Arizona Cliff Dwellings/Intiaanien kallioasumukset

Being on the road you come across the best homeschool field trips!! Before leaving Arizona, on October 27th, we stopped by Walnut Canyon National Monument to see the cliff dwellings of Sinagua Indian people. Something I have always wanted to see.




This ended up being homeschool PE and a field trip combined, as we walked down to the cliff dwellings, explored the pueblos, and then climbed the 240 steps back up.




The Sinagua people built their homes under the rock ledges, deep within the canyon, some time between 1125 and 1250 AD. The dwellings themselves were small, but large enough for the families to cook and sleep.




What a fascinating place to stop and learn about the different and difficult life of the Sinagua Indians. These dwellings were abandoned about 800 years ago, but the archeologists don't know why. You can learn more about the history here.



Near Mr A here are some of dwellings that were closed to public. These were fairly intact, including front walls and doorways. The sign on the door warns of "rodents that can carry disease", so you aren't allowed to go in.




When we were at the Walnut Canyon National Monument, there was some construction and restoration going on. The park rangers were super helpful, and even stopped some of their work to talk to us. One ranger pointed out to dwellings on the other side of the cliffs, and said there are many more cliff dwellings around the area, but they are not open to public (or even to the rangers!). Archeologists do keep checking on them periodically.



We highly recommend stopping to see Walnut Canyon National Monument, and make sure you have at least two hours to explore. Bring good walking shoes and water, too!

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Meidän viimeinen pysäkki Arizonassa oli todella mielenkiintoinen - Sinagua-intiaanien asuinsijat kallion seinämissä 1100-luvulta. Kauempaa katsottuna olisi helppo missata nämä asumukset, mutta kun ne vihdoin näkee, niitä onkin vaikka kuinka monta! Oli jännä kokemus kävellä ja kuvitella intiaanien elämää kallionreunassa... Suosittelemme!

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