This area is in the BLM - San Juan Resource Area in Utah. The Anasazi flouished in Grand Gulch. The remains of their ancient dwellings, pottery, tools, and art are evident throughout the area. The earliest know inhabitants were know as the Basket Makers, who were thought to have evolved from a nomadic hunting and gathering culture. The Basket Makers flourished from 200 to 600 A.D.; their culture developed into the Pueblo culture. The first recorded visit by the whitemen was in the late 19th century.
In front of the dwelling complexes there is an area called the miden area. This is basically a trash heap. This area is important to archeologist because a lot can be told by what is in the trash. One can find out what they ate, what kind of implements they used, what kind of pottery was in use, and what kind of baskets were used. Also carbon dating can be used to date the site through the trash.
There are many small communities within the Grand Gulch Primitive Area. Most of them are located in a bend of the canyon and up on the cliff. I assume this was to be able to keep watch easier over any enemies or game coming into the area. Also many of the communities had a Kiva which appeared to be the center of life in the community. A Kiva is a round structure that was half underground and not very tall. This was, as I have heard, so that anyone who entered the Kiva was equal to everyone else because everyone had to bend down.
When ever you come upon a site please respect the ones who built it and came before you. Please don't walk or climb on the walls or other parts of the structure. We must respect the people who came before us and we also must leave the site the way that we found it so that ones who come after us can see the site as we have seen it.
These photos are of the area, ruins, and rock art of the area.
This trip through Grand Gulch is from the Kane Gulch Parking area to Grand Gulch and then up Bullet Canyon. I hope that you enjoy this trip
