Sinaguan ruins just down the road

November 20 (Monday)

This was chore day today. Some laundry and cleaning and a couple of fixes. However I did get a chance for a hike up to some cliff ruins.

A couple of miles West of the Campground is the MacDonald Trail Head. We have driven past this point a few times and today was the day to stop. The trail is moderate to difficult with lots of loose stones and rubble on the rocks so you need to watch your step. It is roughly a half mile up to the Sinaguan ruins.

This is a protected site so no disturbance of the ruins and no treasure hunting. The well worn trail would indicate there are plenty of visitors so hopefully they take only pictures.

The views were incredible. Obviously a good location for a home if you wanted to spot game or enemies.

These cliff dwellings extend hundreds of yards along the ridge. This is just a small portion.

These ruins have never been restored and are not protected. The stones and mortar are over 800 years old. Arizona ruins enjoy a favorable climate that delays decay.

Samples of the pottery shards found below the dwellings. The oblong black stone in the lower right was used to grind corn. Notice the blackened corn cob about center in the picture?

The views were incredible. Obviously a good location for a home if you wanted to spot game or enemies.

Careful of your footing on the way down. I was back to the truck in about an hour.

Beautiful Verde Valley

Another beautiful sunset.

Our View From Here......