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| Backpack | 17.00 Miles |
1,500 AEG |
| | Backpack | 17.00 Miles | | | |
| 1,500 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | The Navajo National Monument is trying to get the public access to Keet Seel again, so this trip was the 4th of 4 overnight backpacking trips they scheduled for September. This is great news, of course. One major caveat that might be disappointing (depending on your view) is they are not allow access into the ruin. In fact we couldn't even climb the ladder, and our ranger leader kept us a respectful distance away from the base of the ladder. It would have been cool to get into the ruin, but I certainly can appreciate the archaeological and cultural sensitivities. We were still able to view some of the broken pottery near the base, which gives the site its name.
Anyways, it was a great trip. We were led by 2 park staff, who had the help of 2 volunteers. A substantial number of the participants either worked for the park service, forest service, or BLM. This included several archaeologists and interpretive rangers, and it was great to listen to their dialogue. The leaders did a good job of accommodating the different paces of the participants.
In researching the site ahead of the trip, I had been struck by some of the black and white photos of the ruin against the alcove, and seeing this in person was more than worth the journey.
Due to it being a full moon, about half the group went out to the benches in front of the ruin and watched the moonrise.
I wore waterproof Merrill Moab Mids, and these worked well. The stream crossing conditions were never too deep, but you did have to watch your step to avoid quicksand. Some people on the trip had worn trail runners and I don't think were happy with mud and sand getting in.
The first day, I did a poor job of managing my diet (skipped lunch), and really ran out of steam at the end of the hike in. Second day, i learned my lesson and did fine, just a little slow up the hill. I also, like always, overpacked. Mainly by bringing too much food.
We were required to start with 2 gallons, and I ended up using about 6 liters...so I think the 2 gallon mandate is reasonable. We were able to stash water along the way, and that helped. I stashed 2 liters at the base of the climb back up out of the valley.
Great trip, and I hope they can continue to develop a public access program. |
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