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18 February 2022
A true understanding of Arizona begins with understanding its rich ancient history. Explore the archeological legacy left behind by different cultures as you discover prehistoric dwellings, the weathered remains of entire villages, artwork etched into rocks, relics, and artifacts. These were all left behind by the first people that populated the land.
Newspaper Rock gets its name from ancient headlines etched into the rock. It lies in the Petrified Forest National Park, hidden among the colorful badlands. There are more than 650 petroglyphs, some of which date back 2,000 years. This area is unique due to its high concentration of rock art. If you want more information about Petrified Forest National Park, check out this article.
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Several well-preserved ancient dwellings are located in north-central Arizona, including the Wupatki, Tonto, Walnut Canyon, and Tuzigoot national monuments. One of the most spectacular is this imposing 20 room, five-story structure built into a gorge in a white limestone cliff about 70 feet above the ground. When early explorers discovered the ruins, they thought the structure belonged to the Aztecs. Hence the name. But in fact, they belonged to the Sinagua Indian people. Pedestrians can explore the cliff house built by the Sinagua people more than 800 years ago by wandering along a paved trail shaded by sycamore trees. Check out this article if you want more information about Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well.
Rock walls adorn Cottonwood’s Verde River hilltop and run down its ridgeline. A 110-room pueblo called Tuzigoot was built by the Sinagua around 1000 A.D. The tribe was mainly agricultural, and its trade routes spanned hundreds of miles. Ancient peoples are believed to have left the area around 1400. Take a stroll along the loop trail to enjoy the lush Verde Valley framed by mountains. The National Park Service has restored several buildings at Tuzigoot (Apache for “crooked water”) in order to showcase the building materials and techniques used by these resourceful people.
The 25 cliff dwelling rooms in Walnut Canyon were built by the Sinagua, a pre-Columbian culture from about 1100 to 1250 AD. Using the natural contours of the canyon, the Sinagua built rock shelters in shallow alcoves below the rim. Many of these dwellings are well preserved, and some can be entered. Residents lived by farming soil pockets along the canyon’s rim. Although it is unclear why the Sinagua left their homes, it is believed they became assimilated into the Hopi culture.
A community thriving between the Painted Desert and the ponderosa mountains of northern Arizona seems unlikely. However, when temperatures were cooler and seasons were wetter in the early 1100s, the ancestors of today’s Pueblo communities created a bustling center of trade and culture. Hopi people believe that these sites represent the footprints of their ancestors. Wupatki Pueblo is the largest structure in the park, with three floors and nearly 100 rooms.
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Two distinctive Salado cliff dwellings overlook Roosevelt Lake at Tonto National Monument. These ancient structures were built inside natural caves within the Superstition Mountains 700 years ago. Artistic flair characterized the Salado culture as they produced exquisite pottery and intricate textiles. The visitor center displays artifacts from the site. You can visit the Lower Cliff Dwelling at any time. However, only guided tours are available from November through April for the larger Upper Cliff Dwelling.
Ancestral Puebloan dwellings dating back centuries are protected within Navajo National Monument located in a cavernous alcove in the canyon wall. Reservations are required to make the 17-mile round-trip hike to Keet Seel, the largest cliff dwelling in Arizona. Keet Seel is the most intact large site in the Southwest, as it still looks much as inhabitants left it 700 years ago, thanks to a massive rock overhang. Anthropologists can glimpse the distant past through granaries, pottery, petroglyphs, timbers, and corncobs.
The Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground are operated by the Bureau of Land Management and are situated in a lonely stretch of desert northwest of Gila Bend. A cluster of basalt boulders stacked atop a granite outcropping contains around 800 petroglyphs. It is thought that the art is related to the Hohokam culture that inhabited the area between 350 and 1400 AD. Look for figures such as humans, animals, sun symbols, spirals, mazes, and concentric circles.
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Research indicates that the likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia can be influenced by where individuals live. Insights from Researchers Dr. Julie Bynum, the lead researcher from the University of Michigan, stated that “the percentage of individuals over 65 diagnosed in Arizona is low compared to the national average.” She has dedicated years to examining the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia across the United States. Bynum further noted that “regardless of demographic factors such as race or age, where one lives plays a crucial role in their likelihood of receiving a diagnosis.” advertisement Contrasts in Diagnosis
The historic Highline Trail in the picturesque White Mountains of Arizona is undergoing colossal rehabilitation, potentially transforming Payson into a prominent bikepacking destination. This revitalization project aims to enhance accessibility and promote outdoor recreation while preserving the area’s natural beauty. The Trail’s History The Highline Trail has a rich history dating to its establishment in 1870. Initially utilized for travel between homesteads and livestock movement, it has witnessed significant changes. Today, it spans approximately 55 miles of non-motorized singletrack. However, many sections have fallen into disrepair due to erosion and neglect. In 2021, plans to rehabilitate and reroute parts of
Pacheta Falls, hidden in the beautiful White Mountains of Northeastern Arizona, is a hidden gem for adventurous souls seeking the beauty of nature away from the usual tourist crowds. Unlike the more popular waterfalls in the region, such as Havasu Falls or Cibecue Falls, Pacheta Falls is much harder to get to and thus has a more untouched beauty. advertisement Location and Access Pacheta Falls is located on the White Mountain Apache Tribal land and is known for its stunning landscape and serene environment. However, accessing this remote waterfall is no simple task. The journey begins with a drive that
Arizona Wildlife Experts Advise Against Using Real Pumpkins as Decor As Halloween approaches, Arizona wildlife officials urge residents to reconsider their outdoor decorations. They warn that festive pumpkins and gourds could attract more than just admiring neighbors. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public that Halloween pumpkins and fall decorations can lure wildlife into residential areas. This can potentially create dangerous situations for humans and animals. AZGFD Public Information Officer stated, “They don’t want to be the Grinch that stole Halloween, but they want to avoid nightmare scenarios.” Recent wildlife sightings, including a bear spotted in the
