The Cliff Dwellings of Comb Ridge

Comb Ridge is a monocline that runs for about 50 miles on the north side of the San Juan River. While it served as a barrier for the early white settlers of the area, the Anasazi made it their home 800 years before and left an abundance of petroglyphs and cliff dwellings. There are no trails or signs showing the way to them and they see few visitors, so this is an opportunity to see these ruins in a natural, undisturbed state. I used one of Michael Kelsy’s great guidebooks to find some.

Comb Ridge’s scalloped west wall, this gives you an idea of the strange structure of this ridge:


The east side has a more gradual slope but is incised by dozens of short canyons that make perfect locations for cliff dwellings. Look carefully for the petroglyph panel here:


Closeups:




This small building was a thrill to access, you have to creep along the slanted ledge in the background while the overhanging cliff wall tries to push you off.


Artifacts are all over the ground at some locations. This looks like a broken mano:


This majestic cliff dwelling perched under the end of a box canyon and had a large pool at its foot


I only spent a few hours exploring this 20 mile stretch of Comb Ridge, a weekend would make a good visit with many short, off trail hikes.

Handlebars said:

I only spent a few hours exploring this 20 mile stretch of Comb Ridge, a weekend would make a good visit with many short, off trail hikes.

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Jared and I were just talking about need to head back out along Butler Wash to explore some of the ridge in that area.

On another note, I just ordered this book today on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594850054

Sandstone Spine: Seeking the Anasazi on the First Traverse of the Comb Ridge

those are some great pictures. sounds like you had a great time out there.

Very cool!

Wow, yes way cool.

I did notice that even as remote as they may be, they still get shot at.

Jerks. :smsoap:

DrMoab said:

Wow, yes way cool.

I did notice that even as remote as they may be, they still get shot at.

Jerks. :smsoap:

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One of the clues archaeologists watch for when looking for rock art panels are bullet pock marks. Sad but true. That particular panel is not far off the dirt road, I have been there also. Some cool glyphs there, very artistic.

IntrepidXJ said:

On another note, I just ordered this book today on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594850054

Sandstone Spine: Seeking the Anasazi on the First Traverse of the Comb Ridge

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Thanks for the tip Randy! I picked it up at the library last night and am already 1/4 of the way through it. It's a really well written adventure that gives me that sunbuned, sand between the toes feeling of actually being there. :thumbup:

Handlebars said:

Thanks for the tip Randy! I picked it up at the library last night and am already 1/4 of the way through it. It's a really well written adventure that gives me that sunbuned, sand between the toes feeling of actually being there. :thumbup:

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Damn...and here I am still waiting for my copy

Alex were these from your previous trip up on the way to Arch Canyon?

Can't remember if I mentioned this when I saw you on top the Moki Dugway, I went hiking from that campground on Comb Wash south of 95 and found some ruins pretty quickly. I'll bet there are plenty more right between Comb wash and Cedar Mesa as well.

Yes Jared, this was from April. I have been meaning to post about it, maybe if I had you guys would have explored some more last weekend.

IntrepidXJ said:

Damn...and here I am still waiting for my copy

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Get a library card, Randy. I'll bet your library has tons of books for you to look at free! Call #917 is local geography,

Handlebars said:

Get a library card, Randy. I'll bet your library has tons of books for you to look at free! Call #917 is local geography,

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I guess I could do that....the library is only a block away from my office...

If that is too close you could always see of you can get a card for the Moab Library.

the San Juan river was also ragin' this last weekend.

I have never seen it that high!

Rick

Here is the halfway point of a 17-18 mile day hike into Salt Creek Canyon in Canyonlands. It is called the Four Faces Panel.


All American Man about 3/4 mile from Four Faces.


Moon House up on Cedar Mesa. By far the best ruin I have ever seen!
These pictures are from a trip in 2007.

Those are great, Von! Did you hike all of the way through Salt Creek or do it as an out-n-back?

Handlebars said:

Those are great, Von! Did you hike all of the way through Salt Creek or do it as an out-n-back?

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Out and back from the top near Cathedral Butte. That was the fourth time I have done this hike. On a side note I now have my frame welded up, C-ROK upgrade kit installed, though not welded in yet, and a steering box brace on the heep.

Handlebars said:

Comb Ridge is a monocline that runs for about 50 miles on the north side of the San Juan River.

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Can this be reached with a 2wd?

4x4life05 said:

Can this be reached with a 2wd?

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yes, there are 2 paved roads that cross Comb Ridge (UT 95 and US 163), plus the washes that run along the ridge on both sides (Comb Wash and Butler Wash) can easily be driven with a 2WD vehicle