Route Editor
Route Scout
.. Main House & Outer Ruins from High Above .. by Grasshopper  Acknowledgement: This author's thanks to HAZ members "Johnnie and glutz" for the first HAZ documented trip logs and photo sets from their successful exploratory hike on August 31, 2010, to this off-trail high plateau cliff overlook location to view Devils Chasm Cliff Dwelling- Main House and Outer Ruins. Without their postings this author's successful visit on 5/16/13 and further documented herein for others to also enjoy would probably not have happened..Thank you!! Overview: The "Devils Chasm Cliff Dwelling" is the most popular ancient cliff dwelling ruins site to visit in our Arizona- Tonto National Forest- Sierra Ancha Wilderness. Almost always accessed from the main Devils Chasm Canyon lower TH Start off Cherry Creek Road (FR203), this new view perspective of the entire cliff dwelling ruins site from 900 feet high above and across canyon beaming with afternoon sunlight is truly an awesome ~seven hundred year old ruin sight to behold. Warning: Precautions should be considered for hiking during our Arizona monsoon-lighting season as well as during the warmer summer months due to high sun exposure for this out and back hike. Also, approximately .82 miles of this total 6.1 mile round trip hike is "off-trail" with route finding ability necessary (Please Note: It is highly recommended to download and follow this hikes "official" posted GPS Route with all Key WPs included). Hike: This out and back hike begins at the Moody Point Trail #140 Park/TH Start and proceeds on trail in an easterly direction downhill for 1.46 miles to intersect Rim Trail #139. A left turn NE for only .10 miles and you will arrive at the second intersection of Rim Trail # 139 with Moody Point Trail #140. A left turn here (north) will put you on Trail #139. Continue straight ahead (east) on Moody Point Trail #140. You are now ~1.57 miles into this hike. Continue on Trail #140 for a total of 2.64 miles to the recommended "best off-trail exit point" NE.. a left turn (at 33.804943 -110.878635 at 6642ft elevation). Continue following the official off-trail GPS route for an additional ~.29 miles NNE to the Plateau Cliff Overlook (at 33.807875 -110.876204 at 6380 feet elevation) with stellar views down to Devils Chasm Cliff Dwellings- Main House and Outer Ruins. Reverse your route back and upon arriving at FR487- Workman's Creek Road, you may opt for a short hike and visit (included on official GPS Route) to the Sierra Ancha Forest Service Work Cabin located only a short .17 miles right turn north on FR487. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Review
Devils Chasm Ruins Overlook via TR #140
I've been patiently waiting now for 2 years and 9 months for this much anticipated and rewarding hike. Basically awaiting the right camping trip timing for a more extended visit to our Sierra Ancha Wilderness to include this first time hike to view from a new perspective- from high above, the popular "Devils Chasm Cliff Dwelling Ruins" (Main House and Outer Ruins).
Since HAZ- "johnnie & glutz" first successful and documented generic trip details on 8/31/10, this one has been high on my to do list. My thank you for their postings which without, I probably would not have known about this very doable (with route finding skill) on trail and partially off-trail hike to view this most impressive Cliff Dwelling Ruins from 900 feet above rugged and scenic Devils Chasm Canyon.
After Oregon Hiker and my successful trip on 5/16/13, we have since documented with a new HAZ Hike Description, trip logs, geocoded photo sets with captions, and our GPS Routes with key WPs, hopefully all that would prompt more interest for qualified others in a first time visit (from stellar views above) to this awesome seven hundred year old Salado Indian Cliff Dwelling.
Since HAZ- "johnnie & glutz" first successful and documented generic trip details on 8/31/10, this one has been high on my to do list. My thank you for their postings which without, I probably would not have known about this very doable (with route finding skill) on trail and partially off-trail hike to view this most impressive Cliff Dwelling Ruins from 900 feet above rugged and scenic Devils Chasm Canyon.
After Oregon Hiker and my successful trip on 5/16/13, we have since documented with a new HAZ Hike Description, trip logs, geocoded photo sets with captions, and our GPS Routes with key WPs, hopefully all that would prompt more interest for qualified others in a first time visit (from stellar views above) to this awesome seven hundred year old Salado Indian Cliff Dwelling.
2013-05-16 Grasshopper
