Valley of Fire

You will find Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, in your guidebook or at http://www.parks.nv.gov/vf.htm. I chose to include this place because it is near Area 51, has great petroglyphs, and the colors of the landscaped desert are very unusual.

Directions: From Las Vegas take I-15 North to exit 75. As you drive into the park you will notice numerous rock cairns on the side of the road.
Be forewarned! In the middle of the summer this place truly feels like a Valley of Fire!

Boynton Canyon Cliff Dwelling

The Boynton Canyon Cliff Dwelling is located in Sedona, Arizona, in the Secret Mountain Wilderness which is part of Coconino National Forest. This cliff dwelling is not located on the trail map or in any visitor guides.

Directions: From Sedona go South toward Cottonwood on Arizona 89a, the main road through Sedona. Just south of town turn right on Dry Creek Road, then left on Boynton Canyon Road. When you come to a T in the road turn right and continue a short distance until you see a parking lot on the right side of the road for a trailhead. If you come to Enchantment Resort you have gone too far.

Take the trailhead North along Boynton Canyon Trail. This trail follows the resort. Do not take Vista Trail. You will hike on a well maintained trail for a long distance. Keep looking to your right up in the cliff for the Indian ruins. Before you pass the resort you will come upon a smaller trail to the right. Follow this trail up the cliff side to the cliff dwelling.

Before you reach the larger cliff dwelling you will pass a small Indian cliff dwelling high up in the cliff to your right. The small trail to the large cliff dwelling is very steep with lots of loose rock. Watch out for the prickly pears. The thorns hurt! I got a few in my hand climbing up the side of the cliff.

The ruin has one large room and one small room. The walls are made up of rocks stacked on top of each other. It is located in the side of the cliff with a large overhang. If it was raining you would not get wet. The roof appears blackened by a fire. The view from the top is awesome. It is interesting to note the location the Indians chose for their home. This location has a view of the valley below. They could see anyone approaching. It is located in a cave-like alcove to protect them from the weather. Hauling rocks up the side of the cliff would have been no picnic.

Do not take any souvenirs from the site. It is a federal offense! Please leave the ruin as you found it for others to see.

I have posted 3 videos at the bottom. As I have said before, I consider myself a writer and photographer but NOT a videographer. The first one, although terrible footage, gives you an idea of how far up in the cliff the ruins are. Take note because you will be climbing up the side of this cliff. This is the smaller cliff dwelling.

While in Sedona we stayed at the Best Western on the South side of town. There is a more expensive one downtown. The hotel was very nice and had an awesome view. It is very relaxing to sit in the hot tub or swim in the pool at night and gaze at the spectacular view of the night sky. The continental breakfast was great. They even served belgium waffles. The only disadvantage was the location was too far to walk into town but it was away from the crowds.

If you have time check out the Jeep tours. I've been on the Jeep and Hummer tours. The best one is the Jeep Eater Hummer tour although it is not for small children.

Mount Irish Petroglyph Site

Mount Irish Petroglyph Site is located in Nevada near Area 51. It is so close that you will see aircraft flying overhead but so remote you may not run into any humans on the rugged dirt road.

Directions: From Las Vegas take I-15 North for 22 miles. Exit on US-93 North (exit 64). Stay on this road for 85 miles to the intersection of Hwy. 318 and Hwy. 375 (Extraterrestrial Highway). Take Hwy. 318 for 2.5 miles and turn West (left) on Logan Summit Road. This road is not marked. There is no sign. The sign in the photograph is farther down the dirt road. There is nothing marking the turnoff. A fence surrounds the area. Get out of the car, open the gate, and drive through. There may not appear to be a gate but the fence can be removed. If you found the gate closed, close it behind you. This dirt road requires a four wheel drive, high clearance vehicle. The road is very rough. The petroglyphs are spread over an 8 mile area and are carved into the soft, red rock. The first ones are on your left side quite a ways down the road. After passing the petroglyphs you will come to Logan Summit and a wooden mining cabin. The road past the petroglyphs is very rough.