Route Editor
Route Scout
Overview: Another of the myriad of Anasazi ruin sites along The Comb accessed from Butler Wash Road. Like most, this is a simple hike west up a wash until to reach the ruin site, returning by the same route. Warning: While Butler Wash Road can be traveled by car when dry that can change very quickly, with rain turning it into a muddy quagmire. Due to this, BLM may close the road whenever conditions warrant it. History: See Rob's description for the Hole house Ruin for details. Hike: Like all the hikes along Butler Wash Road, there are no signs designating specific trail heads. Monarch Cave TH is roughly 6.9 miles north of US 163 on a short spur on the west side of Butler Wash Road. Because there are small spurs just north & south of Monarch TH, your best bet is locate it by GPS coordinates. (We camped for a week just south of Monarch and had quite a few folks turning in only to find they missed the TH.) The hike begins from the TH by crossing Butler Wash and following a reasonably easy-to-follow trail up the wash. NOTE: With a number of trails leading north & south along the wash it is recommended you have a GPS route to keep you on the trail. Once you have passed through the wash it's simply a matter of continuing up the wash until you reach the ruin site. Beware of poison ivy along the trail as you near the ruin site. The site is pretty good sized with a variety of items of interest, from the structures to the petroglyphs as well as artifacts. But be forewarned, due to many of the sites being plundered since the late 19th and early 20th century, don't expect to find much. Water Sources: No reliable sources Camping: Dispersed camping is available all along Butler Wash Road. BLM requires signing in at boxes on either north or south end of Butler Wash Road including information of the number of people and the length of time you expect to stay. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
