Tonto Basin Cliff Dwellings

Wednesday we explored the Indian Cliff Dwellings of the Tonto Basin just down the road from our camp-site. These people lived here for hundreds of years until the early 1400's when they either left, died off or were driven off,  but no one knows for sure. There was no Roosevelt Lake here at that time, just the Salt River which gave them drinking water as well as water for their crops. (corn, squash)

As you climb the side of the cliff, you face their dwellings, untouched for hundreds of years. Now they are protected and preserved for generations to come. About 70 people lived healthy, active lives in the dwellings you see below.

Imagine this view out your front door every morning; of course the youngest one had to walk down there to get the drinking water. Would you be up to the task?

These cliff dwellings sites have been found all down the valley, each about 4 miles apart.

Here we are just inside the entrance. Some walls have collapsed,  while on others you can see the fingerprints of those who plastered the mud on the walls, 600 years ago.

Here you can see how the second story was constructed and supported by the rooms below.

The entrance was a narrow V, which made defence of the village very easy. Just climbing up the paved path was exhausting enough for me. I can't imagine carrying water up each day for the family needs.

We enjoy learning about the history of an area we are camping in. Hope you enjoyed the brief tour and get a chance to see it yourself some day. 

We are now trying to cover 250 miles each day in order to be in Fort Worth, Texas by Sunday. It may be a few days before I am able to write my next entry. 

Thanks again for dropping by.