Camp Verde Cliff Dwellings – Arizona Hikers Guide
by Cameron Jarman on May 17, 2015
The Verde Valley was home to hundreds, even thousands, of ancient inhabitants and the remains of their societies are still intact for us to explore and learn today. There are hundreds of “cavates” carved by hand out of sandstone that litter the cliffs descending on the Verde River. Some of the cavates are known as the Camp Verde Cliff Dwellings and are located near Highway 260 and are very easy to get to.
Length: 1.5 miles (round trip)
Elevation: 3100
Change: +450
Difficulty: 2
Rating: 3
Solitude: 4
Trip Description
Brief History
This description of the Sinagua people was given by the Verde Valley Archaeology Center. This site does a great job documenting and preserving the Verde Valley history.
‘About A.D. 650, a people archeologists refer to as the Sinagua entered the Flagstaff and Verde Valley regions from east-central Arizona. Archeologists divide the Sinagua into two branches. The Northern Sinagua occupied the area around what is now Flagstaff, while the Southern Sinagua lived along the middle stretches of the Verde River.
The Southern Sinagua quickly learned about the plants, animals, soils and climate of the Verde Valley and developed a dynamic culture. The rich mineral resources of the Verde Valley, and its central location between the Hohokam to the south and the Ancestral Puebloans to the north, resulted in active trade and exchange of ideas that enriched all the cultures of prehistoric Arizona.
After about A.D. 1125, the Sinagua expanded their occupation of the Verde Valley and for the first time constructed cliff dwellings in the Red Rock canyons around present day Sedona. This shift was probably made possible by a slightly more moist climate. In the Red Rock canyons the Sinagua could raise their crops with dry farming techniques. A more moist climate meant more consistent harvest.
Between A.D. 1150 and 1300, the Southern Sinagua reached their maximum territorial extent, with villages of 3 to 10 families scattered throughout every environmental niche in the Verde Valley. But, between A.D. 1300 and 1400, the climate fluctuated dramatically between wet and dry periods. The Flagstaff area was abandoned, and there were major disruptions in the cultures to the north and south. These and other complications prompted the Southern Sinagua to congregate into about 50 pueblos – large masonry towns – each occupied by 20 to 100 or more families. Most of the pueblos were spaced along the Verde River and its perennially flowing feeder creeks, linking the abundant wild plant and animal food resources of the uplands along the Mogollon Rim with the fertile farming soils of the Valley bottom lands.
Like other areas of Northern Arizona, the Verde Valley was abandoned by the Sinagua about A.D.1400. The ultimate fate of the Sinagua is unknown though there is some evidence linking the Sinagua with the Hopi of historical times. The Yavapai-Apache hold that not all the Sinagua left the area. Several family groups remained in the Verde Valley and intermarried with the Yavapai and Apache.’
The hike begins at a trailhead which is really just a pull off on the north side of Highway 260 just outside of Camp Verde. You will know if it’s the right spot if you see a fence opening in front of you and a sign that says “Welcome to McDonald Trailhead”. There is a trail that leads directly to the cliff dwellings which can be seen from the highway. It is a short 1 mile hike directly north towards the cliffs in front of you. Once you approach the cliff you will see a sign that warns visitors of ancient remains and to respect the land. This advice is rarely taken and is sad to see idiots leaving trash and carving names into our fragile Arizona history. Please enjoy the dwellings but do not remove or displace any of the findings.
When you make it to the cliff face you will see dozens of cavates which apparently is pronounced “Cave-Ate”. You will see delicate remains of side walls and fire pits. You will also see corn cobs and pottery shards. There are dozens of rooms so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy, explore, and respect the site. When you are finished, come back the way you came.
Tips:
- Bring a camera because the view of the Verde Valley below is unreal.
- The trail splits about halfway up but don’t worry both trails end up in the same spot.
- Respect our state’s history. Pack out what you pack in and abide by the Leave No Trace Principles.
Map To Trailhead
Trail Signage
At the Gate At the Site
Camp Verde Cliff Dwellings Gallery
At the Site
At the Gate
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