Palatki

Palatki heritage site is located in the Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona (approximately 34 55' 3.58"N, 111 53' 58.85"W). Built in the formidable red cliffs of the area are a set of ruins belonging to the Sinagua. The Sinagua created the ruins from 1100 to 1400 A.D, but there are pictographs and petroglyphs that are much older. Some of the petroglyphs are estimated to be 5,000 to 6,000 years old.

Unfortunately, the strong tourist attraction in the area has caused erosion and deformation to the area. This was originally the cause of poor archaeology appreciation by the European founders of the area. Photographs from the early 1900's show that an estimated 70 to 90 percent of the original structures have been been destroyed. Some stories suggest that early visitors would dig up the bones of the dead, buried beneath the ruins, and take them home as souvenirs.

Despite the previous problems of the area, Palatki is still a popular attraction.

Panorama

Gallery

External links

* [http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/palatki-ruins.shtml US Forest Service website on Palatki]