Part Part 7: Warrior's Wall and Loy Canyon Ruins Incursion (via Mescal Trail Dwellings) - Stardate 66162.2 & 66162.6 (2012) (Combined)
Prologue: The USS Urland Universe concludes its "2012 Incursion" series, documenting the traveler's exploration of the more remote and challenging sites within the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness: Warrior's Wall and Loy Canyon Ruins, accessed via the Mescal Trail Dwellings, during the week of March 26th through March 31st, 2012.
By documenting the traveler's exploration of the more remote and challenging sites within the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness: Warrior's Wall and Loy Canyon Ruins, accessed via the Mescal Trail Dwellings.
Main Entry:
The traveler's exploration of the more secluded ancient sites began with the Mescal Trail Dwellings (easiest cave access: 34.906116, -111.841041; parking at Boynton Canyon Trailhead: 34.907356, -111.848582, $5 fee). The hike along this trail offered relatively easy access to several cliff dwellings nestled within the red rock formations, providing a taste of the hidden history within the wilderness.
The journey then extended towards Loy Canyon, leading to Warrior's Wall and its significant ancient rock art (coordinates: 34.941757, -111.918899) and the Loy Canyon Ruins (34.946721, -111.927306). Parking for this section was free at the Loy Canyon Trailhead (34.932065, -111.925126). The traveler's log described this as a more challenging endeavor, involving trail finding and navigating a "sketchy ledge," highlighting the adventurous spirit required to reach these well-preserved remnants of the past.
The Loy Canyon Trail itself, a sandy path winding deep into a canyon with towering walls, offered breathtaking scenery, a stark contrast to the more accessible and populated heritage sites. The discovery of the intact cliff dwellings and the wall adorned with hundreds of ancient rock art paintings provided a profound connection to the people who once called this rugged landscape home. The traveler noted the sense of solitude and tranquility in Loy Canyon, a welcome escape from the more frequented areas of Sedona.
The Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, encompassing these hidden treasures, spans over 50,000 acres of dramatic landscapes, sculpted by millennia of wind and water. The traveler's exploration underscored the vastness and the enduring mystery held within this protected area. Respect for these fragile and significant sites was paramount throughout the traveler's journey: "Visit these places with respect, and do not mark on or take anything from these sites."
Here is an image of the Boynton Canyon Trailhead, the starting point for accessing the Mescal Trail:
Here is a map of the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness area, illustrating the location of Boynton Canyon, Fay Canyon, Long Canyon, and other trails explored:
Here is an image of the cliff dwellings along the Mescal Trail:
The traveler's log noted that the trail into Loy Canyon is rarely used, likely due to its nearly 10-mile roundtrip distance and the "difficult" rating for the full rim ascent. However, as the traveler discovered, those who choose the shorter routes to the rock art (rated easy at 1 mile one way) and the ruins (rated moderate at 1.26 miles one way) are rewarded with significant historical and cultural treasures.
Here is an image of the Loy Canyon Trail, showcasing the trail sign:
Here is an image of the Warrior's Wall rock art:
The ancient Sinagua, ancestors of the modern Hopi, clearly recognized the value of this area, building their largest cliff dwellings in Red Rock Country – Honanki and Palatki – near Loy Butte and creating their most impressive rock art panels here, including the "Wall of the Ancients" across the canyon, which spans almost 100 yards and is thought to contain images from every culture to ever occupy the Verde Valley. Interestingly, the traveler noted that while many New Age beliefs center around Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, the Sinagua primarily did not inhabit the immediate Sedona area, evidenced by the few small cliff dwellings and the absence of rock art panels there.
The trail into Loy Canyon, initially working its way around the privately-owned Hancock Ranch, eventually drops down next to a dry creek bed, leading to the turnoff for the Wall of the Ancients just beyond the private property line (marked by a "No Trespassing" sign). The turnoff to Warrior's Wall is approximately 0.3 miles further. The traveler's log mentioned the importance of careful route finding, noting that many visitors mistakenly turn off too soon, leading to difficult and fruitless climbs.
The famous "Warrior's Wall," an unforgettable defensive structure built on a narrow ledge to protect a valuable water source, showcased the ingenuity of its builders. The traveler recognized that while often photographed for its defensive aspect, it is part of a larger cliff dwelling complex.
The traveler's exploration of Loy Canyon, with its rarely used trail and significant archaeological sites, provided a profound connection to the ancient Sinagua and the rich history held within the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. The traveler was mindful of the need to "tread lightly," aware of potential monitoring and the importance of reporting any illegal activity or vandalism to the Coconino National Forest.
Conclusion: The exploration of Warrior's Wall and Loy Canyon Ruins, accessed through the Mescal Trail and the Loy Canyon Trail, marked a fitting conclusion to the traveler's "2012 Incursion" during the week of March 26th to 31st, revealing the significant and well-preserved ancient heritage within the stunning and less-trafficked Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness.
Epilogue: The USS Urland Universe concludes its "2012 Incursion" series, having documented the traveler's comprehensive exploration of Sedona's established heritage sites and its more hidden historical treasures from March 26th to 31st, 2012. The detailed information about the Loy Canyon area further enriches our understanding of this significant archaeological landscape.
No comments:
Post a Comment