Continued from page 2.

Onward and forward. This part of the trail undulates up and down, often through chutes formed in the soft volcanic tuff:

 

 

 

 

Just beyond this rocky area Jim was again waiting for me in the shade -- to be sure I didn't miss the petroglyphs along the path:

No way would I have missed those! I remember them from the previous times I've walked through here so I was looking for them. I didn't remember exactly where they were, however.

Although some of the visible rock art at Tsankawi dates from Spanish Colonial times (late 1800s-early 1900s) the site brochure indicates the petroglyphs shown below are of Ancestral Pueblo origin:

 

There are other petroglyphs (and probably pictographs) in the park but they aren't close to the official visitors' trails.

After this high rocky section the trail descends through more deep, narrow rock chutes, then continues to undulate along the cliff:

 

   

Jim's 'way ahead of me again (little red dot in distance); he "savors" scenery faster than I do:

 

 

 

Near the end of the loop the trail becomes more flat and it follows the edge of the ledge. Fortunately, by now you've dropped down close enough to the bottom of the canyon that a fall wouldn't be as dangerous!

 

A look back

Nearing the end of the loop

Another look back

Now we're back to the rock platform near the beginning of the trail; it's to the left in the picture below:

Tsankawi is a little-known national monument but a fascinating place to visit, on many levels (no pun intended). Some people come for the cultural history and/or spiritual significance of the place; others come to study the geology of the high desert.

As an amateur photographer and connoisseur of natural beauty, I'm primarily drawn to the stunning landscape. On a beautiful day like this I could have spent even more hours taking photos, examining plants and rocks, and gazing out at the magnificent scenery.

I encourage readers to visit Tsankawi and the better-known Bandelier. Tsankawi has some rough trails; I realize not everyone can climb up or down rustic ladders, over rocks, or through deep, narrow chutes in the volcanic rock. I've tried to give a representative "picture" of various obstacles so readers can determine if they are physically able to hike this trail. 

Keep in mind that both Jim and I have arthritis and some significant knee problems. We do not consider this loop to be very difficult. You don't have to go fast on the trail loop or ladders; in a place like this, just take your time, be careful, and absorb as much as you can of your surroundings.

For more information about Tsankawi and Bandelier, click on the links. I'll have a separate entry on Bandelier after we visit it again next week.

Next entry:  hiking the Bayo Canyon trail loop

Happy trails,

Sue
"Runtrails & Company" - Sue Norwood, Jim O'Neil, and Cody the Ultra Lab

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© 2011 Sue Norwood and Jim O'Neil