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Coconino National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Aug 14th to TBD Boring to most!...? by joebartels One of the trail register entries read something like 'boring trail, turn around now and head back to your car'. Okay, I'm not going to argue. This butte sits alone and the trail is near 100% exposed. I have included this trail because it was of interest to me. Earlier this month I came across the V-Bar-V Ranch Trail. The Sinagua culture that etched the panels of V-Bar-V likely lived in pueblos atop this butte. From the fence, go threw the gate and close it behind you. The trail can be seen leading up to the butte. Even more so the trail is easily seen shooting up the west end to a lower deck. Follow the trail to the butte. Just before a ravine, you will pass through a tight cattle guard break in a fence. You pass down through the ravine. Then the trail takes you up to the lower deck on the west side of the butte. Here there is a trail register. Continue and the trail skirts along the south side and up. The trail is pure limestone in this section. Near the far southeast corner of the butte, the trail tops out. From here you are free to roam the deck. The largest remains of ruins are found on the east side overlook. Another good-sized pithouse or pueblo is found on the west overlook. From here you can look down to the V-Bar-V Ranch site. You will notice there is a small knoll blocking your view. Archeologist John Sturgis told me there is a small lookout ruin on that knoll. He believes somebody took a post there and relayed messages to the community atop Sacred Mountain. True the ruins have been savaged by pothunters. The trail is hot and exposed. Sometimes you have to look for more than the obvious and think of history. I watched a monsoon roll in over to the east. Then I imagined how the ancient Indians must have enjoyed the views themselves. So why not check out this trail. It's an easy addition to the V-Bar-V Ranch Trail or any other Sedona excursion for that matter. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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