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Home , Honanki, Palatki Heritage Site

Coconino National Forest - Palatki Ruins Page 1 of 2

Palatki Heritage Site - 6000 years of Rock Art

The and rock art site is located near the town of Sedona in north- central Arizona. Currently managed by the U.S. Forest Service under the Red Rock Pass Program, the site is open to the general public for visits seven days a week (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). A small visitor center and bookstore, run by the Arizona Natural History Association, is located a short distance from the parking lot.

There are two trails at Palatki Heritage Site, one trail that takes you to the cliff dwellings, and a second that goes to the rock art alcoves. Neither trail is very difficult, but good walking shoes are recommended. Unfortunately, there is no handicapped access to any of the sites. Rest facilities and water are available. There is another cliff dwelling and rock art site, ("Bear House") located nearby; ask for directions at Palatki Heritage Site. A number of local jeep tour operators include Honanki (but not Palatki Heritage Site) on some of their excursions.

Before you visit, please visit our " Archaeological Site Etiquette Guide ".

Reservations are required. Call Palatki at (928) 282-3854 between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. 7 days a week.

You should allow at least 1-2 hours to see and appreciate the site. Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 7 days a week (subject to weather conditions).

If there has been rain or snow recently, it is recommended that you contact the South Gateway Visitor Center to learn the condition of the roads to Palatki Heritage Site. If the roads are impassable, Palatki Heritage Site will be closed; signs indicating the closed status will normally be posted at key access points.

Fees: A Red Rock Pass (or equivalent) is required on all vehicles parked at our Cultural Sites. This pass can be purchased at these sites during normal hours of operation.

Pets are not allowed on the grounds of our Heritage Sites.

Access: Take 89A southwest from the "Y" (away from Oak Creek Canyon). About 1/2 mile south of Mile marker 365, turn right onto a dirt road (Forest Road 525 to Forest Road 795; passable for passenger cars when dry), and drive 8 miles to Palatki Heritage Site and the parking lot.

Alternatively, those with high-clearance vehicles and/or a sense of adventure can turn right on Dry Creek Road off 89A (south of the "Y", still in the town of Sedona) and follow the signs for Enchantment Resort/Loy Butte. At the road to the Enchantment Resort, turn left onto Boynton Pass Road (FR 152C), and follow the signs for Loy Butte /Palatki (FR 525 to FR 795, turn right and follow to site). This road is generally passable to passenger cars when dry, but it is not regularly maintained by the county and has some rough and rocky stretches.

The photograph above (left) was taken in June, 2005, by Connie Birkland, Red Rock Ranger District. It shows the beautiful wildflowers on the road to Palatki. Click photo for enlarged view.

To Palatki Heritage Site From Cottonwood: Take 89A north from Cottonwood. About 1/2 mile

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/palatki-ruins.shtml 8/16/2008 - Palatki Ruins Page 2 of 2

north of Mile marker 364, turn left onto a dirt road (Forest Road 525 to Forest Road 795; passable for passenger cars when dry), and drive 8 miles to Palatki Heritage Site and the parking lot.

For More Information: Contact the Red Rock Heritage Sites, P.O. Box 20429, Sedona AZ 86341, (928) 282-3854

Click map for Red Rock Recreation Map (.pdf file)

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/palatki-ruins.shtml 8/16/2008