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| Hiking | 1.45 Miles |
95 AEG |
| | Hiking | 1.45 Miles | 2 Hrs | | 0.73 mph |
| 95 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | A return visit to explore some areas we weren't able to cover previously. Although the forecast was a high of 110 degrees F, we were blessed with overcast skies and the odd rain shower! The rumbling of thunder echoed through the Gila valley creating a unique, if not eerie setting.
We found some minor clusters of petroglyphs along a ridge trail to the southeast. This trail follows the extreme east side of the basalt walls. Additional glyphs can be found by contouring down the slope and into the wash. As we headed north back to the BLM sign-in kiosk there are isolated boulders along the slope covered with rock art.
We continued along the northwest ridge trail reviewing the major panels the site is renowned for. Matt pointed out that the sun symbol seems to consistently appear on every major panel. Don't know the significance of this observation...
As we reached the extreme northwest ridge (technically Sears Point proper), we were rebuffed again by an extremely active bee hive! Beating a hasty retreat down the slope into the flood plain of the Gila River, we could see to the south what appeared to be a potential ruins site. From a distance, the site looked very similar to Crack-In-Rock. Although we didn't locate any rock art at this site, there is a curious rock arrangement that could be of archeological significance. We surmised the purpose to be an ancient hearth site, but we're just guessing...
From this site there are numerous "cultural trails" radiating in various directions. We chose the route heading east. We didn't see any rock art along this route, but did locate a couple of rock alignments and numerous cultural trails.
I'm often asked how I find out about these relatively obscure hiking sites. The Arizona BLM website contains many links to archeological sites. Check out;
http://www.blm.gov/az/trails/de_anza/sears_fact.htm |
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