Three Turkeys Canyon, in Northeastern Arizona, is a lovely hiking destination. The well-preserved ruins stand in their canyon wall nook as they have for centuries.
The hike down to the canyon floor begins with dramatic overviews of the canyon.
A cement plaque declares that Mr. Spencer and his crew worked on the trail in 1964. The trail is steep and rough, with lots of scree, but it's a short hike to the bottom. Our party included two little ones, rough-and-tumble girls of 2 and 5 years old.
The ruins are visible through the trees during the descent.
The three turkeys painted by the ancient cliff dwellers are fresh and clear today.
The Anasazi left ample evidence of their practical and artistic tendencies.
The October skies in this remote corner of the planet deepen against terracotta stone precipices.
Canyons walls composed of shinarump conglomerate sparkle in the sunlight, incorporating pebbles and bits of quartz.
The creek at the bottom runs light and shallow. I wonder how many centuries have passed since a river sustained the lively little village tucked neatly into this sheer cliff face.
And I wonder, too, who in ancient times carried his little one on his shoulders along its shady banks on a bright October day.
The children befriended a colorful froggie, the only wildlife sighting of the day.
We could not have had a lovelier day or more congenial company for our hike.
You may click to enlarge the above photos
