Lucky Strike Mine Trail, Mt Charleston, NV

 In the desert foothills of Mt Charleston, just outside Las Vegas, NV lies the Lucky Strike Mine Trail. This 4x4 trail heads north off Hwy and deep into the desert. The trail lets you know right from the git go, this is a 4x4 trail with a steep loose rocky ascent.

 Once you make the short climb from the hwy, the vastness and desolation becomes reality.

 The trail takes you over several hills and deep into many valleys along with few miles of dry wash just for good measure.

 Decent into a dry river wash.

 Decisions, Decisions? Being out alone, I took the better trail to the right.

After several miles, the trail began to get a little to dicey. Being out alone I chose to head back out, not that the Liberty couldn't handle it, but better with more than one vehicle. Better safe than sorry, and the day was getting on. Sheryl wanted to stay in today, so it was my opportunity to venture off for a while as I needed my backcountry fix. With any luck I'll head back out to finish the trail, just have to find another adventurous soul here in the park.
That was todays adventure, be it a short one so, stay tuned for more and get out off the beaten path, it's amazing what you mite find.

A Drive Amonst the Gods

 Valley of the Gods, UT that is. Another one of those amazing places that we didn't realize was so close to Monument Valley. Valley of the Gods is similar (although not as impressive) as Monument Valley, the main difference is VoG is on BLM land (as opposed to Tribal land) and therefor not as restrictive. You are required to stay on the marked trails, but can hike and camp most anywhere and of course no entrance fees.

 The roadway starts out mundane enough, just your average drive through the desert from either direction.

 But the farther in you go, the more scenic it becomes.

 Then the next thing you know, your right in the middle of some of the most beautiful landscapes you have ever seen.

 The road (trail) is 17 miles of dirt and rock connecting UT 261 and US 163, approximately 30 miles north of Monument Valley.

Monument Valley in the distance.

What a great day out and definitely a must see/do if you are in the area. Like most off the beaten path areas, a high clearance vehicle is recommended and depending on the recent weather, 4 wheel drive may be needed.  But if you can make it, do it, you won't be sorry.
Ok, another check mark on the bucket list and a lifetime memory. Thanks for coming along and we'll see you back here next time for our trip through Monument Valley.

Early Navajo Pueblitos

 Yesterday, Sheryl and I went out in search of some early Navajo Pueblitos (small above ground masonry structures) out on BLM backroads. These Pueblitos date to the late 1600s to early 1700s. Most were built on cliff tops and took some hiking and scrambling to reach.

 This Pueblito had four rooms with the only entrance being from the roof top. The roof of this one is over 300 years old, hard to believe when a little wind storm destroys todays modern roofs!!!

 This Pueblito know as the Hooded Fireplace Ruin, for the unusual fireplace and dated to 1723.

Perched up on the cliffs helped keep them safe and easy to defend against the raiding Ute tribes from the north.

Sheryl spotted many pieces of broken pottery around each site. (yes, they were placed right back where there were found)

Some even built up on large boulders for max protection.

Should you be in the area and want to see out these, the arches and or the petroglyphs, remember these are located deep in BLM land and a high clearance 4x4 vehicle is required.

Our time here in Aztec has come to an end, we'll be heading to Monument Valley in northen Arizona/southern Utah tomorrow. Don't know if we'll have much in the way of internet access for the next few days, so check back and see if were here.

Crow Canyon Petroglyph Site

 Yesterday we went in search of early Navajo petroglyphs. We had searched for some a day or two before in a more accessible area but found they had all been destroyed by vandals. This time we contacted the local BLM Office and was told of a well preserved site well off the beaten track. With this new found knowledge, we were off for quite the adventure in finding them. 20 or so miles of dirt and gravel roads, a muddy river bed crossing and a deep muddy section of two track road, we arrived at our destination.

 The actual road (if that's what you want to call it) ends and your walk begins. As you hike along the pathway you begin to see the petroglyphs along the lower portions of the cliff face.

 There are several panels with many different petroglyphs carved in them.

 Along with several more individual ones.

 Sheryl pointing out a new one she had just found in this tight slot area.

 This is a view of the main petroglyphs area from across the wash. After spending a couple hours discovering the petroglyphs, we headed down the other road to seek out an early Navajo Defensive Position hidden on the mountain side.

 This little gem was hard to spot hidden on the mountain side. This is one of the few remaining sites scattered around a several square mile area.

 The riverbed crossing was still pretty wet and rutted, but packed down enough to cross (one of the reasons we have a 4x4 vehicle).

 Dirt and gravel roads leading in and out of the area.

One lane bridge deep in BLM land.

Another great adventure in the bag. Sheryl really enjoyed seeing and experiencing the petroglyphs, I had seen some before, but this was her first time. It was great to get out and see them in their natural environment rather than in a protected park or museum. We saw hundreds of petroglyphs along the canyon wall and way to many to post here. If you are interested in seeing more, I'll have them posted in our gallery, just click the link on the right side of the page.

Thanks again for coming along on this adventure with us and we'll see you back here again for more.