Just wanted to share some scenes and insight from my recent trek into the backcountry of the Wupatki Ntl monument area. This was a very special trip back in time into a pristine and literally untouched area of ancient Arizona. Ranger Jessica Bland did an outstanding job of interpreting the history and showing us sights that most people will never get a chance to see. We had a great group...(welcome HAZ hopeful Flagstaff contributors Karen and Jean!)...and despite almost 5 solid hours of rain ( yes...rain!) on day one, our spirits weren’t dampened as we explored the Crack in Rock pueblo. I read GTG's thread on his trip into the Grand Canyon...and just wanted to let you guys know that the 1:00 am rain that skimmed you was pounding on us out in the wide open high desert country just east of you. I was loving my Kelty gear. The geology in this area is fantastic, the ground scattered with many a gem...agate, quartz, petrified wood...all of many colors. I certainly had to bite my lip and practice LNT ethics. Since this area is used for archeological studies, the rock art, petroglyphs and ruins are in their most natural state. There are over 2,700 sites recorded in the area...amazing! Pottery shards litter the grounds everywhere near the ruins. We even got to observe a very old saddle horn made of wood, most likely from the days of the Babbitt ranchers. I have uploaded some pics into a Yahoo photo album, so make sure to take a look.
http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/a_zen_diva/l ... atki+Ruins
I highly recommend this trip to any backpacker, it is a fairly easy cross country hike and the views across the entire area are magnificent! Since this is not a hike that is accessible to the public, it is the ideal get-away. The USNPS offers this trip only twice a year, in April and October and it is decided by a lottery. It is limited to 13 people, which is just right. No one else around for miles! You literally get a 360 degree panoramic view without a house, a road, or any signs of modern man as far as the eye can see. If you are interested in finding out more, contact the Wupatki Ranger Station at 928-679-2365. It is referred to as the Crack in Rock Pueblo hike.
Have fun out there!
Sande J
Route Editor
Route Scout
