DONEY TRAIL
Wupatki National Monument
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| the saddle |
 |
| on the trail |
Geek that I am, I have a facination with lava bombs. Heck--even the name is cool. Lava. Bombs. These products of volcanic eruptions form when highly
viscous molton rock shoots into the sky from an explosive event, partially solidifies on the way back to
earth, then slams into the ground with a heat-warped taffy splat. This process results in in mangled
crater-side blobs and contorted ribbons that are best (indelicately) described as "stone turds". I think they are beautiful and I wish I
could have been around to witness their formation. Okay, not really, but it's almost a certainty that people
living in the area 1000 years ago would have been treated to the
fireworks. Still, 21-century
hikers can observe some very nice old, but fresh-looking lava bombs on the
Doney Trail. The trail leads to
two of four cinder cone summits
that sit on a north-south line of the Doney Fault which is visible from the top of peak number two.
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| lava bomb |
A short walk over black cinders leads to a saddle with a
bench and a lone one-seed juniper tree standing sentry over big views of the
Painted Desert. From here, the
trail divides. Go left to peak
number one which features the ruins of an ancient field house.
Peak number two is a little steeper climb, but the trail has been
stabalized with wooden beams. On top, there's a viewing bench and a sign
describing the surrounding peaks.
Look closely to the southeast and you should be able to spot the white
roofs of the Wupatki Pueblo visitor center---next stop on the tour.
LENGTH: 0.7
miles roundtrip
RATING:
moderate (loose rock)
ELEVATION:
5,300' - 5,500'
PETS: are not allowed on any park trails in buildings.
Please do not leave pets in cars---heat
can be fatal.
THE RULES: as with all archeological sites, it is illegal to
take or damage anything. Take only
pictures, leave only footprints. Also, do not climb or sit on the fragile
ruins.
FACILITIES: restoom, picnic table
GETTING THERE:
From Flagstaff, travel north on US 180 to milepost
444.5. Turn right and continue 9
miles to the Doney Picnic Area turn off on the right. Roads are 100% paved.
INFO: National Park Service, 928-679-2365
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