Upper Arch Canyon Overlook.

Usually we get our first light snowfall the last week of September, first week of October, but not this year. The weather is definitely not typical; the temperatures during the day have been in the 60s, at night in the 40s; the house warm that the furnace is not on yet. We are taking advantage of this unusual fall weather to gallivant to many places that should have been closed off by now; one being Upper Arch Canyon Overlook. This is located on Mule Canyon/Texas Flat Road and only three miles from Lower Arch Canyon Overlook (click on the names to connect to the pages).

Now a half mile (5.5 mile mark if you started your odometer reading at the junction of State Highway 95 and Mule Canyon/Texas Flat Road) you will enter onto a dried (maybe) river bed, and need to make a right to go up a slightly steep, rocky incline.  We decided to investigate the river bed (left side) a little first; there were signs that it had experienced a flash flood (wet and flattened plant life was a huge hit), plus there were still pools of water.  This was not a typical river bed where there is flat ground and high banks of dirt; instead it was almost all rock.  It made for easier walking, and a muddy section here and there allowed us to see tracks in the mud itself, and on the surrounding rocks.  We walked the river bed for about a half mile, but it was very tempting to just keep going, and going.

Plant Life Flattened by Flash Flood



Large Bird (turkey?) in the Mud.



Bobcat (?) Tracks Following Bird Tracks.



At mile mark 6, the road splits; go straight and continue to where it ends at ATV/Hiking only (mile mark 6.6), or turn right and follow the trail to the Upper Arch Canyon Overlook.  It is only 3/10ths of a mile where you can park on the slickrock (there was evidence of camp sites there), and then you're hiking either along the ledges to the left and right, or go straight and to the metal stairway to the "peninsula" outcropping.  Of course we did all three!  Oh, the trail starts out smooth and quickly turns into deep ruts; expect some tilting of your vehicle, but it's over before you can count to 10.

Walking the ledges to the right.



Panorama of Upper Arch Canyon, peninsula outcropping to the right.

The outcropping is wide, so really no need to worry about falling off, unless you get too close to the edges, lose your balance, or don't pay attention to your footing.  Please do not bring pets, and keep a hand on your children though.  There are spaces between many sections of stone, but nothing so wide you cannot easily step over to the next section.  The metal stairway was an Eagle Scout project; there is writing in the cement, but hard to read due to weathering.   The stairway is steep, but has hand rails.

Looking Back at Metal Stairway.

Looking Towards Lower Arch Canyon.

First Sighting of Cathedral Arch.



I Ain't Afraid of No Ledge Walking!

My husband, Roy, Looks Out in Amazement.

Returning back to the main section, off to the left we walked and walked; just as we thought we had a more perfect view; another was just a simple few feet further.  The views got more and more beautiful as the canyon area below opened up to our vision.

 Angel Arch is a half mile north of Cathedral Arch.

Side View of Angel Arch.

Cathedral Arch



 

El Cerro del Perro (the Hill of the Dog) is a pinnacle popular with climbers.







El Cerro del Perro



Keystone Arch is 2.5 miles north of Cathedral Arch, so we were too far south of it to see it.

 

...and there you have it, Upper Arch Canyon overlook.  4 wheel drive is highly recommended, not just for this trail, but for the entire Mule Canyon/Texas Flat Road.  Can you drive a passenger car?  Sure, but I hope you have a really good mechanic!

 

 

Take advantage of the good weather we are still having in San Juan County, Utah; come on in and enjoy the good times!!!

 

Mary Cokenour

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center

23390 Road K
Cortez, Colorado, 81321

Phone: (970)565.8975 or (800)422.8975
Fax: (970)565.4859
Email: info@crowcanyon.org

Website: http://www.crowcanyon.org/

One Hour Free Tour (Wednesdays Only)
http://www.crowcanyon.org/index.php/programs-for-adults-families/crow-canyon-tour

End of May thru end of September, Crow Canyon conducts a one hour free tour, on Wednesday mornings, of the Research Institute, and pithouse, to give you the ins and outs of what it is to be an archaeologist of the Southwest.  There are all sorts of other educational, and hands on, programs offered, so go to the website listed above to get more information.

We went on the last Wednesday of September 2016, got the bonus of a one and a half hour tour, and were exhilarated the entire day on what we had experienced.  This was extremely meaningful to me as I had studied many courses in archaeology and anthropology in college, before being discouraged from continuing in these fields.  The staff, archaeologists and volunteers are awesome people; friendly, helpful, and passionate about Crow Canyon. 

First off, how to find Crow Canyon; the road begins north of Cortez, Highway 491 (west side);  Road L for 2.2 miles, make a left onto Road K and the parking area is 4/10ths of a mile.  From the parking area, walk down to the trail and there will be an information board with map to help get you to the Research Institute.







Along the way you'll pass by Indian Camp Ranch which is a development for those with loads of money to spend.  Interesting to look at, but it's not the end of your destination.

Follow the pathway to the Research Institute.

Crow Canyon Info Board and Map

Something to see along the pathway.

Slender Blanketflower (Aster family)

The first building you'll pass by is The Lodge; day programs include lunch at this location; it's a peaceful place and you're encouraged to sit on the porch to enjoy the serenity. 




Lamb's Ears

Holly Bush



Yucca and Rabbit Brush

Scenic Pond Across the Way

The next building is the Research Institute where you can check in; it also houses the library, archives, labs, offices for staff and archaeologists.  There is a very comfy sitting area to relax in; or check out all the wall displays throughout, including publications produced by Crow Canyon.

The one hour tour begins outside at the Pithouse; this is from the Anasazi culture whose descendants of this area are Hopi, Zuni, Ute and Navajo.  Tribal members have been very helpful with giving information towards Crow Canyon's discoveries.  This Pithouse is about a foot below ground level with the entrance/exit through the roof.  The front entrance on this recreation is to allow easier access for visitors; inside are typical findings: fire pit, cradle board, pottery, grinding stones, animal skins, even a fan made of bird feathers for the fire pit.

Let me introduce you to our tour guide, Carol Taylor; she is a volunteer at Crow Canyon, extremely knowledgeable, will gladly answer questions. and does an amazing job.













There is much more to Crow Canyon, and all will be experienced with one of the all day programs.  By the way, remember to watch your step, you never know who you may step on....like the home of diligent ants, or a collared lizard.

Active Ant Hill

Collared Lizard

On the way back to the Research Institute, we passed Hogan-like buildings where folks stay when doing an extended stay at Crow Canyon. We passed a couple of Adobe ovens, and I forgot to ask if they do any cooking classes with these.

Back inside, Carol took us on a tour of the various labs in the lower level.  There is a wonderful display on the wall, as you go downstairs, for the "Atlatl"; and Carol gave us a demonstration inside Lab #1.



Pottery Shards

Pursiane Seed Project

Walking back to our vehicle, we passed The Lodge once again; I mentioned to my husband that the stained glass window design was of Zuni origin, and I quickly took two shots of the front of the building.  Now I am one who believes in ghosts, spirits, whatever else they're called; in the first shot, there is a most interesting white "apparition" while the immediate second shot does not have it.  As far as I'm concerned "whomever" this was made it known he/she was pleased that I knew about the Zuni origin.  It was a pleasant farewell after a pleasant adventure at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.

White Apparition Ascends Stairs.

A Second Later, It is Gone.

If you are truly interested in Southwestern Archaeology, seriously consider taking any of the wonderful programs Crow Canyon offers.  If you're not certain, take the free tour; and who knows, perhaps a spirit will give its blessing.

Mary Cokenour