Uploaded September 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
A 2-1/2 hour 4WD only road and challenging hike keeps the unbelievably well preserved 600 year old Native American cliff dwellings off of most tourists lists of to-do's. However, the remote location and difficult hiking trail makes the adventure that much more rewarding!
The hike itself is about five miles one way. From the parking area, start out on the Reavis Ranch Trail (Trail 109). You will pass the junction to West Pinto trail, which branches off to the right (don't take it). About 1.8 miles from the trailhead parking lot is the junction between Reavis Ranch Trail (which goes right to Reavis Ranch- part of the Arizona Trail) and Roger's Canyon Trail (which goes left). Follow Roger's Canyon Trail (Trail-110. The canyon is narrow at times, and the trail frequently crosses back and forth over the often dry stream bed. When overgrown, the hiking is treacherous. If you stay in the wash all the way to the cliff dwellings, the hike is much easier. The ruins are on the east side, about 5 miles from the Rogers Canyon TH (sometimes called Rogers Trough). Half a mile beyond the ruins the canyon opens up into Angel Basin, a large meadow where several major trails intersect, if you are looking for a spot to camp.
These well preserved ruins, located in a huge cave above the canyon floor, are amazing to see up close. Complete with muddy fingerprints, the "mud house" is well built and mostly in tact. Evidently, at one time, as many as 100 people lived here and there were more than 65 rooms when it was constructed over 600 years ago. Most of the ruins have all but vanished but what is left is spectacular to see up close. The ruins are fragile and irreplaceable; tread lightly and respect this magnificent place if you can find it!
A 2-1/2 hour 4WD only road and challenging hike keeps the unbelievably well preserved 600 year old Native American cliff dwellings off of most tourists lists of to-do's. However, the remote location and difficult hiking trail makes the adventure that much more rewarding!
The hike itself is about five miles one way. From the parking area, start out on the Reavis Ranch Trail (Trail 109). You will pass the junction to West Pinto trail, which branches off to the right (don't take it). About 1.8 miles from the trailhead parking lot is the junction between Reavis Ranch Trail (which goes right to Reavis Ranch- part of the Arizona Trail) and Roger's Canyon Trail (which goes left). Follow Roger's Canyon Trail (Trail-110. The canyon is narrow at times, and the trail frequently crosses back and forth over the often dry stream bed. When overgrown, the hiking is treacherous. If you stay in the wash all the way to the cliff dwellings, the hike is much easier. The ruins are on the east side, about 5 miles from the Rogers Canyon TH (sometimes called Rogers Trough). Half a mile beyond the ruins the canyon opens up into Angel Basin, a large meadow where several major trails intersect, if you are looking for a spot to camp.
These well preserved ruins, located in a huge cave above the canyon floor, are amazing to see up close. Complete with muddy fingerprints, the "mud house" is well built and mostly in tact. Evidently, at one time, as many as 100 people lived here and there were more than 65 rooms when it was constructed over 600 years ago. Most of the ruins have all but vanished but what is left is spectacular to see up close. The ruins are fragile and irreplaceable; tread lightly and respect this magnificent place if you can find it!
