Sedona, Arizona Special Places - Palatki Ruins
(Special thanks to Leszek Pawlowicz who provided the pictures for this page!)
Palatki means "red house" in the Hopi language, but this ruin actually housed many different cultures among them archaic people from 3000-6000 years ago, the Sinagua, the Yavapai, and Apache nations. Here you will find one of the finest and most extensive collections of rock art in the area. The park rangers are very well-informed and you'll get more of an education here than in any of the other sites I've visited to date.
 One trail leads to a set of well-preserved and somewhat restored ruins in the cliffside. Here the rangers will show you the remains of roasted agave that have been chewed, spit out, and preserved, along with other fragments of ancient life. The ruins are picturesque and make a wonderful subject for photos.
Follow another trail and you will walk past several alcoves where you can see numerous examples of rock art from the various cultures, all done in different colors and with different materials.
 Palatki is also somewhat mystical. Although no one can prove it, there is likelihood that some of the markings on the walls are spiritual in nature. A shaman/friend of mine tells me that there is a "doorway" in the rocks near the end of the trail. I find the spot, where a large vertical, rectangular slab of rock leans away from the cliff, and as I am basking in the huge heart energy there, a young local man tells me that the Native American elders believe this is where the spirits of the mountain journey between their world and ours. I wouldn't doubt this at all. The same young man tells me that a wonderful pool forms under the first alcove when it rains, reflecting the rock art. Animals come there to drink before it evaporates, and sometimes the grandmothers will come here to wash their hair in this special pool.
No matter what you believe, Palatki is something you wouldn't want to miss if you're seeking a real experience of the ancient life in the area.
| 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 Palatki.
Turn right here (FR 795) and follow it to the parks and rec. hut where you will be charged an entry fee that is worthwhile, given the quality of the site and the amount of education you'll receive from the rangers on site. Restrooms are available here.
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.
|
|
