A Mysterious Woodland Trail In Arizona Will Take You To The Original Sinagua Ruins
Arizona has no shortage of ancient ruins to visit, but some don’t get nearly the amount of recognition they deserve. The Honanki Heritage Site, located in the Sedona area, features an ancient cliff dwelling once home to the 15th-century Sinagua people. All it takes to see the magnificent structure for yourself is an easy, 0.6-mile hike through a whimsical woodland forest – so, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to tackle one of the best hikes near Sedona, Arizona?
Nestled in the densely wooded, high desert landscape of Sedona, the Honanki Heritage Site is home to some of the most remarkably well-preserved ancient ruins in Arizona.
An easy, 0.6-mile trail is all that stands between you and the ruins, and with an elevation gain of just over 350 feet, it's kid, wheelchair, and stroller-friendly.
The Honanki Heritage Site is one of just three National Heritage Sites in the Sedona area, all of which feature remnants of the ancient Hopi civilization.
Adding to the air of mystery, the thick undergrowth of the Coconino National Forest encroaches upon the path, with gnarled tree branches snaking along the ground as if to reach out and grab you by the ankle.
Although history is the main focus here, you can't help but marvel at the breathtaking scenery.
Much remains to tell their story, however, including a number of petroglyphs that are as clear as if they had been drawn just yesterday.
Please note: while the hiking trail that takes you to the Honanki Heritage Site is easy, the dirt road leading to it gets very rough in the last 2.5 miles. We recommend visiting in an SUV, Jeep, truck, or other high-clearance vehicle.
Have you ever hiked to the Sinagua cliff dwellings at the Honanki Heritage Site? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments section below, and check out our previous article for more Arizona hikes that lead to ancient ruins.
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
