There is plenty of parking at the trailhead. (Trailhead coordinates
are N37*31.466 W109 37.947. It is approximately a one half-mile
walk on a well-marked trail. The beginning elevation is 5225 feet
and ends at 5350 feet.
The cliff dwellings you see before you were built and occupied
by the Anasazi Indians (also know as the ancient ones and the
basket makers). They occupied this area until approximately 700
years ago. This ruin reflects the full range of living activities:
habitation, ceremonial, farming, hunting, storage and tool making.
The ruin contains four kivas. Kivas are underground chambers where
ceremonial activities took place. Three are of the round Mesa Verde
typing the most common in the area. One is a square type more
commonly found in the ruins of Arizona. This would indicate the
Anasazi that lived here at Butler Wash were dominated by the Mesa
Verde culture and influenced less by the Kayenta culture to the
south. The Anasazi lived in what is now known as Arizona, Colorado,
Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.
The ceramics found during stabilization of the site indicates a
pure Mesa Verde occupation in the mid 1200’s AD.
The alcoves where many of the ruins are found are the result of
thousands of years, water and wind removing loosened grains of the
Navajo sandstone which is thought to have been formed from large
deposits of windblown sand. Navajo sandstone is quite porous and as
the water moved through it-it resurfaced in the form of seeps and
springs dissolving the cement binding the grains of sand together.
This easily shaped sandstone became building blocks for the Ancient
Ones, who became expert masons. The fact that these ruins still
stand today is testimony to their skills. The sandstone was also
used to sharpen tools and weapons. Sandstone also provided a canvas
for images.
This site was abandoned prior to 1300AD for reasons not clear. Was
it drought, overuse or warring neighbors? If you travel a little
south of the viewing site and look north you will find another
feature common to the area.
While following the trail you will see Utah Juniper. The berries
were eaten and the bark was used cordage, legging insulation and
roofing material. Another plant found in the area is the Pinyon
Pine; the pinyon nuts were a staple in their diet. Pine pitch was
used to repair pots and make water proof baskets. Also common in
the area is the Prickly Pear Cactus which has edible fruits after
the thorns are removed.
There is also a Natural Bridge to the right of the viewing
area.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS:
E-mail us with answers to the following questions.
1. What crops were grown at this location?
2. What type of soil is in the canyon to the south?
Please begin your e-mail with the name of the earth cache and in
your log make sure you include the number of people in your
party.
The above information was compiled from:
BLM information.
Encarta.
U.S. Department of the interior.
