Canyonlands National Park

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"Hiding Place"

April 2011, Canyonlands National Park, Utah

This Indian ruin with its breathtaking view of Canyonlands can only be reached by hiking a somewhat treacherous unmarked trail. The last part of the hike involves an exhilarating scramble down the face of a steep talus slope, followed by an equally steep ascent back up the slope and into the cave. The view that unfolded before me as I entered the cave made me immediately forget my fears. This ruin was built circa 1200 AD by the Pueblo Indians. The view is simply indescribable.

The ruin is not listed on any official maps, no doubt serving to help preserve its condition. The absence of graffiti and food wrappers leads you to believe as though you are the first visitor to the site since the Anasazi mysteriously left the area some 800 years ago.

Alcove Anasazi Canyonlands National Park Cave False Kiva Indian Ruins Moab Southwestern USA Utah