Sagebrush personal hiking blog
GET 2017 Day 25, May 20, Saturday.
Start just past only ford of East Fork of Gila River, Segment 22 mile 9.1 of 24.8
End Burnt Canyon, Segment 23 mile 8.6
Miles walked: 23.3
Diamond Creek runs fast, deep, and narrow, with grassy banks and few rocks in the creek bed.
GET 2017 Day 24, May 19, Friday.
Start Lower Scorpion Campground at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Section 22 mile zero
End just past only ford of East Fork of Gila River, Section 22 mile 9.1
Miles walked: 9.1
This morning I was the first civilian to enter the Gila Cliff Dwelling after its 9AM opening.( I had toured in previous years with family, and always enjoy the experience.) You wind along a wooded path near a creek and cliff face, with birds chirping and lizards watching. Suddenly you walk out to see several rooms built of stone and mortar built into a huge overhang of a cliff.
These dwellings were built around 1280AD, about the same time as other cliff dwellings in the southwest USA. This structure was only occupied for a generation. Why? There are theories, but the answer is not settled.
In this series of photos, look at craftsmanship, and details such as steps, windows, and vigas.
GET 2017 Day 23, May 18, Thursday.
Start terminus of Trail 152 at junction with Trail 151, Section 20 mile 34.6 of 36.6
End Lower Scorpion Campground at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Section 21 mile 17.2
Miles walked: 19.2
As Trail 151 descends down to the Gila, one already sees cliffs that are a preview of the day.
The water of the Gila runs clear and cool, with wet-foot crossings typically coming up to knees, but sometimes mid-thigh.
