Several months ago we were watching an episode of Desert Drifter and were intrigued by the ruins and petroglyphs Andrew had shown . . . we both commented on how much we'd really like to see this place for ourselves. So, with a little help from Google Lens we began a search to see if we could locate the vicinity of the ruins. It took a little while, but eventually we were able to narrow the search to an area just outside the town of Moab. Seeing that several nice sunny December days lay ahead (with no wind), and having nothing pressing on our calendar, we headed for Moab.
 |
The Hidden Valley trail looks intimidating . . . at first glance we wondered if there really was a trail!
This 600 ft scramble on steep rocky switchbacks (over ¾ of a mile) is the crux of the hike
We found it humorous that the BLM refers to the rocks as "Barney Rubble!"
|
 |
This time of the year the cliffs block the sun for the majority of the day . . .
This allows the rime frost to form some unique and fun crystals
|
 |
Kent is working his way over the "Barney Rubble" as we head for the saddle
(At the saddle the hike becomes an easy stroll as you enter Hidden Valley) |
 |
We've reached the top of the switchbacks . . .
We had nice views of Spanish Valley and the La Sal Mountains |
 |
| As you can see, Hidden Valley is a walk in the park |
 |
After walking another mile and a half, we arrived at the ridge where the ruins are located
(The arrows point to the ruins . . . click on the picture to enlarge) |
 |
Kent is approaching the spine of the ridge . . .
Is it really possible those ruins are on top of this knife edge? |
 |
| For perspective . . . Kent stands in a gap of the cliffs . . .Wow, these are tall! |
 |
There is only one way up to the first ruin and it is narrow!
(Approximately a fifteen foot chute, with very few places to put your feet on the bottom five)
As you can see only one of us made it up through the slot! |
 |
| Interesting! Was this a watch tower? |
 |
| This is definitely a different type of ruin |
 |
Allison walked to the end of the knife edge on the ridge line . . .
The gap between the cliffs is the one Kent was standing between earlier . . . scary, scary!! |
 |
Looking back toward the ruin
(It's hard to see from this angle, but click on the picture for an enlarged photo, and you will see it) |
 |
| No mortar was used . . . where did they get the rock material from? |
 |
Allison scrambled back down (with her spotter's help!) and we began working our way
eastward along the base of the cliffs, towards the other ruin
Walking along the cliff band there were several pioneer inscriptions (also known as cowboy glyphs) |
 |
Petroglyphs and more inscriptions
|
 |
Kent is walking toward the location of the second ruin . . .
It is located above the center crack (the preferred route), although not visible in this picture
|
 |
We didn't attempt the second ruin . . . we decided not to press our luck!
(There was a possible alternative route up the second crack, but precariously climbing
onto a wide slab of stone with a 300 ft cliff on the other side, gave us the "willies!") |
 |
We had the whole place to ourselves!
(Heading back towards the gap . . . where we came up and where we'll head down) |
 |
The panels were amazing
(These were certainly some of the best . . . again, click on the picture for a larger format) |
 |
| Heading back toward Hidden Valley from the Moab Rim Trail |
 |
The La Sal Mountains come into view . . . Man, we've had some great hikes in those mountains!
(You can go to our "Map" tab and find the posts of other hikes we've done in the area) |
 |
| It was cold in the shady sections of the hike . . . the frost was thick! |
 |
| More "cool" frost crystals |
 |
| Almost back . . . we are looking forward to a little sunshine and a Mexican food dinner! |
If you'd like to watch Desert Drifter's 13-minute video that got all this started, you can click
here for a link. He has some great drone footage that will give you an incredible feel for the scope and location of these ruins. Plus you'll be able to see the second ruin that we weren't able to make it to.
If you'd like more information on this hike and an additional route that will allow you to view more petroglyphs, you can click
here for a link to Road Trip Ryan's website. He always does a great job of describing his hikes and provides a map and route description . . . all for free!
For us, this ended up being about a seven-mile hike (r/t) that took five hours to complete. Thanks especially to Desert Drifter and Road Trip Ryan for their postings that piqued our interest and got us out to explore this amazing area!
