Pueblo Canyon Trail

The Pueblo Canyon Trail in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness is a 12.0mi hike to ruins in the mountains. From houses to hieroglyphs, these are probably the best-preserved unprotected ruins in Arizona. Inhabited by the Solado Indians in the 1300s, they’re still in excellent shape. Keep them this way for future hikers by not touching or climbing on them.

Note that with a capable vehicle, you can drive a few miles further up the road past the trailhead to another parking area. This will shave some time off your hike. You’ll hike along the valley floor before bringing a steep climb up the canyon wall. Note that when you pass the burnt area the trail begins to split at times. All paths lead back to the main trail, but the lower paths tend to be much more difficult than the upper paths. If you come to a split in the trail, stay high.

You’ll hike steeply up the canyon to the ruins. It’s incredible to see the rooms, the doorways, and the hieroglyphs that still stand. Treat the ruins with respect before you start your return trip, which follows the same path.