Ancient Times in Arizona

Today I decided to hit all of the Flagstaff area National Monuments.  There are three of them and they are all ancient sites, Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, and Wupatki.  Walnut Canyon and Wupatki are dwelling sites of ancient native peoples and Sunset Crater is the site of an ancient volcano that shaped the lives of the ancient peoples who lived in this area.

First, I headed a few minutes south to Walnut Canyon.  This small canyon is known for the 800 year old cliff dwellings built into the cliffs along the canyon walls.  Some are accessible by a trail around a central “island” which is a hiking trail of little under a mile.  I decided to take the trail.  It was a lovely day, if a little warm. 

After Walnut Canyon, I went back to Flagstaff and headed a bit East.  Sunset Crater and Wuptaki are on a loop off of Rt. 89 that goes through bits of Coconino National Forest and a little private land.  First on the loop was Sunset Crater National Monument, the remains of a 900 year old volcano.  The mountain range around the Flagstaff area, including the San Francisco Mountains above the city, are all volcanic.  Sunset is the most recent and the lava flows are still evident, with few trees and plants able to take root amongst the lava rock and cinders.  I took a couple of short walks through the area, but opted out of the whole Lava Flow and Lenox Crater trails.  Still, some pretty interesting sights and some fall foliage!

After a scenic drive, where there were amazing views of the Painted Desert in the distance (which didn’t really come out in photos), I made it to Wupatki National Monument, which was really a series of pretty spectacular ancient pueblos.  There were 4 along the road Wukoki, Wupatki, Citadel, and Lomaki.  I missed the Citadel because I was tired and went right past it.  Still, the others were really cool.

Wukoki is on a sandstone outcrop and is visible for miles around

Wupatki was a regional center for trade and had 104 rooms

Lomaki and the Box Canyon pueblos are typical construction for the area

While I was there, a rainbow appeared in the sky!  Back to the rental for dinner and sleeping…zzzz. Long day

The Grandest of Canyons

This is going to be a post of mostly photos.  After all, when you go to the Grand Canyon, it’s all about what you see…

I got up later than I’d originally planned but still hit the road early.  Freeway for the first part, two lane highway for the rest of it.  The busses into the park don’t run this time of the year, so I had to pay the $30 auto entrance fee instead of the individual fee of $18.  Ah well, the pass is good for a week and, who knows, I may go back.

I hit the visitors center and the bookstore first and actually bought a book.  They had autographed copies of Grand Canyon Trivia Trek by Flood Heffley which has, so far, proven to be very interesting.  I opted to take the red line bus along the Hermit’s Trail.   Two of the 9 stops were closed, but I still saw a lot and took buttloads of photos. 

It can't be ALL about the canyon.  The mule deer here are pretty brave and I saw a few.  I saw an elk too, but I was on the bus and not sitting near the window.

This is where I ate my lunch.  PBJ with a view.  This is the best picnic spot ever!

The Colorado River still at work.

The end of the trail Hermit's Rest.

Proof I was here.  This was taken near Angel Bright Lodge.

I was exhausted at the end, but still managed to get souvenirs!  Hour and a half later, I got back to the rental and a late dinner grilled cheese.