An exploration of two archaeological national monuments in Arizona.
First, we explore the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, which comprises the ruins of a Hohokam Culture great house. Then we head up to the Tonto National Monument and get into the well preserved cliff dwellings which provide a nice contrast in the methods early peoples used to survive in these harsh southwest environments.
Both of these national monuments are an easy day trip from either the Phoenix or Tuscon metro areas.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is an archaeological park located in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. The monument protects a series of deep caves and overhangs that housed the dwellings of Mogollon Culture peoples that inhabited this area 800 years ago.
A hiker murder in the backcountry and some interesting sights underground. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great place to experience intense desert as well as mind blowing caverns.
The caverns were super dark and dramatically lit…hard to take decent video!
A great day at Chiricahua National Monument, hiking and enjoying nature.
At just over 12,000 acres, Chiricahua is a small monument that is primarily for day use. There is a campground with water and restrooms and 17 miles of trails.
