The Mindeleff Cavates in Verde Valley offer a unique look into the Sinagua Indian way of life. Close to the river, but still offering a defensable position on the cliffside. They had a great view of the river and valley below and the caves must’ve been at least 15 degrees cooler inside than the outside temperature.
From about 1150 to 1350 ad the 300+ rooms were home for 250 or more Sinagua Indians. Although it’s a well known and highly travelled place by modern people, we still managed to find some great artifacts. An arrow shaft, quids (balls of agave which were chewed like gum), maize, mano’s (rocks for grinding corn etc) and even a small piece of woven cotton cloth.
Crossing the river on the way back was refreshing after hours of scrambling up and down the cliffside exploring the homes of people from long ago.
