23k yr old foot prints and 13 more Native American Ruin Sites in New Mexico and the 4 Corners.

The West is Big! Explore It
The West is Big! Explore It
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Published 2024-01-27
Another in depth travel and information guide. In this one we trace the progress of the first Native Americans starting 23,000 years ago with Human Foot Prints next to Mastodons! We then see early pit houses and 21,000 rock carvings. We visit a lava field where tools could be made before heading to Chaco Canyon- center of power from 800-1250, and its magnificent multi-story stone buildings with up to 600 rooms. We'll learn why they were made based on PhD Steve Lekson's research-- hint they are palaces! After Chaco's decline the site in Aztec New Mexico became the power center. There we enter their superbly reconstructed great Kiva- the best in the southwest!

Then we see the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and Bandelier which were occupied till about 1300.
Then, we go to Acama Pueblo which is the oldest continually occupied settlement in the US. I meet a native wearing his prized Washington Redskins cap. In the Four Corners we visit Hovenweep in Utah- to see the finest stone work of the age. Then, we head south to Arizona and Canyon de Chelly for hike to Whitehouse Ruin. Around 1300 many 4 Corner sites were abandoned.
Perhaps its not a coincidence the population near the Rio Grande grew. Near Albuquerque, we explore an adobe settlement visited, and possibly sacked, by Coronado in 1540. In 1621 the Spanish forced the Pueblo people to build a church at Jemez- its still in fine shape. The Spanish began an unhappy chapter, but things got worse after 1848 when the area was ceded to the USA. in 1851 the US built a Fort along an old trade route called the Santa Fe Trail. It seems a fitting place to end our Road trip.
All Comments (21)
  • @dianespears6057
    Fantastic is not a big enough word for the information and care in this video. I am always planning my dream trip and this was an excellent resource. Thank you.
  • @veronicaleyba929
    My beloved grandfather worked and retired from Ft. Union. He specialized in adobe making & and repairs. He was called to Bents Fort to help restore the adobe walls. I really enjoyed this video. My grandfather was a great man. He was part Navajo and Spanish. He was a ww2 Army Veteran 💜 received a purple 💜. I was very blessed to have a wonderful grandfather. Thank you for your brilliant video. 👏.
  • @user-gz2hf3iy3u
    I grew up in Los Alamos. Bandelier was my childhood playground. I consider it my heart home.
  • @aapex1
    Finding this channel has made my day! Been watching Trek Planner and Desert Drifter for a while now so this is the perfect addition. THANKS!
  • @kurtchristopher7392
    Outstanding video. I can't imagine the effort and time it took to create this wonderful video. Thank you for this incredible glimpse into this area of the country, my favorite place.
  • @sallyrucker8990
    Thank you to the ranger that gave us such a fantastic tour!
  • @CoryTheRaven
    Not close to done this yet, but the discussion on the ancient pueblos got me thinking back to my visits to Wupatki. It actually makes a lot of sense that the large structure with the Mesoamerican ball court would be a palace served by all the little outlying farmhouses. Interesting... Thanks for the thought-provoking content as well as the travel information!
  • @barbaraolson6783
    Was there before it was paved. Used to hike and camp through Bandelier. Miss this area.
  • @kristinajohnson3165
    Wonderful summaries! I’ve visited many of these sites so it was a lovely look back for me!
  • @dr.brandileebunge
    This was so amazing, informational, and very fun. Thank you for your great dedication time and content. 🎉😊🌟👌
  • @trishrobbins9942
    I’m SO glad I visited all of these sites before the current crowd control restrictions. I appreciate that there are people preserving the history.
  • @TomSeibert
    Fantastic video! Thank you for sharing this information. I hope too see much of this next spring!
  • @barbaraolson6783
    Chaco looks so different, hoping people care for all the lands, animals and ruins. There used to be some brush and small trees, sorry they have been lost.
  • @juneknight9586
    Like you, I want for these beautiful places to remain unknown to everyone.
  • @jonpatrick66
    Really cool. I enjoyed watching your video very much. It definitely makes me wish I was your age again. Ha! Back then I did a lot of exploring but I didn't have a camera or drone. We have some old Polaroid pictures, but need I say more ;⁠) Thank you for sharing and keep enjoying this wonderful country.