Trail Dilemma

Abe · Post by **Abe** » Jan 31 2004 8:23 am

Disclaimer. My dilemma may sound silly. First! Is there anyone on HAZ that penned a trail write-up for a summary, thought about a write-up for a summary, and then hesitates to submit or do not submit because they are afraid of the impact in the area from folks? Boys and girls of HAZ I face this dilemma now and I really need some suggestions.

Some background. We are all aware of our pre-history native american's; the Anasazi, Salado, Sinauga, Hohokam, and Mogollan. On top of that, the awesome sites they left behind; Montezuma Castle, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki, and Tuzigoot to name a few. Between say 400 AD and 1400 AD, give or take, living in central Arizona.

Now, lessor known, not as grand and glorious, is the Prescott Culture. Some of you may have hiked the "Lynx Creek Ruin Trail" one of many of their smaller sites throughout the Prescott area and Lonesome Valley. The largest site is the Fitzmaurice Ruins in Fain Park of Prescott Valley. It is a 27 room site, first excavated in the 30's.

Living in the area, and understanding growth was coming in leaps and bounds I purchased the archaeologist's report to study about our pre-history in the area. That was when I stumbled on the fact there was a group of "PETROGLYPHS" archaeologists suspect were left behind by the Prescott Culture.

The trail is not listed on HAZ TrailDex, and there is very little if any mentioned through the Prescott National Forest, frankly I tripped over the location by mistake and have hiked there on numerous occasions and plan to hike the entire trail.

I would like to share this gem with HAZ'er, but I am scared to do so on the internet. I had two thoughts, first do not write about it (this option is killing me because I would like to share it) or write about it, share pic's, and when it comes to directions, have whoever is interested in hiking there P.M. me for directions. Of course, they would have to meet a criteria. How involved are they on HAZ.

Any thoughts, suggestions, :idea: ideas, and comments would be greatly appreciated.

Sredfield · Post by **Sredfield** » Jan 31 2004 8:57 am

I suggest you just enjoy this little secret yourself and take pleasure in your good fortune to find it. (Then tell me about it of course.)

We had a similar experience on our Rainbow Bridge hike. Found something very special but keep it quiet to protect it, and the experience of finding it. The pleasure of finding it would not be the same if we'd been given directions to it, so we'll leave it that way for the next "discoverer."

Interesting dilemma, ain't it.

Shi · Post by **Shi** » Jan 31 2004 5:24 pm

Sredfield wrote:I suggest you just enjoy this little secret yourself and take pleasure in your good fortune to find it. (Then tell me about it of course.)

Interesting dilemma, ain't it.

Dito! What a treasure it is to find something that isn't well known. I think about Kartchern Cavern's and how long that was kept secret, UNTIL, there was a protective plan in place before the public was able to experience them.
Those cavern's are awesome and what a shame if the ones discovering them were not responsible and respectful of their find. Mary

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Jan 31 2004 6:20 pm

It doesn't sound silly to me. I face these dilemmas periodically.

Last being the Ruin Index itself. It was requested and I did it. Though I wasn't so sure it was a great idea to make all that info so readily available.

One could argue maybe HAZ shouldn't be around at all because it's going to lure people into backpacking. Which in turn may increase the chances of a forest fire by means of a campfire. Of course a forest will re-establish itself with time, whereas the culture of the natives likely won't.

I can say archaeologist I've spoken with over the years have offered up unbelievable amounts of info. I haven't really posted any, but I do chat with others when they ask specifically. Then there's places I've been that were rather hard to find info on so I basically had to agree to never peep a word. I'm not sure that's your situation with the glyphs but just some thoughts. I will say that when photos of pottery or tools are loaded on site I do delete them when the location is revealed. However, I don't know that glyphs are in such danger as they can't be taken. Then I can't help but think what's the point in saving something if it can't be shared.

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Feb 01 2004 7:47 am

"Then I can't help but think what's the point in saving something if it can't be shared." Well said Joe.

I am out beyond the three wire at least twice a week and over the years I have come across all kinds of interesting things. I have noted good and bad results of publicity. Let your life's experiences be your guide.

azhiker96 · Post by **azhiker96** » Feb 02 2004 3:42 pm

Abe, thanks for thinking about what's best for the ruins, falls, etc. I would vote on you not posting a writeup here. Do share it with people you trust and just ask them not to post it online also. I've seen way too much graffiti; Rogers canyon cliff dwellings, Indian hyroglyphic springs, etc. Some folks just seem to have a need to mark their passing. It's like a dog, only not biodegradable. I have not met anyone on this site who I believe would damage or mark a site. However, there are tons of visitors to this website.

Just my 2 cents worth.

-George

AZBrad123 · Post by **AZBrad123** » Feb 02 2004 4:22 pm

Unfortunately, i completley agree with not posting perishable sites on a public forum. The sad truth, in my opinion, is that there is only a finite amount of history in AZ, but there is an infinite amount of people who will destroy/negatively impact them.

Keep it to yourself and share it with the people you trust.

Abe · Post by **Abe** » Feb 02 2004 5:24 pm

Well, after posting this Staurday, a nice hike Sunday, and reading all of your comments, I think I will keep it my secret. Yesterday's hike in the Granite Mountain region, my first believe it or not, after avoiding it all these years, reminded me there are plenty of other trail write-ups to be done in the Prescott National Forest. So thanks guys and lovely lady for your help.

Davis2001r6 · Post by **Davis2001r6** » Feb 02 2004 5:27 pm

I agree with Brad and George also. I haven't met anyone from HAZ that I would be worried about at those sites. But at any moment look at the number of Guests that are logged on. Of course share the area with your friends and people you can trust and protect it from those you can't.
-TIM-

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Feb 02 2004 7:14 pm

Abe, missed out on the Granite Mtn. Wilderness due to a nasty sinus infection. Still camped though, pitched the Eureka Equaldome in the back yard.

Abe · Post by **Abe** » Feb 03 2004 4:35 pm

Nighthiker wrote:Abe, missed out on the Granite Mtn. Wilderness due to a nasty sinus infection. Still camped though, pitched the Eureka Equaldome in the back yard.

I hope you're feeling better Nighthiker and I will say this, after we PM here a while back about Granite Mountain, I have to say there is potential, awesome, hikes in that region. I plan to do 'em all and I still can't believe I avoided the mountain.

Lizard · Post by **Lizard** » Feb 04 2004 8:25 am

I struggled with this question as well when I was thinking about posting my writeup of the cliff dwellings in Wet Beaver Canyon. To my knowledge these cliff dwellings have not appeared in print anywhere else. In the end, I decided to post hints on how to find them, as the reality is the cliff dwellings are located in a very remote spot that is extremely difficult to reach, and can only be reached by foot. My intuition is that the only people who will pass that way are experienced hikers who are not likely to damage the ruins.

If you want to share your hiking experience Abe, you could consider doing a triplog for "Secret Place #1" and leaving out any details that might reveal the actual location. Todd of http://www.toddshikingguide.com does this with his writeups of technical AZ canyons, and it seems to work for him.