On an isolated peninsula of rock, 300 feet (90 m) above the canyon floor, a series of cliff dwellings provided shelter to Puebloan peoples around 800 years ago. The strategic location, which would have afforded protection, but required substantial effort to supply, suggests a group concerned with marauders seeking resources or worse from these people. As such this cluster of airy dwellings has been dubbed “The Citadel.” This particular dwelling looks out towards the canyon opening (Road Canyon) and Comb Wash, with views of distant Sleeping Ute Mountain, the Hesperus Peaks, and the Wilson group of the San Juan Mountains. The south-facing position of the dwellings in the alcove provided shade during the summer, but allowed some warmth from the sun in the winter.

This area of Cedar Mesa has been excluded from the Bears Ears National Monument by 45’s administration- why is not certain, as there’s clearly not much potential oil and gas or coal to extract here. Road Canyon is contained within a wilderness study area however, with substantial archeological value despite many relics having been pilfered by pot-hunters and hikers. Perhaps someday rational minds will bring back the original borders of the Bears Ears that had been negotiated after many years of negotiation among the various stake holders of this beautiful region.

two shot stitch

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Make:	SONY
Model:	ILCE-7M3
Exposure:	0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture:	f/18.0
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	21 mm
Lens:	E 21mm F2.8