This petroglyph hike reveals 1,000 years of history. How to see it without wrecking it
Not too far off Old Route 66 a few miles east of Williams, a cloistered box canyon with vertical stone walls encircles a depression where water sometimes cascades over the cliffs and pools at the base of the pine-shaded oasis.
The sounds of tree frogs, birds and scampering squirrels bite through a soundtrack of wind rustling through aspen canopies. The moist, cool place vibrates with a life essence that transcends the moment. It’s like walking through a sort of time capsule set on perennial-fill mode.
The Kaibab National Forest site’s ample forage grasses, water and quiet isolation make this a perfect spot for wildlife to congregate, feed, drink and — oh yeah — be stalked.
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From roughly 1,000 years ago, Native American hunters documented their experiences at this enchanting hideaway by pecking images of deer, bear and other local wildlife into the folds and panels of cliff faces that are the weathered remains of ancient lava flows.
Today, hundreds of images are visible on the volcanic escarpments. Dense galleries depict a vibrant and resource-rich environment.
While the meaning and utility of the petroglyphs is best known to the makers, present-day viewers may immerse in the pure beauty of the etchings and extrapolate the notes of celebrations, observations and maybe just the plein air sketches they may have depicted.
Regardless, it’s clear that Keyhole Sink remains a living, breathing microcosm of life in the forest.
A short interpretive trail and a descriptive brochure available online guide visitors through the woodsy outdoor classroom.
Sadly, there’s a history of vandals defacing the rock art. Restoration involves hundreds of volunteer hours, thousands of dollars and years of work with no guarantees of fully rehabilitating the artifacts.
Why this happens in a place that is sacred to modern Native American tribes is beyond comprehension. The place is not a “ruin,” it’s an ancestral homeland.
Although Keyhole Sink is monitored by Arizona site stewards, visitors must be the front-line protectors. As with all heritage sites, respect the irreplaceable artifacts.
Do not touch or otherwise alter the rock art, stay on designated trails, pack out all trash and leave what you find so that future generations may appreciate this Arizona point of pride.
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Keyhole Sink Trail
Length: 2 miles round trip.
Rating: Easy.
Elevation: 7,100-7,000 feet.
Getting there: From Flagstaff, go 16 miles west on Interstate 40 to Exit 187 (Parks). Connect with Historic Route 66 and go 4 miles west (left) to the Oak Hill Snow Play Area on the left. The trailhead is across the road from the parking lot at a signed gate.
Details: Kaibab National Forest, https://www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab.
Read more of Mare Czinar's hike at http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Williams AZ: Hike the Keyhole Sink Trail to see petroglyphs
