Indian Ruins at Walnut Canyon National Monument

Erosion and faulting carved the 400' deep canyon into the plateau...	...exposing the under-lying limestone rocks.
	Descending the 240 stairs leading to the Island Trail 185 feet below.	Distant view of promontory around which there are 25 cliff-dwelling rooms.
Off-limit ruins.		Another view of the "Third Fort" promontory from above.
The .9 mile Island Trail loop begins.	Scenic views abound.
Dwelling walls were built of unshaped limestone blocks set in heavy mud "mortar".		Other ruins in the distant cliff walls.
More ancient dwellings with empty rooms below the cliff overhangs...
	Following the trail...
The area is surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and Juniper pine.
The block walls were originally covered with a "plaster"of clay inside and out...
The average height for a male Sinaguan was 5-1/2 feet.	Sinagua women were several inches shorter.
Doorways were reinforced with wood beams.	Smoke-blackened walls from ancient fires.
		Vent hole above doorway for smoke escape.
	Even when mostly covered, "T" shaped doorways allowed for fresh air flow.
	Douglas fir forests.	Heading around to the south side...
More ancient dwellings in the distant cliff walls...
		Time to start ascending those 240 steps...
		The Sinaguan diet included pinyon nuts, yucca seeds, black walnuts,currants,canyon grapes, and wild lettuce.
Yucca plant	Indian Paintbrush	Their diet also included bighorn sheep, deer, smaller mammals and rodents.
Along the Rim Trail...		Pit house ruins on the rim.
Two-room pueblo ruins on the rim.