Nobody told us the ongoing road NF545 would be gravel. However, it was good gravel—wide, recently graded—still enough corrugations to rattle our teeth. As we gradually descended, we kept expecting the tarmac to resume. Not yet! Maybe around this bend? That one? Not yet! Well shook up after about 25 miles of gravel road, we arrive at the Monument Entrance Sign and the turn off to Wukoki Pueblo, the first of three main “villages” in the Monument. Tar road at last! Partially restored and stabilized, the ruins appeared before us
Wukoki Pueblo Ruins
Wupatki Pueblo Ruins
We return to the main (gravel) road for a mile to the visitor’s center and the largest ruin, Wupatki, beautifully restored with two large circular arenas, an unroofed kiva or ceremonial area and a ball court.
The indigenous people had learned to farm this improvised environment. The last fall of ash from Sunset Volcano in the 1100’s enabled them to live here for another 100 years. By 1250 A.D. everyone had gone.
Museum display of 800 year-old squash seeds, corn cobs and bean seeds
Road graders were busily smoothing the next few miles of wetted down gravel road. Then we came to a short length of paved road which led to Box Canyon ruins, a series of three, unrestored, remnant dwelling sites.
Box Canyon Ruins with Snow-capped San Francisco Peaks to the North
A beautiful collared lizard hung around the path
A little farther on the gravel, then we were traveling comfortably north for 120 miles on highway 89, now in the land of pink rock.
Our booked accommodation at Page-Lake Powell RV park, space 38, water and electricity was waiting on our arrival at 3:20 p.m.
Highway 89 going through the Painted Desert on the way to Page, AZ
