Besh Ba Gowah is an active archaeological park and ruins in Globe, AZ. The Hohokum who built a pit house settlement around A.D. 900 are believed to be the original residents. The Salado Indians began construction of the pueblo at approximately A.D. 1225. At that time there was abundant water, a long growing season and natural food sources. After A.D. 1400, as at other ancient ruins across the southwest, the people mysteriously disappeared.
This rendition of how the pueblo looks today is in the museum.
This is how archaeologists believe it looked when occupied.
The only entry was through this long corridor perhaps as a measure of defense. It was covered and windowless at that time. All traffic was channeled to the central plaza.
The ground floor rooms were used for storage and the upper rooms were added for living areas.
Other ladders went to the roof which was where the original residents spent much of their time.
In an adjacent area there is an ethnobotanical garden where not much is happening this time of year. They did, however, have this mano and metate where kids can try to grind corn as the ancient ones did. It's not as easy as I have imagined - probably
just need practice.
Following Besh Ba Gowah we drove up to Pinal Peak at 7838 feet. The ride was so interesting that I forgot to take photos until the descent.
Proof that we were there. These are only a few of the towers. The summit is covered with towers and dishes of all descriptions.
The final 2400 ft of elevation change (several miles of roadway) were snow or ice covered.
Alligator Juniper - the bark looks just like alligator skin.
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