It’s true, every time I pass a sign that says something about Native American pueblos, I find myself wanting to take a look. No one knows why these people left over 1,000 years ago, and I think I like walking around and speculating why they left. Did the climate change? Did the herds they used to hunt find a new path? Did the mosquitoes get too bad? Nobody knows. When Wupatki National Monument showed up on my map, I decided to take a look.
This place had lots and lots of pueblos to explore, plus one of the largest remaining pueblos in this region. The signage indicated it was more of a town center, where all of the nearby residents would come to talk, trade, and practice religion. There was even a “ball court” which I thought was totally fun. 10/10 would play there.
Three story town center 
Ball court
Best part of this was finding out that the park rangers used to live in the ruins, up until the 1930s. Boy times have changed… After walking the pueblos for awhile, I head south and hit Sunset Crater National Monument. After the cool pueblo tour, it just wasn’t as exciting. I hurry through, and find my way in downtown Flagstaff yet again. Think I like this place. I hit Mother Road Brewery and another one called “Historic” something. Beer at altitude is my new favorite thing.
After some much needed food, and 2 local brews, I head to Dead Horse Ranch State Park. I’ll be honest again here, I chose it completely on the name. The park pamphlet says that the original owners were ranch shopping in the 1940s. There was a dead horse laying on one of the roads of this property… After touring many ranches to buy, the adults asked their kids which one they like best, to which they relied, “we like the dead horse one.” So, they chose the name Dead Horse Ranch. When they sold it to the state years later, the purchase came with the owners only selling if the name was kept. So, Dead Horse Ranch it is….
Right now, I’m sitting in a cafe in Cottonwood, AZ just outside the park. About to head to Tonto National Forest and look for a place to camp. The journey south continues!
Love reading these Jen! I’m making a list and hope to get to some of them. Like pueblos I was drawn to the monastery ruins in Ireland last year. Fabulous! Glad to see these beautiful places through your eyes. 😊
Awww thanks Kristal! I’ll keep them coming. I leave for Anza Borrego SP and Joshua Tree NP on Sunday, so more coming soon!