Thursday, October 30, 2014

The host at the visitor center in Monticello told us about an interesting drive, just outside of town, on County Road 146 through Montezuma Canyon.  CR 146 was another unpaved road, but it seemed to be pretty well maintained.  A few miles in it descended quickly into the canyon.  It was an open range area, so we were watching for cattle around every corner.  Since our speed probably averaged 20 mph (or less), the cows were not in any danger from us.  

As we neared the floor of the canyon, a very distinct layer of sandstone capped with a thin darker red layer was apparent.  From a distance, the layer looked like poured concrete maybe 50 to 75 feet high.

The sandstone layer had some natural and some augmented indentations that people put to good use in a variety of ways.  Some, as shown below, built their houses into openings.

We saw an old travel trailer parked in one, presumably to protect it from the weather.  We also saw bales of hay and farming equipment stored in sandstone caves.

Nine miles into the canyon we saw this expansive, well-built home set into the sandstone.  We didn't get a picture of what I guessed was the master bedroom around the bend with its own decking and gardens.

Of course, there were a lot of conventional houses, ranches and even vineyards and a winery.

The canyon was relatively narrow with Montezuma Creek running through the center, supporting a thick stand of Cottonwood trees providing the brilliant yellows.  The creek must be a raging torrent at times because in a few places it washed out the bank and the road was very close to collapsing into the water. 

That red layer on top of the sandstone stained the rock creating some very picturesque panels that sometimes reminded us of tree roots.

The structure below was called Cowboy Cave and I suspect it might have been the inspiration for the homes we saw earlier built into sandstone caves.  It would have really been interesting to have seen the interior.

"Cowboy Cave"

I see a face tucked into the first hollow on the left.

About eighteen miles into the canyon, the county seemed less interested in road maintenance - it was too rough for our little Honda. We turned around, but not before we encountered a flock of wild turkeys.

The cows crowded the road to say farewell as we neared the main road back into Monticello and home.  Another great day of local exploration!