Today we drove south on Hwy 191 to Blanding and then headed west on Hwy 95 to Butler Wash (at mile marker 110). Located on BLM land, there is a well-marked .5 mile trail to an overlook that provides panoramic views of the Butler Wash Roadside Ruins. The cliff dwellings were built by Ancestral Puebloans who lived here around from 900 to 1200 AD.
The trail winds along slickrock and washes. It is very dry and can be extremely hot, so be sure to bring plenty of water even though it is only a 1 mile round hike.
The trail winds along slickrock and washes. It is very dry and can be extremely hot, so be sure to bring plenty of water even though it is only a 1 mile round hike.
Pets are permitted and Sadie is always really good at following the trail (even when we are not!)
There are interpretive signs when you reach the overlook that provide information about the ruins. The structures here are very similar to those found in Mesa Verde National Park in SW Colorado.
Part of the ruins have been stabilized but erosion continues to take its toll. At first glance it is difficult to discern where the dwellings are located.
But upon closer inspection, multiple structures can be seen in the alcoves.
The people who lived here farmed (corn, beans and squash) on the canyon floor and hunted in the region. Cottonwoods grow in the canyon along the wash. This tree had many uses including roof beams, fire making, digging sticks, weaving tools, and more.
By 1300 AD, the site was abandoned. We spent some time wandering around on the slickrock for different views into the canyon while being careful about not getting too close to the cliff rim.
Returning to the car, we drove north on Hwy 95 a very short distance to find dinosaur tracks near here. We parked and followed the trail to the wash below.
Honestly, they were difficult to spot but we did find them on this rock ledge near the wash.
Two types of carnivorous dinosaur tracks were left here during the Jurassic Period, 160M+ years ago. This is an illustration of what they are believed to have looked like.
For additional information about Butler Wash, go to www.blm.gov/visit/butler-wash-ruins.
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