Walnut Canyon is a National Monument just east of Flagstaff. There are hundreds of archeological sites in the canyon, and the Island trail takes you by quite a few. It's a short 1-mile loop after you descend 240 steps.
Looking across the canyon, you can see dwellings sheltered by overhanging cliffs that were home to Walnut Canyon's inhabitants from 1400 to 800 years ago.
This was really the perfect shelter. For each room, nature provided the back wall, floor, and leak-proof ceiling.
Builders simply provided unshaped blocks of limestone for the side walls, enclosed the front, and opened their doorway to the canyon.
Some of the dwellings have been reconstructed, and some have not.
Unfortunately, after your loop trek, you need to climb up those same 240 steps back up to the visitors center. At 7000 feet, this is no easy task.
Even closer to Flagstaff is the Elden Peublo, located right on Route 66. How did they know?
The Sinagua people settled here at higher elevation in A.D. 1070, probably due to the eruptions of Sunset Crater, 10 miles away, and stayed until 1275.
And on a totally unrelated subject, I'm now a professional photographer! One of my photos has been chosen to be on the cover of the Elko, NV phone book. And they paid me for it, so that makes me a professional, right?
Walnut Canyon is a National Monument just east of Flagstaff. There are hundreds of archeological sites in the canyon, and the Island trail takes you by quite a few. It's a short 1-mile loop after you descend 240 steps.
Looking across the canyon, you can see dwellings sheltered by overhanging cliffs that were home to Walnut Canyon's inhabitants from 1400 to 800 years ago.
This was really the perfect shelter. For each room, nature provided the back wall, floor, and leak-proof ceiling.
Builders simply provided unshaped blocks of limestone for the side walls, enclosed the front, and opened their doorway to the canyon.
Some of the dwellings have been reconstructed, and some have not.
Unfortunately, after your loop trek, you need to climb up those same 240 steps back up to the visitors center. At 7000 feet, this is no easy task.
Even closer to Flagstaff is the Elden Peublo, located right on Route 66. How did they know?
The Sinagua people settled here at higher elevation in A.D. 1070, probably due to the eruptions of Sunset Crater, 10 miles away, and stayed until 1275.
And on a totally unrelated subject, I'm now a professional photographer! One of my photos has been chosen to be on the cover of the Elko, NV phone book. And they paid me for it, so that makes me a professional, right?
Wow!!! That's really exciting, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely a pro now.
Or, maybe I should say, it's about time someone paid you for your beautiful work. :)
Love the photos of the cliff dwellings - I'd like to visit those when I'm in Arizona.
Congrats at have your picture on the cover. Great post I want to go to Mesa Verde next year to see the ruins there. the travel north west. I am sure that was TMI sorry.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on becoming a professional photographer. We are so proud!
ReplyDeleteWow! Will you still talk to us common folk? How did they even know about your pic?
ReplyDeleteI bet you are really excited about having your photograph on that phone book and getting paid for it makes it even better. Just think how many people are going to see it as it sits near there phone.
ReplyDeleteOn another note I really enjoyed your pics of Walnut Canyon. I also remember those 240 steps as I did it last year. It is a beautiful canyon with lots of history.
Nice cover photo!
ReplyDeleteI always knew you took great pictures - sure glad the phone book people realized how beautiful they are. That's wonderful. Couldn't handle those 240 steps up. So thanks for doing the work for us.
ReplyDeleteI always knew you were a pro at photography. Nice that you got paid for it, hope it was enough to cover the repairs on your wheel bearing.
ReplyDeleteThey did pick a really great photo.
I'm late, but figure you can handle more congratulations. Hundreds of people take thousands of photos but few make it to publication and fewer to payment. You are one of the special few. Feels great doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteHave added Walnut Canyon to my must visit list..with your help it's getting long!
congrats on being on the cover ..nice photo!!!..now you are a professional!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. A very interesting canyon tour.
ReplyDeleteCool beans! And I can say I knew you when.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I have been to Walnut Canyon although you would think I would remember those 240 steps!
Congrats on the recognition that you ARE a pro!! That's so cool.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the phone book cover!
ReplyDeleteThese photos are really intriguing and interesting.
Now you have the beginnings of a professional portfolio!! Quite an honor to be chosen....and paid!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on having your photograph chosen for the cover ... it's even better that they paid you for it. Great photo. So, I'm curious how did they find the photo?
ReplyDeleteGee, thanks for all the congrats. They found the photo on Flickr - I guess they searched for pictures taken in their area.
ReplyDeleteNICE!! Great photograph. It could be said that you are a "published professional".
ReplyDeleteCongrats you Photo Guru. It's a beautiful photo. Now I know someone to answer all those photography questions! lol
ReplyDeleteBeen to Mesa Verde, Montezuma's, Tuzigoot & Gila Cliff Dwellings, but Walnut Canyon is now on my list. Thanks.
You take such great photos. Glad you have been appropriately recognized. How cool!
ReplyDeleteHOW Sweet is that!!! A pro in our ranks and imagine that photo is in every home in that region WOW--congrats, and you deserve it thats a wonderful photo!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see Walnut Canyon it looks like a fabulous spot to explore!
Congratulations... beautiful picture. I enjoy all your pictures ... traveling vicariously for the moment...;)
ReplyDeleteDiana! That is so cool! We all know your photos are great, but to get an affirmation like that is wonderful! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteI suppose you'll have to buy bigger hats now. :)
That is just so fascinating to me to see those pictures where people lived hundreds of years ago, thanks so much for sharing, hope all is well :o)
ReplyDeleteAll your pictures look professional, so not surprised it was selected. Congrats and hope there are many more in the future! I would just like to be your traveling buddy...lol :)
ReplyDelete