Fajada Butte, Sandstone butte in Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, United States
The 135-meter tall formation contains ancient cliff dwellings and features a 230-meter ceremonial ramp on its southwestern face at 6,623 feet elevation.
In 1977, researcher Anna Sofaer documented the presence of petroglyphs and three stone slabs that created light patterns marking seasonal changes.
The stone slabs channel sunlight onto spiral petroglyphs, forming precise light patterns that mark solstices and equinoxes according to Ancestral Puebloan calculations.
The National Park Service restricts public access to protect the archaeological features and prevent further erosion of this significant Native American site.
Five additional petroglyphs located lower on the butte indicate solar noon during solstices and equinoxes through specific light patterns.
Location: New Mexico
GPS coordinates: 36.01889,-107.90972
Latest update: March 6, 2025 00:12
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