Sand Canyon in Canyons of the Ancients

     Thursday found us hiking in Canyons of the Ancients. Sand Canyon, to be more exact. We chose a 3 mile trail and it was very nice. Easyish but it did get really hot and long for certain people. 

Castle Rock is the name of this formation.

The Collared Lizard. This is only the second one we have seen so it was pretty neat to get such a good picture of this amazing creature.

Indian ruins! Of course we couldn't go up to them for several reasons. #1, we aren't allowed and #2, you would need a ladder. It's so neat to see how they picked the places for homes and how safe they were! All they had to do in order to fight off enemies is pull their ladders up and shoot arrows or throw rocks down!

This whole area has lots of evidence that it used to be a lake. You can somewhat see the lines on the rocks in this picture that were water levels. All proof that the flood is not a myth! Even more then U.S. history, I love things like this and we have many great conversations and speculations about what could have happened after the flood.

These rocks are very flaky. And very red. So pretty though!

 

Any places that water has ran was solid rock. This particular place had several pools where water could collect after a rain.

More ruins. Note the blackened cave wall from smoke.

We thought this looked like a lemur. 

This is another "creek bed". There is 6-12" of topsoil along side it. We wonder if most of the area isn't solid rock a foot or two down since it was so obvious where water has ran and the trees are fairly small.

If you choose to hike in this area please plan for it! There is limited cell phone service, no bathrooms, water, or benches. Other then an obvious trail and signs at the crossroads it's very deserted. But believe me, it's well worth it and the canyon is gorgeous!