Ancient History

The first known inhabitants of the Red Rock Region were a culture referred to as the Sinagua, translating to “without water”. With an abundance of caves and seasonal water sources the natives thrived here until one day , they vanished. The Sinagua are believed to have occupied Sedona from roughly 650 A.D. until the mid 1300’s.  Little is known about this culture who have been coined by modern man as the “Sacred Sinagua”. Anceint corn cobs, shards of pottery, petroglyphs,  and eroding walls are all that remain to tell the story of these indigenous people.

Sedona Canyoneering routes follow the same ancient waterways that fed this civilization, so it is only inevitable that one will encounter these sites while exploring. The future of these relics rely heavily on the ethics of those who discover them. As experienced  outdoorsmen we set the example and it is important that we pass this on. These pieces of time are part of what makes Sedona Canyoneering so special and as ambassadors for the sport it is our duty to help preserve and protect these sacred places.

Help protect the sanctity of these sites.

Archaeological/ Heritage Site Ethics

• Leave No Trace.

• Take only pictures.

• Do not stand, sit or lean on walls.

• Do not dig, sift, or scrape.

• Do not alter, modify, or attempt to restore the structures.

• Please walk carefully inside structures.

• Do not set bags on or against the walls.

• Do not touch, move, or remove artifacts such as pottery shards and corncobs.

• Do not create collector piles or pottery piles.

• No graffiti or markings.

• Avoid touching rock art.

• Do not leave any trash including food products such as apple cores, and nut shells. Pack it in Pack it out.

• Avoid bringing glass containers in or around the structures.

  “The best thing to do when encountering an ancient dwelling is nothing.”

Please report any graffiti, or disturbances to these sites to the Forest Service and Local Authorities.

For more information on how you can protect these wonders visit the Arizona Archaeological Society at:

                  Arizona Archaeological Society - Home (azarchsoc.org)