Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve

Last updated
Picture Canyon Archeological Site
Picture Canyon Rio De Flag Trees.jpg
USA Arizona location map.svg
Red pog.svg
LocationEl Paso Flagstaff Road, Flagstaff, Arizona
Coordinates 35°13′45″N111°33′12″W / 35.22903°N 111.55347°W / 35.22903; -111.55347 Coordinates: 35°13′45″N111°33′12″W / 35.22903°N 111.55347°W / 35.22903; -111.55347
Area30 acres (12 ha)
NRHP reference No. 07001349 [1]
Added to NRHPJanuary 10, 2008

The Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve is an archaeological site and a nature preserve open to the public year-round, located in northeast Flagstaff, Arizona. [2] The preserve is used for educating the community about ecology, geology and archaeology along with general outdoor recreation.

Contents

History

Picture Canyon was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 10, 2008.  The 478-acre preserve was purchased October 30, 2012 at a public auction on the steps of Coconino County Courthouse from the State Land Department by the City of Flagstaff for $4.8 million after several community groups rehabilitated the area and rallied decades for its protection.  An agreement was made with the Wildcat Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant, located immediately south of the preserve, to provide a constant water source for the riparian habitat and wildlife.  Reclaimed water is discharged into a pond which feeds the Rio de Flag through a rugged geological canyon composed of basalt rock.  Thousands of years ago, between 700 and 1300 AD, this area was home to the natives known as the Northern Sinagua (people without water). Picture Canyon is named for the large density of petroglyphs created by the Sinagua located along the river.  Hundreds of panels were created depicting archers, geometric shapes, and local animals like birds and turtles.

Trails and Natural Features

There are three trails within the preserve:

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References

  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
  2. "Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve | City of Flagstaff Official Website". www.flagstaff.az.gov. Retrieved 2018-09-03.