A great part of the allure of Sedona is the mystery surrounding the ancient people who lived here before and left their enduring imprint upon the Red Rock landscape. Hiking red rock canyons and mesas inevitably brings you to obvious signs of prehistoric life, most likely that of the ancient Native Americans known as the Sinagua. These people built many of the cliff dwellings that dot the landscape in Sedona’s back canyons. The Sinagua were at the peak of their occupation from approximately 1000 – 1400 A.D. A bit more awareness, a keen eye, and some close study of the area and you will also begin to see signs of the earlier Archaic people dating back as far as 8,000 years B.P. (before present). Through even more focus and attention you might ultimately discover signs of the oldest human occupants of Sedona and the Verde Valley, the Paleo people who date back to a period more than 10,000 years B.P. It’s exciting to visit these ancient places, look at rock writings, and wonder about their daily lives and culture. Remember that these locations are sacred to present day Native American tribes and protected by stringent laws. “Take only photos and leave only footprints”. Begin your explorations by reading the Coconino National Forest’s Archaeological Site Etiquette page. Go equipped with respect and care.
