White Mountains, it's certainly worth a stop. There's quite a few ruins in the upper streams of the Little Colorado, since the White Mountains provided the water. As a result, many of the pottery names are communities near here (see pottery section on this site). EXTRA: If your headed into the White Mountains on a Sunday morning, the drive is just so fine, with a nice little church near Nutrioso. They'd enjoy your fellowship. Life is good. DIRECTIONS: The site is about 10m north of Springerville AZ on US191/180. Just north of downtown Springerville is Casa Malpais Pueblo, which we haven't yet visited (318 E. Main Street, Springerville). MORE INFO |
WAPATKI NATIONAL MONUMENT  This is actually part of Sunset Crater / Wapatki National Monument (see SUNSET above). Next to Mesa Verde and Chaco, it's our favorite. Sunset volcano blew up about 1000 ce, with the lava flowing down to the Little Colorado river, almost 20m. The Wapatki ruins showed up shortly thereafter, with early theories of fertile ground being the reason (today, not so sure). Interestingly, the volcano sadly destroyed previous pueblos. More curious here are the ball courts that appear to link with meso-america in a very mysterious way. (For more mysteries, visit Chaco and then Pecos!). If you're driving the backroad from Sunset Crater, pictures of the Painted Desert are nice in the late afternoon. Also, the ruins near the US89 entrance are really good for morning pictures, with the peaks in the background. WAPATKI PICS!DETAILS: Wupatki blossomed just after Sunset Crater was created (1067). The wapatki basin includes more than 2,000 sites, with the best ones at the visitor center (Wupatki and Wukoki pueblos), and near US89 (Citadel and Lomaki). The largest, Wupatki, was built by the sinagua and has over 100 rooms, in addition to a great kiva (anasazi). Most unusual is an ovoid masonry ball court, similar to the Maya, Zapotec, and Aztec. No one knows how the Wupatki game was played. About 1250, Wupatki was abandoned in favor of the Verde River 40m south. DIRECTIONS: Drive north about 24m from Flagstaff on US89, for the direct entrance to Wapatki. We recommend taking the Sunset Crater entrance (12m north of Flagstaff) and then the backroad to Wapatki. By the way, on your map, if you look 12m southeast of Wapatki, you'll see Grand Falls on the Little Colorado River. They're almost as amazing as Niagara Falls, after a summer storm (but VERY hard to visit)! MORE INFO |
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ZUNI We included Zuni, since it's certainly along our tour. But it's a subject just by itself. The culture is unique. The pottery beautiful. Even the history when the hispanics came north is unique. Just draw a circle around Zuni and study it! The pueblo is just south of 'downtown' Zuni, though most of the shops are near the center of town. DETAILS: Zuni is best known for the Village of the Great Kivas, northeast of Zuni. It contained two great kivas, seven small kivas, plus almost 90 ground-floor rooms. Interestingly, the deceased were buried with their heads pointing either southwest or northeast, reflecting the summer and winter solstices (similar to the Winter or Summer People in the pueblo today). DIRECTIONS: Drive 28m south of Gallup NM on SH602, and then west 8m on SH53. (El Morro is going east on SH53.) PUEBLO INFO. Another good site: MORE INFO, which compares the old Zuni pueblo with the present. Surprising. |
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