Unseen Mysteries of AGUA FRIA NATIONAL MONUMENT | Hidden Remnants of the Perry Mesa Tradition

Рет қаралды 16,858

Күн бұрын

Located north of Phoenix, AZ, Agua Fria National Monument is easy to miss, however, within the boundaries are hidden remnants. From petroglyphs to pueblo remains, or endless scenic overlooks, it's an offroad paradise waiting to be explored.
Today we take our offroad truck, Slim, out for a spin in a region we have missed for years. The Agua Fria National Monument contains just over 70,000 acres of off-road trails and remnants of pre-Columbian societies living on Perry Mesa and Black Mesa. In addition, there are hiking trails, hidden petroglyphs, expansive views, and perenially flowing water in the Agua Fria River.
Featured in this video are the Badger Springs Trail, Pueblo La Plata, and the stunning Fort Silver at the edge of a canyon overlooking Silver Creek.
PERRY MESA VISITOR'S GUIDE - www.resolutionmineeis.us/site...
VIDEO FILMED: 01/22/2023
▬▬ R E L A T E D V I D E O S ▬▬
⚪ Sears-Kay Ruins | Tonto National Forest, AZ (2019) - • Sears-Kay Ruins | Tont...
⚪ Relaxation on the WATER WHEEL FALLS TRAIL | Tonto National Forest | Payson, Arizona - • Relaxation on the WATE...
⚪ THANKSGIVING 2022 Vlog | Seven Springs Recreation Area Adventure | Arizona - • THANKSGIVING 2022 Vlog...
⚪ Discovering Ancient Pottery at Homolovi State Park | Winslow, AZ - • Discovering Ancient Po...
⚪ MONTEZUMA WELL & MONTEZUMA CASTLE | Remains of the Southern Sinagua of Arizona - • MONTEZUMA WELL & MONTE...
▬▬ L O C A T I O N I N F O ▬▬
⚪ AGUA FRIA NATIONAL MONUMENT - www.blm.gov/visit/agua-fria
⚪ Directions to AGUA FRIA NATIONAL MONUMENT - goo.gl/maps/MD57JKnnNXJ3Vy9j9
▬▬ T I M E S T A M P S ▬▬
00:00 Intro
00:44 Badger Springs Trail
10:49 Bloody Basin Road
16:10 Pueblo La Plata
22:37 Fort Silver
▬▬ L I N K S ▬▬
⚪ Gear we use - www.amazon.com/shop/thecactus...
⚪ See where we've been - www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mi...
⚪ Music from Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
(As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.)
_____________________________________________________________
✅ Find us on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook - @cactusatlas.
✅ Check out our website - cactusatlas.com
Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!

Пікірлер: 90

@leeguthrie2283 Жыл бұрын

It is so nice to see a new video up. I had a stressful day today and being able to travel in the ruins makes me feel much better.

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'm so glad to hear we could help. Hope your day improves and you have a stress free weekend. 😊

@lzwnn Жыл бұрын

The drone footage on this one was particularly spectacular. What a dramatic landscape. You’re a brave guy, in that wind at the edge of those cliffs on teetering piles of rocks! I wouldn’t have made it that far. Enjoyed the trip, Glenn and Amy, thank you!

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I'm not sure it was bravery... 😂 The drone was really fun to fly here and get those perspectives.

@SwiftyTravels Жыл бұрын

The drone footage really highlighted the beauty of this place! I’ve never explored this part of Arizona. I’m so glad to see all that pottery pieces still in place👍

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Was one of the areas where having a drone really came in handy. Not sure the effect of those forts at edge of the canyons would feel the same from on top of them. 😊

@craiggossmer6525 Жыл бұрын

🤠 Thanx, this is a must!! 😎🧡 🖐

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

We couldn't agree more! It really is a great place to explore. 😊👍

@gstiles7 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great tour of the southwest!!

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

It is our pleasure as always! 😊

@ronaldculpepper413 Жыл бұрын

Great and educational video. I now have another destination for my spring training trip to Phoenix

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Great to hear! Hope you have a fantastic trip. 😄

@mcoffroadinaz4075 Жыл бұрын

Another good descriptive thougthful video of AZ. Thanks! I plan to check that area out. Cheers from Mesa.

@patriciashirley7095 Жыл бұрын

Your footage inspired me to put my foot forward towards my new hiking adventures ordered my first promoter van Hope to someday meet you

@elbertmoreno2159 Жыл бұрын

Hope you have a blast on your hiking 🌵☕

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Thank you! That's so awesome! We both wish you the best of luck on your new adventure! 😄

@johns7785 Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this one. Your drone footage really showed the ruins in the best possible way.

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Thanks a ton! Happy to have the drone. Walking around and seeing old walls from the ground just doesn't feel as impressive as being able to really see the structure from air. 👍

@alexandervoytov4966 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! You inspire me to hike AZ!

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

That's awesome! That makes us so happy to hear! 😊

@brookingsbeachcomber Жыл бұрын

nice adventure and awesome footage

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Thank you! 👍

@DontcallmeaCuck Жыл бұрын

Cool video . Glad I food your channel

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Thanks and welcome aboard! 👍

@fatmanhikes Жыл бұрын

Long time lurker occasional commenter, this is a good very interesting well presented video. Different somehow from your other videos, good work.

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! Sometimes videos just come out slightly different. It's always hard to say what the finished product will end up being. 😅

@markgorton5865 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video, some great footage especially with the drone. Which one are you using? Glad Glenn learned from the burros and didn’t try to pet or feed the cow 😂

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

😂 I was thinking of the burro while editing. We currently have the DJI Air 2S. No complaints about it! 😄

@Eric-iq3ty Жыл бұрын

I live in corded and explore the deserts all the time you would be surprised at all the neat stuff in the area. Mayer prospector.

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

It's definitely surprising and yet once you learn about the history of the area not at all. 😅

@mojavemike6522 Жыл бұрын

What a nice and informative video. High quality! Most cultures throughout the world built forts/walls as defensive measures against a more warlike group. The Four Corners region and most of the southwest is no exception. The Zuni and Hopi have a lot of info regarding this. Keep up your fantastic work.

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you very much. 😊👍

@SomeplaceOrAnother Жыл бұрын

Great hike and tour today 🤠👍

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Thanks! 😄👍

@82dorrin Жыл бұрын

Agua Fria is a great place. Very beautiful, and the people are friendly. I just wish they'd shut up about the "swiftness of the Ranger."

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Really cool, I've always wondered about this place as I've seen it as I've gone up the 17 but never had a chance to stop. This place looks amazing, but I'm not sure about running into cows!

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

We did the same for yeeeears. Always thought there likely wasn't much to it. Boy were we wrong! 😅

@mountainman6549 2 ай бұрын

Was at Agua Fria in February 2024. I read up on it and didn’t get good information so let me give you a heads up. You need a big off road vehicle not your normal suv. I have a Rav 4 and it dont cut it. Had to turn around before I wrecked it.

@UKOnation 10 ай бұрын

12:36 Oh, such nice shaped clouds. You have them too? I think, the whole world has got them today ...

@rogerharris8081 Жыл бұрын

Hey Glen, very nice video. Back in the early 1990’s, my hiking buddy and I explored Perry Mesa (before it was a National Monument) in a Toyota 4x4 and the road was not maintained. As I watched your travels and wondered what vehicle you ended up with several years ago. Remember when you asked for in put? This is the road I was thinking of when my suggestion was a Forerunner!

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Haha! It was a long time coming for us getting a vehicle capable of traversing roads like what we have so far. Kind of regret not getting one earlier but times were what they were (and let's face it - there are still some shortages here and there with vehicles and parts). The 4Runner was still high up on our list but I'm pretty sure Glenn loves the truck he got now. 😊

@LivinginNorway Жыл бұрын

That’s a nice national monument

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more. 😄

@bcbconklin 9 ай бұрын

Took the Greyhound up and down I-17 a few years ago between Glendale and Laughlin (via Flagstaff), so I know where you're at...interesting trek, thanks.

@CactusAtlas 9 ай бұрын

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching! 😄

@sandrarogers1200 7 ай бұрын

I'm thinking my dad and a very good friend of his may have done what you have done here. My dad used to do a lot of walking and was very interested in the ancient ruin sites.

@CactusAtlas 7 ай бұрын

There is most certainly no shortage of them out here, that's for sure! 😄

@brookingsbeachcomber Жыл бұрын

Rock Art looks the same as Moab, Mesa Verde and Mexican Hat

@skater42543 Жыл бұрын

A lot of the scenery in this area feels Minecraft like lol. Planning to hit up badger springs soon!

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Very cool! And I can absolutely see the Minecraft reference. 😅

@marias3987 Жыл бұрын

😂 I saw a cow when I did that trail too, jumpscare! Lol

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

Haha! They are EVERYwhere out there it seems! We saw a number when we drove along FM24 and out Bloody Basin Rd a couple months back. Just chilling and staring at people driving by. 😄

@iguanaamphibioustruck7352 Жыл бұрын

Even in the descriptions by the Parks Dept or whoever, the timing is really approximate. Sometimes it is 1500 years ago, sometimes it is 15000 and sometime it is 50,000 And, if you start thinking in terms of generations it becomes real complicated. In the 50's I worked for a mining company and prospected Cummings Mesa (up near Navajo mountain) very similar with rock walls and broken pottery all around. The difference, Cummings Mesa is around 6000 feet elevation about 200 acres and surrounded by a thousand vertical cliff. (one mule trail from Rainbow Lodge) Me and a geologist were flown in (super cub) and were up there for about 30 days total. Walking the edges looking for pockets of uranium. The best way I can understand it is to think about a lot of fresh water lakes and lots of islands over hundreds and thousands of years. Violent weather at times and tranquil weather in other times. At Red Rock Gap in Idaho the plaque says "11500 years ago a disturbance in the earth crust cracked the containment of Lake Bonneville (500 feet over SLC) and it emptied out to the level of Salt Lake (about 4500 feet). Over by Flagstaff is a butte that was an active volcano, 600 years ago. I read another account about Lake Bonneville on KZfaq and they dated the draining at 17000 years ago. The error is mans life on earth since Jesus Christ. Then consider the floods up in Washington on the Columbia river that were caused by an ice dam around Coeur D Alene Idaho. About every 55 years the dam would float and release Lake Missoula into the Columbia drainage and create a frontal wall of water, 700 feet high. You can imagine that the weather and living conditions for people living in Arizona was not boring. The books by Jane Hamilton, about the tribes coming down from the North called it the Forbidden Land. No wonder! Thanks for the video and really good job. Dave Hansen

@neverendingmods 10 ай бұрын

Thanks man for showing us this. I would love to be able to make it out there before I get too old and out of shape. Was there any meteor strikes in the area long ago that you know of? With cliff side caves used over millennium and two story living structures with entries only on top requiring ladders or ropes makes you think about what was trying to kill them to build in such a way. Were they living structures reused over and over dating back much older than anyone knows?

@CactusAtlas 10 ай бұрын

Only meteor strike I know of any old age is the one that formed Meteor Crator up by I-40. I'm sure there's been smaller ones in the area over time, though. 👍

@Eric-iq3ty Жыл бұрын

You should do a video on crown king and the drive up there.there is a wolf sanctuary across from cleater

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

We have always wanted to explore there and plan on making it happen now that we have the ability to. 😄👍

@Eric-iq3ty Жыл бұрын

Sounds good cactus I really enjoy your vids

@kreggossmer2029 Жыл бұрын

Horse Thief Basin 😎❤

@Elira-jr4tv 6 ай бұрын

Is this where the village from the song Big Iron is in?

@CactusAtlas 6 ай бұрын

Oh, gosh. Not entirely sure about that, to be honest. 😓

@kreggossmer2029 Жыл бұрын

🤠👍👍

@brookingsbeachcomber Жыл бұрын

I swore I could smell the desert sage

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

😊

@tolson57 Жыл бұрын

I, like you, am very interested to know what/who were they so afraid of that they felt the need to build these fortress like structures. Also, I do not believe that there would have been water sources on the mesas. If that is true, then not only are they building forts, they are building homes 300 to 500 feet above their sources of water. The amount of daily labor required to bring water to the pueblo would have been enormous. Whomever they were protecting themselves from must have been a formidable enemy.

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

It was likely a whole lot of work, I'm sure. It would be fascinating to see an average day around there. 👍

@DovieRuthAuthor Жыл бұрын

You’d never know those pueblos were there unless you were looking for them. I’m thinking the Apaches might have caused some trouble. They were known for being aggressive.

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

It is hard to say and probably will remain a mystery. Could be so many different things and who is to say one has the same reason as another too. 😅

@tkillsmany Жыл бұрын

Part of my old trapping grounds. It's a shame people are destroying it all.

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

A lot of people don't have the respect and sadly don't follow the rules of not pocketing things. 😞 One reason we love what we do because we can at least preserve it on video.

@atatterson6992 7 ай бұрын

It was nice and quiet... till some dude talking to his camera showed up...

@lilmsgs Жыл бұрын

Obsidian

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

That's what we figured it was given the volcanic activity from the past. 👍 Pretty cool find.

@lilmsgs Жыл бұрын

@@CactusAtlas Good video. I'm only a few miles away from that... I'll have to take a ride back there.

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

It's a really cool place to explore. We've driven back on some of those roads previous but had no idea what we were really passing by.

@Rfk1966 Жыл бұрын

The BLM has done a good job managing this area.

@CactusAtlas Жыл бұрын

We think so too. 😊

@danielmurphy9260 6 ай бұрын

You should have pet the cow

@CactusAtlas 6 ай бұрын

😂 Last time we tried to interact with an animal in the wild it didn't go so well. 🤣

@Eric-iq3ty Жыл бұрын

Cordes

@mitchellkrouth5083 9 ай бұрын

Human civilization, highly advanced, mathematics, astrology and science highly advanced humans, millions of years ago what you were looking at is hundreds of thousands of years old Reading, habited, civilizations, dig deeper you will see the history but your brain will not be able to handle it. The brain on today’s human are too small. How are you doing?