Honanki is a sacred place. The 700 year old ruins are well-preserved and relatively uncrowded and the rock art on the walls is fascinating. If you shut your eyes and sit in silence you just may be able to connect with the spirits who have walked before you.
Caretakers of the site will tell you that this set of dwellings housed three separate cultures at different periods in history: the Sinagua Indians, and more recently the Yavapai and Apache nations. Different colored markings on the walls are from different time periods. As you approach the site, you can go left to see the remains of the main room, complete with a circular clan symbol painted high on the wall above.
If you follow the trail to the right, you will find several more small rooms, some still intact. Look carefully and you will see all sorts of art on the walls. Please do not touch the walls or climb on the ruins. We want them to remain intact! Also, be wary of the rattlesnakes in the area who seem to love to curl up among the rocks. I've never had any problems with them, but then again, I wouldn't want to tempt fate!
I've been told that if you proceed from the parking lot, down the road a short ways and to the left, you can hike a short trail up to "The Shaman's Cave". A green Mojave rattler is reputed to guard the area along with the cackling ravens that swoop overhead. Perhaps they are the true caretakers of this ancient and mysterious site.
| Directions: |
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Hwy 179 (exit 298). Turn left onto 179 and follow it past the Village of Oak Creek to the Sedona (Burger King) "Y". Turn left at the "Y" onto West 89A. Take this past most of the town until you see Dry Creek Road. This is just a little ways past the Giant Gas Station to the right.
Take Dry Creek Road until it dead-ends into another road. Turn left; the signs will point you to the Enchantment Resort. Take this road until it dead-ends into another road. Turn left onto the dirt road (Boynton Pass Road) and follow it for several miles until you see the signs pointing to Honanki. Follow them past the Loy Butte area, past the cattle guard/gate, through the dry wash and then up on the hill where you will see a dirt parking lot to the left and a little hut to the right. The very short trail is to the right.
PS - Boynton Pass Road is a rutty, bumpy dirt road that is OK for cars in dry weather, but don't try it in a heavy rain! |
Difficulty: |
Easy. |
Supplies: |
You may want a camera. Nothing else is required.
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