Is It An Ancient Observatory, Sacred Site, or What?

#ancienthistory #googleearth #exploring #ruins #ancientdiscoveries #explore #americansouthwest #archaeology #thetrekplanner
🌟 If you want to see my videos early, bonus content, and 3D models of sites that I visit on my trips, please support me on Patreon!
➡️ / jefftjohnson
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I hope you enjoyed this adventure! It means so much to me that you spent the time watching it. If you enjoyed this, please consider subscribing. I strive to bring relatively unknown, odd, unique, and special places to you each week from the American Southwest!
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👍How to be a respectful visitor to these places👍
Native American groups still live in this area and beyond today. These places are still special and hold significance.
1️⃣Don't climb on walls or structures. Don't lean on or climb over them. Many places don't even need to be visited up close. View these places from a distance or with binoculars.
2️⃣Do not touch the rock art. Don't touch or create new rock art to preserve ancient stories.
3️⃣ Leave All Artifacts. Leave artifacts and structures undisturbed to maintain their historical significance. It is illegal and wrong to take artifacts. If you want something to take home, support local tribes by buying their handicrafts and jewelry.
4️⃣ Manage Waste Responsibly. Use waste bags; don't leave human or pet waste behind. Don't 'go' near cultural sites.
5️⃣ Camp With Care. Don't camp near historical sites. No fires near these areas, and ensure all waste is packed out. Don't make fires in caves or alcoves. Camp in designated spots only. When you leave, make sure to make the site cleaner and better than when you found it. Pick up extra trash you may see.
6️⃣ Control Your Pets. Don't let pets roam freely near archaeological areas to prevent destruction. Pets are not allowed in or near sites.
7️⃣ Preserve Fragile Areas. Don't disturb fossils and please protect delicate soil and plant life.
8️⃣ Follow Rules. Don't engage in illegal actions such as building cairns, or using climbing gear to access archaeological sites.
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NOTE: I don't claim that I am the first person to "discover" these places. I just find things on Google Earth and want to go see what they are!
I do not claim to be an expert on anthropology, geology, or archaeology. I say that my channel is about "amateur archaeology". I don't have a degree or formal training in archaeology. I am just a hiker who loves to explore and see new things especially the ancient history in the American Southwest. This is what my channel is about. I hope you stick around and explore with me!
I do not give out locations to the places in my videos. I take seriously the responsibility to protect and respect these ancient places. If you do find/visit one of these locations, please visit respectfully. I try my best to hide noticeable landmarks, mountains, and canyons in my videos.

[@chuckzehnder530]

Almost appears as a terrace. Always love your adventures, because I get to go along with you. Can't do most of them anymore as I will be 83 next month. You're the man, Jeff!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Happy Birthday next month, Chuck! And thank you for watching! It does look like a terrace, now that you mention it! Strangely flat...

[@huskeyfosterfail4980]

I am disabled and can’t hike right now. About a year ago I was told I may never walk again. I had an emergency surgery and can now walk a little - enough to take my husky around the block. Maybe someday I will regain my strength and more mobility. You give me such adventure on your journeys. I dream about seeing places like this in person, and I am motivated to get stronger to be able to hike again. Thank you Jeff for keeping this spark of ambition alive in me. Your videos mean so much to me.

[@stacieraper2955]

You can do it!!! Baby steps... Literally!! 😂 Best of luck to you!! Get out as much as you can. Do small things daily. Using resistance bands will help build strength too. ❤ (Plus they are cheap and on Amazon 😂)

[@chickenbob7567]

Dang! What happened? Keep pushin' forward! Maybe start going to roadside spots. I bet your curiosity will help you to keep movin'. I'm prayin' for ya🙏

[@teressarenslow5992]

I really love going along with you! Thanks for having us! Stay safe!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

The best part of this channel is you all! 🙂

[@user-wm3bf7pi3u]

@@TheTrekPlanner you need to do a 12 hours long ASRM of wind, foot steps, and vistas.

[@1nvisible1]

*I am digging the beard.* *Rock face @**3:01** reminded me of a Jesuit trail marker.*

[@box4859]

I enjoy your enthusiasm and excitement when you discover something. It makes your adventures more real.

[@anyascelticcreations]

I've seen copycat channels popping up lately. It bothered me at first. But then I decided that I can probably best support your channel by simply continuing to watch yours. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

[@13zounds]

I’ve seen some of the others. There’s just something so natural and accessible with him that I feel like I’m right there on the journey with a friend. I agree with you completely.

[@jdeaton5093]

👋

[@Johnketes54]

I question "copycat" the ones I've seen are as dedicated to preserve the site's and often use drone footage and have a band of followers blissfully unaware of this channel

[@lukesworld2331]

Hey cool, we went to this same place on Feb. 4th. 😊 Shame we did not run into you. My 13 yr old found it on Google Earth so we went to check it out. My son left the registry up there. The rock formations on the side of the hill are super neat too. We found a few native pottery sherds and then signs of cowboy campouts. Up on 2 higher rocks there are geological markers from 1958. There were a few sherds but far and few in between, plainware.

[@merk9569]

Do you know what the wires are for? Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I always wonder how long it has been since someone was there. I also worry about Jeff’s safety, from falling and hurting himself to being a victim of crime. These places look so remote. I worry a lot- it’s one of the things I do best. Lol! Now I will worry about you and your 13 year old son too. Blessings! 😊

[@lukesworld2331]

No worries, no need to worry, this particular place is not extremely remote 😊 I am sure Jeff takes good precautions. When you see places Native people lived at, it gives you the whole new appreciation to the land, to the sacredness of water, and the agility and fitness of humans back then. The wires looked like remains of some fencing material that was probably used by ranchers and cowboys later on.

[@sharonstuebi8181]

Great find. Thanks as always, love Grandma in Peru

[@user-ml5yw8tf8b]

I love the sounds of the gravel under your feet and the breeze over the microphone. It makes me want to get out and go for a walk! I think I'll head to the Rail Trail today.

[@Tru_G.R.I.T]

3:13 it is an opuntia, problaby a opuntia gomei which is the Old Mexico Prickly Pear. Thanks for another great video

[@billkipper3264]

I think the quote you found is probably correct. I can't imagine that the Ancestral Puebloans would build a fortress out in the middle of nowhere. I really love all the sites you find to hike to. It always blows me away how much is out there. Thanks for another great adventure.

[@dottiannblakemore9231]

I can no longer hike so I am totally loving your Armchair Tours of old and ancient ruins. Adore your running commentaries! Thank you so very much!

[@user-of2su2wv9f]

This one is the kind of thing I enjoyed during my youth. No one had devices way back when, cell phones, electric bikes. All facinating. Thank you, Jeff 🎉😊🙏

[@neilbest7696]

Fascinating how the ancients built these lookouts at various points throughout their territory. Another use may be for observation of animals for food, and signaling other posts of danger or just plain communication between groups. Thanks for the trip into our past.

[@docinparadise]

That makes sense, but why were the walls 5’ thick, and only in certain places? Do lookouts need thick stone walls? Especially poorly planned ones? Doesn’t it look like they were added to over time? So curious.

[@PaulTrippy-bj8ho]

you throwing out the water bottle at the top of that hill is the reason why I liked your video. 🗿

[@Janet-in-the-attic]

Another interesting and beautiful trek. I like being able to see these places with you. Thank you for sharing, and caring about preserving these sites.

[@mirandamom1346]

Cool! When I build my hilltop fortress, remind me to ring it with cactus 😁.

[@ShirleeKnott]

I'm lining my yard with Ontario Prickly Pear Cactus to keep the puppies in and coyotes out. yes there is a cactus native to Ontario!

[@tedpreston4155]

@@ShirleeKnott Here in Colorado, I'm busy digging out the prickly pear in my yard, to protect my blind dog from stepping in it so frequently!

[@ShirleeKnott]

@@tedpreston4155 guess we're keeping the balance of prickly pear going these are endangered as they naturally only grow on a small area on Lake Ontario shoreline

[@tedpreston4155]

@@ShirleeKnott Don't worry, I'm not going to damage the prickly pear population much by digging some out of my yard! Where I live, it grows everywhere! I wouldn't want to get rid of it entirely: I enjoy making jelly from prickly pears in the fall! I took an hour-long motorcycle ride through my pastures last fall, and collected about five pounds of pears for jelly! There are lots of other fruits that taste great, and don't come covered in cactus stickers. But prickly pear has a one-of-a-kind flavor that makes it worth the trouble! I chuckle at the idea of "endangered" prickly pear. It grows profusely in every place I've ever lived! 🙂

[@corneliusdinkmeyer2190]

Keeps away the creepers! 😆

[@arlenegariepy8957]

You have good eyes to see that from google earth wow. It certainly is very interesting and in any tribe you have to see who's coming even before contact because unless you were at peace with the neighboring tribe you still had to defend the area that supplies food to the tribe to ensure their survival. Can you imagine the starry skies back then how vivid they must have been? There were no nearby cities to cloud the observations of those who used the sky to navigate and plant crops. Thanks for the adventure it made my day. :) :)

[@Janer-52]

I really enjoy the drone shots. I knew this was tall from your hike, but the drone gives an incredible perspective. Keep hiking for us!

[@MsDaisy173]

Before you launched the drone, it looked like a collection of rocks to my untrained eye. The view from above really made its importance obvious. Thanks for sharing.

[@maryp7694]

It's amazing to see how these structures simply return to the earth over time. Here in New Mexico, there are ruins on many of the accessible hilltops. It's wonderful to see the way our native friends lived for so long without impacting the earth.

[@DingbadYoutube]

Different looking. Enjoyed another of your adventures. Thanks for the video.😊

[@pixelpeter3883]

Looks like some sort of stronghold to me, taking advantage of the natural rock outcrop to make it hard to capture.

[@carebearann4613]

You are truly a breath of fresh air. You are a gentleman to the cire and I commend your parental guidance. A star among meteors.

[@BillyJ244]

It would have been cool to see that place when it was brand new. I'm sure it is 1,000 years old or older. I would like to know what kind of things happened way back then. Thank you for showing us these amazing places.

[@margo5873]

Awesome, Jeff! Thanks for taking us along.

[@nickroberts6637]

Dude, not only am I always amazed how you can find all these places via google maps, but to be able to differentiate certain rocks from ground level amazes me every time😅 Love your videos, stay safe out there!

[@sabbyd1832]

When you get excited you make me smile. Thanks for that. Terrific local. The Fish and Fish said maybe a cemetery. I can agree with that

[@happyhill9753]

When you get up to those view points please do a slow panoramic view of the area. That s what I was looking forward to.

[@kellyradcliff1989]

Chuck from. OH. It's a little early for popcorn but I'm doing it!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Never too early or late for popcorn! LOL

[@staycurious0815]

@@TheTrekPlanner perfect timing! Late afternoon here in Germany 😃

[@kellyradcliff1989]

Chuck here again . I would know either what the ruin would've been for but it's probably been Vandalized over the years cause people just don't understand how important it is to keep these sites as untouched as possible. I don't know if that's the case here but I'm sure it's been messed with by someone. I live near the serpent mounds and near some mounds that were made by ancient American Indians in a park called moundbuilders Park. There is a small museum located in the park where Indian artifacts are on display. Arrow heads n stones used for tools . Just really cool stuff to check out . I myself found an arrow head in a corn field near my house when I was a kid yes i put it in pocket lol . Unfortunately I had some stuff stolen later in my life out of a car that broke down on me and the arrow head was in a box that was taken on with a guitar pic that was used by the band Def leopard yes I'm old . Lol . Anyway. Thank for letting me come along on another adventure n I didn't even break a sweat.lol Chuck from . NEWARK OH.

[@jonericus]

You should have left the water bottle there so a thousand years from now someone could find it and say "Wow! Just think, a thousand years ago someone stood right here and drank from this bottle!"

[@Anne-ee1pw]

Seattle hat! Lived in the region for over 20 years. Now I’m back in the desert. I couldn’t stand the rain on an almost daily basis. Now I’m in the sun most of the year, and so happy. ☀️

[@juliadrumgold8790]

That place (to me) feels special in some way. Thanks so much for sharing Jeff. I just love how you capture the whole walk. Makes me feel like I'm right there. 😊

[@symbungee]

Thanks for removing the plastic rubbish. ❤

[@lisalorentz7919]

Thanks for taking me along on this adventure!

[@judipoo1]

I live on the coast, so going along with you on these adventures is awesome! It's cool how genuinely excited you get.

[@edwardbrandt1468]

Once again Thnx ! Your journeys take us all to such magical and inspiring destinations.

[@sandradanforth8524]

Love your adventures. Thank you so much for taking us with you. 😊 I'm 75. 😊

[@e.m.535]

I've been enjoying your trek videos without saying anything before. Thanks for the excursions! :D

[@datasmybag6050]

So cool! Thx for sharing.

[@franksalsa9342]

That's so cool, thanks for bringing us along. Peace.

[@amberandrews6842]

Thank You. I really enjoyed this. I love going out on these adventures with you, you are a fantastic host. 🥰🥰

[@alicehendrickson4118]

This was great, I like hiking with you, you do all the work and I get to see every thing that you do, I’m 85. Keep up the good work.

[@kilolucifer1]

Strong hold maybe a last stand fort

[@carolutley6523]

In my opinion The fortresses indicate fear of something or someone. The lack of pottery suggests that people didn't live there

[@tedpreston4155]

The fear of the neighbors was real! We can tell by the name for the people who built these sites. While Jeff calls them "Ancestral Puebloans" they were known for a century by a different name: Anasazi. Anasazi is a Navajo word that means "our ancient enemies." Given the fact that the Navajo survived in the area, and their enemies did not, suggests the reason they built their homes as fortresses! In truth, the newer description as "Ancestral Puebloans" suggests that these people are the ancestors of the native Americans who later built the pueblo settlements that are still occupied today in northern New Mexico. Another truth is that the Navajo are not entirely to blame for driving their enemies out of the area: we know from the archaeological record that it was drought that drove them out. If the theory that these people were the ancestors of modern pueblo peoples is correct, they migrated south and east as the drought progressed, settling into larger group settlements over time, at Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, Aztec New Mexico, and then the modern pueblos where the Hopi, Santo Domingo, Taos pueblo and numerous others still live today: near more reliable sources of water, food and farmland.

[@yourejustjelley]

How neat is this?! I love it. Thank you for your videos. I am from montana, and love adventure. We visited utah and arizona for the annular solar eclipse last year. We are in love. Going thru again in April, bringing the kids this go. I am so so interested in ruins. I dont know how you do it, i have been trying to pick up your knowledge as i watch. Thank you for bringing us along. I want to do what you do, inspiring!

[@yourejustjelley]

I have tried to find cool places with Google where I live, and it's hard. I live in forested mountains in northwest Mt. We do have alot of native American culture here. I love history.😊

[@Brisleep1]

I used to live in Nevada, this sort of stuff was all over, now I'm like you, in PA forest lands, if someone doesn't dig anything up, we'll never see it.

[@ginnygiannette4630]

Thank you again for an amazing trip!

[@YewtBoot]

Another fun discovery. I enjoy you taking us to these places. Agree that I was expecting old pottery pieces and surprised at a disposable plastic bottle. Keep up the great work.

[@lnbjr7]

Thank you for another great adventure! I lived in Arizona for a while and came to loath cactus! Appreciate your sacrifices in that regard!

[@CraigBaughan-mg3hf]

The drone shot at 8:24 shows three rough pyramid shaped rocks in a straight line. Could be boundary or directional markers such as those used by ancient sea peoples, who sometimes explored inland to find treasures.

[@michaelsonleitner5724]

Thanks Jeff, enjoyed tagging along with you.

[@user-lr3gl7hx4b]

thanks for the trip!

[@stacieraper2955]

I just love your channel. You are so respectful. I also like that you always clarify your preparedness and you check in with your people! Keep on keeping on, homie. ❤

[@robertkeeney3898]

It does look like a special place. It could have been used for all those things.

[@davidboultinghouse3332]

What gets me is where are all the flat rocks from do you see the rocks laying around in the area ?

[@sevenirises]

It looks like something that was rehabbed from something else from long, long ago. What a fantastic find. Your videos of discovery are always so thoughtful and reverent. Very beautiful and nicely done.

[@danasmith8557]

Wow that was an awesome journey, thanx for sharing

[@robertamurphy1124]

Thanks again!! Love these trips!

[@matzd6156]

Wonderful and interesting ias usual. Thanks. I lacked the View from the hilltop, when you where on the ground. You talked a lot about that you saw several miles.

[@tedpreston4155]

Me too! When Jeff said he could see for miles, I hoped he would slowly pivot around and show us the view!

[@Deborah3810]

Yes, me too 🙌🏻 I wanna see 😁 Wouldn’t mind a longer take of small things you find and linger views. When one is watching a video, it takes a few seconds to adjust to what one is seeing / would enjoy a few seconds longer to look 😊 Especially us older folks 🤣

[@chrisatty]

Best site so far that you have found, well done interesting, keep them coming. Chris Thailand.

[@nterracall]

So cool. Really enjoyed (as always) your trek. Thank you

[@oldrok]

Awesome post! You are very lucky to live in this area. Where I live there is very beautiful but lacks the access to forgotten history. I enjoy the large sky and beautiful vistas. Be Well and Stay Safe. 🇨🇦

[@rosalindafaye5668]

Thanks for taking us along in this adventure! I really enjoy your content 😊

[@michaelwalendzik2591]

Thanks for sharing your videos are incredible l always look forward to getting the notice you will be posting a new one. Thank you for sharing them again you are awesome.

[@sharonedwards4668]

Your videos are always so cool and interesting. Thanks so much! Keep going!

[@robbiemarcantel5302]

Jeff, I love going on your treks with you cause I definitely couldn't do it in my wheelchair. Your respect for the places you go is awsome and admirable! Thank you so much 💓

[@onceagain71]

Enjoyed the trek! Thanks for posting.

[@petecota6613]

well watched three of your fun explore trips today thanks again, i am new with you 2nd weekend

[@sandramorey2529]

Thanks again Jeff for a lovely adventure. I always enjoy coming along with you. Thanks for making that possible. Can't imagine what this place was made for or who built it.

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thank you, Sandra! 😊

[@knightflyer909]

Man, I get exhausted just watching you! Interesting video, as always.

[@Brisleep1]

Thank you Jeff, that was amazing!

[@richardp6461]

I loved it and I also loved the Fish and Fish quote. Especially the Dream journey part.

[@ChristinaColoradoan]

This was one of my favorites! 🌞

[@zippitydoodah5693]

Nice!

[@hayleyholesgrove9919]

I love your videos! Thank you for taking us on your adventures. You are the best!

[@paulapridy6804]

In my day without GPS, I believe I would have made your trail choices. Haven't even finished the vid,but so vicariously excited😮

[@jocelynknight9843]

That was really cool. I love how vividly blue the skies are and the cragginess of the earth all around. 😊 Good job and I think you are really informative in your approach to historic sites and other Native American places.

[@clmcoclmco2222]

I love watching you on your treks. You seem to enjoy the outdoors and tryiing to unlock the secrets of landscapes. My favorite part oddly enough is listiening to the crunch of the ground when you are hiking. LOL. It is soothing

[@michaeltaylor4984]

Thanks for the cool adventure.

[@lucindajennings148]

Another good one.😊 Thank you.

[@elliepascoe5954]

I enjoy each and every adventure!❤🇳🇱

[@garthrichert5256]

A beautiful video. Thankyou so much.

[@user-xj4mr1ek1e]

❤ THANKS FOR THE JOURNEY YOU TAKE US ON . WISH I COULD GO THERE

[@martinfromseacity2010]

Ancient structures, thanks for the info

[@patjohnson9287]

Really enjoyed this thanks!

[@LuckyStone888]

Another awesome hike.

[@TheTrailBlazersAZ]

Another great find!

[@SILSAL67]

Thanks for the adventure.

[@johnhart125]

Very cool , I think was a fortified temple, these people were very spiritual and high places like these has special significance

[@corinas4337]

I'd say it was both at one time or another..Can't help but wonder what u may find just under the surface in or around the area Thanks for the amazing 👏 Content

[@Sm0kn]

I'm ready for the spiritual journey

[@katheyjberry]

THX! Another great trek!

[@davegoodridge8352]

Thank you

[@stephenwilson2074]

I enjoy your channel. Thanks for doing it! I always look forward to your new videos.

[@GOYOSGardenTiedyes]

Thanks for the journey. Always enjoy these.🤣✌️

[@tassi8925]

Another great video

[@nancyduey8054]

Very nice. Enjoyed this one.

[@granddad-mv5ef]

I am thinking OLD.

[@mikelellsaesser1320]

What do mean, that's food and water there my man.

[@susanfraser1118]

Thank you for sharing!

[@cbarber]

another stupendous journey Sensei

[@hughjarrsol5]

Great find, tough going it makes me think. thanks

[@chubbrock659]

This was cool, I greatly enjoy these trips to places I’ll never go.