They lived in cliff dwellings, which were built in the natural recesses in the limestone walls. Over millions of years, flowing water eroded the softer rock layers, crating shallow caves.

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Steve Snedden > In 1915, Walnut Canyon was declared a national monument. It is located about 10 miles southeast of Flagstaff. Sandie and I traveled there in the Summer of 2005.

Steve Snedden > This is taken from the visitor's center. These overhanging cliffs were home to the Sinagua Indians more than 800 years ago. Sinagua is Spanish for "without water" and is a tribute to their ability to turn a relatively dry region into a homeland.

Steve Snedden > The Sinagua first appeared in the rugged volcanic terrain sometime before 600 A.D..

Steve Snedden > Although the trails are well maintained, it is difficult to imagine anybody choosing this area to settle. The canyon walls are so steep and scary.

Steve Snedden > Sandie spots the caves. We were actually able to go inside the cave dwellings.

Steve Snedden > They lived in cliff dwellings, which were built in the natural recesses in the limestone walls. Over millions of years, flowing water eroded the softer rock layers, crating shallow caves.

Steve Snedden > To form the walls, builders gathered limestone rocks, shaped them roughly, then cemented them together with a gold-colored clay found in deposites elsewhere in the canyon.

Steve Snedden > Wooden beams reinforced the doorways. Finally, the walls were plastered with clay inside and out.

Steve Snedden > There were no wall painting, etc but we were amazed to see the soot from their cooking fires still on the walls after hundreds of years.

They lived in cliff dwellings, which were built in the natural recesses in the limestone walls. Over millions of years, flowing water eroded the softer rock layers, crating shallow caves.

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Keywords: walnutcanyon

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