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?
Any logs not meeting these requirements will be deleted.
If you want to post a photo of the ruins or natural bridge that would be great.
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.