Sand Canyon Trail

Yesterday we went west of Cortez (where Mesa Verde National Park is) to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.  This area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.  We had stopped by this area last year in May, but we were too tired to take any of the trails, we had spent the day at Hovenweep National Monument walking their trails.

These rocks are known as the Castle Rock Ruins

Once we parked the car on slick rock which was a bit dicey to do, we started up the incline to the trailhead, following the huge cairns as guides.  We stopped and chatted with a hiker coming down and asked about what there was to see.  He explained that every so ofter you will see a spur marker where a small trail takes off from the main trail.  This is an indication of a ruin to view.

The cairns were huge, could not miss seeing them

Junipers were very healthy

Spur marker, again, could not miss seeing these

Stone hogan

Dramatic rock formations

Once we got on top of the mesa, we started along the trail and came to a stone hogan.  Clearly was from ancient times.  Our next find was along a spur trail, and was pretty neat to see.

Heading into one of the spur trails

Could get near the ruins

If we would have hiked the whole trail, we would have gone 7 1/2 miles.  The temperature was beginning to climb and although the trail was easy, relative, the heat got to us.  We had lots of water and food but the dryness and sweating from the exertion of being in the desert, a little too much.  As it was we made it to 4 ruins and then turned around and headed back.  Did about 3 miles of hiking.

If we had more time, and another day, there is another trail in the same area that hugs the cliffs to the west, and supposed to be many more ruins.  Maybe another day.

Impressive