Spring Break 2012 Expedition to
Spring Break 2012 Expedition to
the Paradise Overlook Circle
the Paradise Overlook Circle
Embedded Files
Paradise Overlook, like Circlestone, is in the boundaries of the wilderness area. Hikers who visit the ruin should treat the ruin with the utmost respect. Do not disturb the site in any manner. Leave nothing, take nothing, move nothing. Arizona's wilderness areas are national treasures; visitors are obligated to share responsibility for preserving these unique natural and cultural resources.
Surrounding Ruins Map
Paradise Overlook Tonto NF Report
The Expedition Team: Brandon Barba, Peter Gomer & Bruce Peterson
The Expedition Team: Brandon Barba, Peter Gomer & Bruce Peterson
Principle Investigators
Roger's Canyon
I had never visited the Roger's Ruin site before, so I decided to take Forest Trail #110 through Roger's Canyon to Paradise Overlook instead of trail #109 through Reavis Meadow. Roger's Canyon is spectacular.
We only hiked a little way past the 109/110 trail junction where we made our first camp. We weren't in any hurry. The next morning we arrived at the site of the caves of Roger's Ruins, noted as a Salado Indian Cliff Dwelling.
Brandon and I explored the caves, Brandon taking photo graphs. Immediately clear is the defensibility of the dwellings. The only approach would put an enemy single file and exposed to arrow, spear or rock bombardment. The highest cave can only be approached by climbing a rock face using small foot and hand holds carved into the rock. The views from the caves are magnificent. All-in-all, a nice place to live I think.
Inside the Cave
Inside the Cave
After a day at the cliff dwellings, we hiked the rest of the way through Rodgers' Canyon. We missed a trail cairn once or twice, the trail is not always well marked or evident, and ended up in some problematic boulder climbs. We welcomed the shade though.
Roger's Canyon
The trail through Roger's Canyon may not be marked all that well, but the views are quite stupendous.
This trail is worth the hike.
The Climb Out of
Roger's Canyon
We didn't get many pictures of Brandon on the trip because he was our photographer taking most of the pictures.
Brandon and Peter began to question my sanity soon after we left the shelter of the canyon and began the climb out and up toward Paradise Overlook. Steep and in full sun we stopped often to catch our breath and wipe the sweat from our brows.
We decided to spend the night on a thorny flat area near a spring Brandon found. We would finish the climb up to the ruin in the morning. Pete entertained himself and me teaching Brandon how to shot a Glock. I found the show entirely entertaining, especially when after shooting the pistol, Brandon left his finger inside the trigger guard. Peter's yell in response brought a grin to my face.
On the way up to the Ruin
Before we made it to the ruin the next morning, we were met by Charles and Vanessa Miller. Charles had seen a weather report predicting a major snow storm, and knowing my slow pace in the mountains, decided to hike in from the Apache Lake trail head to meet us and encourage me to step up my pace. He also offered to trade me my backpack for his Camelback water skin. He knew we would move much faster if I had ten pounds on my back as opposed to 40.
Collecting Measurements and Readings
at Paradise Overlook
It was nice having Charles along to collect the data at the ruin. His experience on the February 2006 MCLI expedition made the work go quickly and efficiently. Brandon took photos, Charles and Vanessa took compass readings, while Peter and I took measurements and made sketches. We completed the work in short order and prepared to hike the eight miles to the trailhead before the storm became an issue.
North Wall Remnants
The walls, for the most part, have fallen. By rockfall estimates, they were less than 2 feet high on the outer rim and 1 foot on the spokes.
Remnants of South Wall
East Wall Boulders
Heading Out Through Windy Pass to Apache Lake
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