Crow Canyon Archaeological District, Archaeological district in Rio Arriba County, United States
The Crow Canyon Archaeological District is an archaeological site spread across desert landscape with sandstone cliffs and deep canyons. The area contains hundreds of ancient structures and petroglyphs scattered throughout the rugged terrain.
The area was an important Navajo settlement center with defensive buildings dating to the 18th century. These structures were built during a period when Navajo communities faced pressures from Ute and Spanish colonial forces.
The canyon walls display hundreds of petroglyphs showing religious ceremonies and daily scenes. These rock carvings reveal how Navajo people lived and what they valued in their communities.
The site requires prior permission to visit and travelers should stay on marked trails. These precautions protect both the archaeological remains and your own safety in the rough terrain.
More than 100 pueblitos have been found across the district, including a four-room structure built on top of a large rock. This elevated building gave residents a vantage point for watching and signaling across the landscape.
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