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| Hiking | 7.00 Miles |
2,500 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.00 Miles | 7 Hrs | | 1.00 mph |
| 2,500 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Pueblo Canyon hike
We accessed The Sierra Ancha area along Cherry Creek Road (FR203). After after fording several creeks the road became rather rocky in places, and in several spots there were very large boulders washed onto the road which we had to negotiate around, too close to the edge of the precipice for my liking, but obviously not too much for an experienced 4 wheel off road driver! Our only moment of indecision came at the Devils Chasm creek crossing, where the drop down into the creek looked rather too steep for me, but "we" decided it was doable. My only thought was that at least there were two vehicles parked at the trailhead just short of the creek, so if we did get stuck at least we were not totally alone! 4 wheel drive experience prevailed and we made it across without incident.
We set up camp across from the Pueblo Canyon trailhead at Pottery Point? Our intention was to tackle Pueblo Canyon the next day, and depending on how I felt ( I'm a Florida flatlander and had only had one day to acclimatize) maybe tackle Cooper Forks the following day if we felt up to it. This is a great camp, and we enjoyed a light afternoon hike around the immediate area enjoying the fall colors, following by a pleasant evening by the fire.
We woke to a beautiful morning, clear blue sky, not too hot, not too cold. We set off around 9:30 and headed straight UP for the first mile. The uphill was a little strenuous for me initially. I like to believe that this is mainly due to the unaccustomed altitude and thin dry air. I believe it took us an hour or so to reach the Marker rock with it's spiral petroglyph, and I did OK breathing and maintaining pace for the remainder of the hike. I enjoyed the views down into Cherry Creek - possibly because it was nice to not be facing the ground, struggling and puffing for breath.
The next section around and along the edge of the outcrop was through gnarly old Manzanita. These hard, and brittle shrubs are pretty, with their brilliant red new growth and silver old stock, but they snag on and scratch at everything. I was very glad for the advice to wear long sleeves, heavy pants and work gloves! As we scrambled through the manzanita and around the end of the outcrop we changed direction. We were now into Pueblo Canyon and saw the first view of the outermost structures at almost the same elevation as our current position.
The trail at this stage turned more to mixed deciduous trees, which was quite unexpected and added some beautiful fall color. There is still some up and down scrambling through the ravines to accomplish, but will basically be level hiking from here. The Canyon is beautiful and serene, with the combined colours of yellow lichen covered rock and green, red, and yellow trees, and slightly hazy blue sky.
An hour or so from the Marker rock we emerged from a tree filled ravine and suddenly the main cliff dwellings were directly in full view in front of us. What an incredible sight. There is a convenient rock ledge here with the perfect view across the canyon to the cliff dwellings. It's an incredible place to snack, rehydrate, and enjoy this remote and wonderful place.
After a short rest we continued on into the canyon, and soon came to the first structures. There is an old mine here, whose tailings have apparently filled and buried some of the dwellings. One room is still exposed, along with some fallen walls. Continuing on to the end of the canyon the trail skirts around the back of a waterfall. There was a small amount of water flowing, and the trail is a little slippery and exposed, requiring careful footing for about 10 - 15 feet behind. The final assault is about one tenth of a mile of scramble through scrubby brush and loose soil underfoot. There were a couple of steepish loose areas, but nothing too much to be concerned about.
The end result is WELL WORTH IT!
The Cliff Dwellings are amazing. We continued on to the farthest structure, and past it to the slide area at the end, then returned back and explored each dwelling in more detail. In all we spent a couple of hours carefully wandering around the ruined dwellings, enjoying the structures, wall art, and artifacts. In several places you can still see the handprints created when the mud was applied to the stone walls. The wood beams are remarkably preserved for being out in the elements for 700 years. We found pot shards everywhere, and several small corn cobs, which we photographed and left undisturbed. There were several small springs dripping from above. I collected almost a cup of water from one during the our lunch stop.
The hours passed quickly and too soon it was time to head back. The lower light and cooler temperatures made for a pleasant hike back. Of course, we took time to stop at the overlook for a rest break and enjoy a last look at the cliff dwellings in the softer late afternoon light. We descended much faster than the trip in, mainly with the goal of getting back to camp in daylight. The final stretch back over the cobbles which had caused my huffing and puffing ascent took it's toll as an unaccustomed downhill this time. I did a few not so graceful butt-assisted landings,and my knees were not too happy with me, but it was basically uneventful, and I take full responsibility for the fast pace back as I'd been promised a solar shower at camp if we made it back before dark!
I got my shower (just) and another very pleasant fireside night. Next morning, with my knees not quite recovered, we decided to postpone Cooper's Fork for another trip, and just spend a day pottering round camp, then pack up in time to do dinner at Guayo's Mexican out on the highway. We had company around mid morning when a Forest Service truck and quad parked up at the campground. Two rangers and two others were repeating the same hike. We briefly pulled out or telescope to let them scan the trail and across to Cooper's Fork, before they were on there way. We saw them once, about 30 mins later up on the trail and appearing to be setting a pretty fast pace. Then we returned to reading, relaxing, and enjoying the sunny warm day. We'll definitely be back, but next time we won't drive in on a Sunday when Guayo's is packed, or out on a Tuesday when it's CLOSED!! |
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