The Sierra Ancha
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The Sierra Ancha, or "Wide Mountains," is a beautifully wild range northeast of Roosevelt Lake. The most spectacular archaeological sites are found in the Cherry Creek area, on the east side of the mountains. There, hikers willing to drive many miles on dirt roads then trek up rugged canyons -- many of which have no established trails -- can see cliff dwellings built about 700 years ago by the Anchan culture. Following is just a sampling of the many ruins in this area. |
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The Devil's Chasm cliff dwelling had about 15 rooms when it was built in the late 13th century.
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The interior of the Devil's Chasm cliff dwelling. In the photo at right, the metate shown below is behind me and thus cannot be seen. Arizona Highways magazine recently published a photo taken from this exact same angle, but with no person in it. Their photo reveals that, sadly, the metate has been broken. .
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A metate and mano in the Devil's Chasm cliff dwelling. The ancient stone and troph was used for grinding corn.
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The Pueblo Canyon Cliff Dwelling is the largest in the Sierra Ancha. The site originally had 75 rooms. (scroll to bottom of page for more photos of Pueblo Canyon)
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This tiny doorway leads into one the better-preserved rooms of the Pueblo Canyon Cliff Dwelling. |
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Although not a particularly large site, this multi-story cliff dwelling high, high up in Cooper Forks Canyon is well worth the rugged climb required to see it. The wooden ceiling between the upper and lower stories of these rooms remains largely intact. |
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More photos of Pueblo Canyon... |
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