An ANCIENT Ball Court In Northern Arizona?!

#exploring #familyhiking #ruins #arizona #wupatki #wupatkinationalmonument
🌟 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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Here are links to the sources I used in this video:
Hohokam Ball Courts. Garrett Morales
www.orovalleyaz.gov/files/ass...
The Ancient Hohokam Ballgame of Arizona
www.phoenix.gov/calendar/park...
Ball Courts. Robert Emerson
www.npshistory.com/brochures/w...
Wupatki National Monument Website
www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm
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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.
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[@ValkryieRising]

Creating Core Memories ✨ and Instilling a Love of Adventure and Exploration - Connecting with Reverence, Respect and Appreciation to The Ancestors 🔥🤌👏👏👏

[@mollyo3558]

And parenting- chores! Well done!

[@RAJohns]

Tee hee hee!

[@jmmartin7766]

​@@mollyo3558 💯

[@mharris1957]

involving kids in history is one of the best things I've seen this year!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Hopefully they can come along more often!

[@joesmith1410]

Teaching a false narrative just because you can regurgitate what a teacher told you is shameful mind control. Sad we do not teach them to question the bullshit.

[@mharris1957]

I don't know who you're talking to or even what you're trying to say but I have degrees in history, Indian Studies, and antrhopology so I sort of know what I'm talking about and had some very good teachers along the way. I'm sorry you think your education was below your standards, whatever those are.@@joesmith1410

[@crystalbilyeu8756]

The BEST way to teach kids and get them excited about history, other cultures and teach them how to respect places and people 😊

[@joesmith1410]

Except history is a lie. But hey Chris Columbia sailed the ocean blue in 1492.... ga ga goo goo

[@CarsCatAliens]

I could not agree more.. I had a learning disability when I was school aged. I didnt know how to learn. I didn't necessarily have trouble reading, but had issues with retaining and processing what I read . ( Still do) It wasnt until late 20s, early 30s that it struck me as to why I had a hard time learning.. Wish a teacher had taken the time to help me figure that out as a kid but hey, different times now.

[@CarsCatAliens]

​@@joesmith1410Yeah I never really understand why we celebrate Columbus when people of Spanish (and Mayan) descent were in what we call the USA(AZ,NM,Nv,)and ¾ of Cali1000s of years before Columbus

[@joesmith1410]

Our history is complete BS. All these ruins this guy shows are always on a cliff with impossible stonework. How did they get motor and water to mix it? Who ruined the ruins. Why are there always rock curtains over them? How come the look exactly like ruins on Iraq Turkey and worldwide?????????? Teaching kids bullshit stories is stupidity extraordinaire.

[@koltoncrane3099]

Crystal Look up odd history like metal coins and relics found in coal people burned a century ago or coins found a mile down in Oklahoma when drilling for oil

[@billrogalla7751]

How cool to share with your family. Fun times together!!!!

[@neilalexander2662]

I really like the kids and their comments. 😁

[@onceagain7586]

Looks like the kids really enjoyed the hike.

[@normalivengood1197]

I love this video. So nice to see you all enjoying and respecting the ruins, and what a great teaching experience. Nothing better than exploring, hiking, and learning together. Wonderful!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

We learned a lot this trip! Hope to come back again soon!

[@jeannerogers7085]

Yes, Wupatki is a strong memory, so well preserved, and the ball court is striking.

[@whotoinfinity]

So informative... and the kids involvement supplied uncounted grins and smiles! We Done All!

[@1nvisible1]

*Jeff is one of the coolest KZbinrs in the world and you kids are so lucky to know him!* *Thanks for helping him show us how people live a thousand years ago!* *Maybe you could get permission for the park, bring your whole class and stage an ancient rubber-ball game!* *Just don't feast on the losing team! :-)*

[@ericcox6764]

I went there a few years ago. I couldn't believe that I could actually walk in some of those ruins. Walnut Canyon, near Flagstaff is another great place to see ancient ruins. Lots of cliff dwellings there. Thanks for the memories.

[@Nova2032-]

Great job helping with the Narrating Kids ! :-) Looks like another fabulous day outside. And a great educational experience for all of us. I am from England, and I really enjoy this stuff!

[@NoleOx]

Your videos are so positive, we need more of this in the world today. Keep up the fantastic work man!!!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thank you so much for that! 🙂

[@sharonstuebi8181]

Omg! Loved seeing your "family" . I actually was there when i could still walk with the help of my Mastiff servixe dog. I loved it! Thanks for the good memmories. ❤ Love from Grandma in Peru

[@rideage]

So many other structure sites in that surrounding area.... looks like it was a huge community!

[@marjowag8806]

It is nice to see you and your family.

[@Go4thIn2023]

Thanks Jeff for sharing your fun family trek to the ruin. The great time for all had me smiling the whole time. 😊

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thank you for watching! 🙂

[@random22026]

New experiences, and making memories--the best part of the adventure (apart from learning about history and pueblo culture)!

[@sierrashere6957]

The high energy that your children brought to the video was great 😊

[@Saladmama57]

Yay, the whole family went! Loved this.

[@Bighoss22]

I just went to that place last week because of your videos.

[@rossmacintosh5652]

Did you like it as much as the kids did?

[@Bighoss22]

@@rossmacintosh5652 is that supposed to be a joke?

[@rossmacintosh5652]

@@Bighoss22 Not a joke. In the video, Jeff's girlfriend's kids seemed to really like the place. I just wondered if you liked it too.

[@cosmickidd205]

Amazing stuff,thanks for taking us along Jeff and family 😊

[@arlenegariepy8957]

Awesome kids and a beautiful partner to boot you are one lucky man Jeff enjoy every moment. Loved the ruins and it puts a wonder in my head as to how their ball game evolved. Great stuff and the views of it all was spot on as well as the camera work of the children walking around they did a great job. Loved it!!! :) :)

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thank you for your comment! I hope we can go on more adventures soon!

[@donalddday7741]

if thats the ball court near Sunset volcanic cinder cone it also has a hole that in day time blows cool air out hard enough to send a hat flying and sucks in the air at night

[@Saladmama57]

You’re right! Cool place!

[@Chris-us6pk]

Sounds kinda kinky

[@PSC9634]

This is one of my favorite sites in AZ. Well managed. Well preserved. Knowledgeable staff. Great, accessible trails. I'm glad these sites are preserved.❤

[@layceevierra8364]

Are there videos about it on YT? Name of site?

[@jpbrnaz]

❤love the kids excitement great video. Love ❤️ to see more. Thanks 😎

[@Brenda-xz9vh]

Thanks for including the Kids. The happiness on their faces says it all.:)

[@pixelpeter3883]

Fun video. Been there myself and loved it there late in the afternoon with the sun low over the horizon, creating long shadows on those walls. Great for photography :-)

[@randomvintagefilm273]

I saw the game court the Yucatan, Mexico. The guide told us that they would sometimes play to the death, meaning the losers would die 😢

[@archaeopteris]

If you haven't seen Hovenweep National Monument, you HAVE to go. The ruins there are incredibly well preserved and there are tons of them!

[@carolholiday930]

Absolutely!!!!! Less people, too. Compared to Mesa Verde.

[@trent374]

According to the National Park Service website and Wikipedia, people started moving to the area after a nearby volcanic eruption sometime between 1040 and 1100 CE. The eruption caused volcanic ash deposits that proved beneficial to farming. The pueblo was built sometime in the 1100s CE to accommodate the influx of settlers and housed between 85 and 100 people at its peak. The site was permanently abandoned by 1225 CE.

[@herrent]

Is CE , AD ?

[@CricketsBay]

Yes, CE and AD are equivalent. CE is used now though. AD is falling by the wayside.

[@ronnyjames3406]

I enjoyed your outing. Children have a contagious curiosity and their excitement is heartwarming! Nice content change and the ball court aspect is something I've never heard North of the border.

[@shewho333]

Can’t believe they let people get close enough to touch the walls! How amazing. Looks like the kids had a blast!

[@aherring10]

Sharing adventures with kids is the ultimate in good times and memory making! You are blessed!👏🥰

[@TheRealGrayman]

There are ball courts in the Phoenix area and most people don't even know.

[@franklopez2969]

Many basketball and tennis courts also!

[@valentinogallegos6751]

There's 1 off of 67th Ave n Dobbins in South phoenix

[@trentondalrymple]

Crazy!

[@jmercado2062]

I almost went there on a road/camping trip... We chose to go further south around Payson in the end, but got to see the cliff dwellings down there, amazing what these ancient people could do!

[@teressarenslow5992]

Those kids are awesome!! I really enjoy when you bring the family! Thanks for sharing with us! "....it's so beautiful inside!" How adorable!! Stay safe and happy!

[@mitote01]

Remember Wapatki, Walnut Canyon and Montezuma's well from my youth. Thanks for letting us join in on the family fun.

[@justinlynn6428]

Awesome video and an awesome place. Thanks to you and your family brother! 👍

[@vlakslee]

Really liked this video with your family. Thanks for taking us along.

[@lindadudgeon1564]

I enjoyed seeing this through the kids eyes. Good job everyone!

[@ahummerich2751]

Beautiful family!

[@1234dvarela]

Awesome to see the kid’s appreciation for such a wonderful place.

[@glass4him]

LOVED the interaction and comments of the kids!! 😃☺️❤️Do more with them, they were very cute!!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Hopefully more to come soon! They add so much more fun to the trips!

[@johnnorth9355]

Creating and passing on fond memories down the generations - it is after all what life is all about.

[@HarryBJones-ce2iz]

Now Jeff, this was great. Really enjoyed the kids. They are so full of life and curiosity. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@thewillowfaery]

This video was so much fun! I really loved just hanging out with your family and watching the kids really enjoyed themselves! It’s so cool that you are teaching them how to respect our history and have a good time doing it! So cool!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thank you! We love exploring together! Hopefully they can come on some more in the future!

[@DeltaKiloExotics]

Its amazing how quickly things can disappear from knowledge, thank you for taking the time to record and share things like this. Its also really cool to learn about what it was like and who lived here before us.

[@DV14502]

Great video! Kids are good observers. I love your adventures so much I also found the Desert Drifter, thePOVChannel, and a somewhat older guy, Heath Putnam, who has started doing this in Arizona. If you like the Trek Planner, check out those guys also. They are all slightly different but all respectful of the ruins and the artifacts - so important!

[@stantheman5163]

Well done! Those kids are charming and positive. Must have been raised right.

[@user-zb8qo4oz3s]

This video just solidified to me what an honest and good hearted man you are. Those kids admire and respect you so much. 🥰🥰

[@seerenita]

This is incredible. To see the awe through children’s eyes. I truly hope to see them again.

[@RickNelsonMn]

Excellent! A lot of fun! I'm a grandparent and grandkids are awesome 😎. Wonderful video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@IndridCool54]

Thanks so much for taking us along! I’m an Arizona native and have been to Wupatki several times, but seeing it through the eyes of the kids is wonderful! 😊

[@kellyradcliff1989]

Chuck from OH. You have a wonderful family I'm so glad you have the privilege of spending so much time with your family. I bet your kids will go on exploring and discovering things long into their adulthood. Other words follow in your footsteps sounds like something you did on a few treks you've done . Those tacos looked great made me go looking in my fridge for something to eat. Lol great find happy to have went with you n your family tell them Chuck from OH said hi n it was nice to have met them . I'm a 59 yr old man skinny with a white beard about 5ft8 so it's only fair you know a little about me . Kelly's my wife if you were wondering. Thanks Jeff . Be safe . N see you on the next adventure. Chuck up n out.

[@sandradanforth8524]

That is AMAZING. So glad to see you back on KZbin. You enrich my life and I am so so grateful 🙏 😊.

[@bluwtrgypsy]

Wonderful experience for kids. Very interesting, thank you.

[@mindymorgan8479]

Awwwww! Your girlfriends older boy looks up to you so much. He is as excited as you are! Great job! So glad y'all had fun.

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thank you!! 😊

[@shanefraser7764]

Thanks bro for taking us along, im from New Zealand and will never see those sights in my lifetime.... but i feel as though ive seen and lernt so much from following along on your journeys. Cheers mate stay safe out there🇳🇿🍻✌️

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Man that means a lot to me! Thank you for joining on the adventures with me! -Jeff

[@m-bronte]

Glad to see parents taking kids to things like this, this is how lasting memories are built. I enjoyed hearing the kid's commentary, very cute! Great job promoting Jeff's channel lol!

[@lindaw2418]

I love that you take the kids❤️

[@smallpastels]

I love this so much, what a great family trip. Looks like you guys had so much fun together!

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

That was an awesome site -- but even better is you taking the whole family and all of you enjoying the adventure!!!

[@jonpaulcottrell7314]

I love the children's video and narrations!

[@lostbeerman]

Wow that was great it's important to hear what the kids say. We did that with our parents back in the late 60s early 70s it was fantastic.

[@ariela8134]

thanks for teaching the kids to be respectful! I'm sure they will remember this for a long time.

[@Montana_horseman]

Great and fun video. Loved the "chore look" hehe.. Hey nice job on the editing, I always appreciate other people that do their own editing also. Nice work on the whole video. Always a thumbs up from me. 👍

[@Nova2032-]

I watched this again…. Jeff you have a great sense of humor and are great with Kids! You are so funny :-) We all appreciate your uplifting personality :-)

[@karamia1392]

To the lovely lady … here in Australia the old houses often have very tall walls. I believe it helps keeps the houses cooler in the heat as gives more space for the warm air to rise. What an amazing place! I wonder whether the Europeans got the idea for soccer from those places!! Beautiful kids by the way… clever and interested in their heritage ❤❤❤

[@thefred8481]

Thanks for the adventures!!!

[@JillsHouse]

That was a great trip with your family. Your kids will remember this for the rest of their lives. Enjoy the fun family trips when you can.

[@christinewenke9537]

I absolutely love discovering such cool finds. Making memories with the kids. Something that they should remember 4 ever. 😊

[@lisaknieriem5852]

Money cannot buy moments like these. No one can ever take your experiences from you. This was awesome. Really fascinating location and history! Thanks 🙏

[@lilbird4198]

That's wonderful that the whole family spent time together, exploring. 😊 Thank You for sharing.

[@denisefrickey5636]

Such a delight! What a lovely family you have. We took our kids everywhere we could.

[@michaeltaylor4984]

You are great dad material. Those kids love you.

[@icandivideos5743]

That was so interesting Jeff! Thank you for taking us along! Great vlog!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

My pleasure!!

[@chuckzehnder530]

Love seeing your family!

[@arizonaunplugged-neilbrook9509]

A family that plays together, stays together 💯❤️- thanks for showing the rest of the world some of the wonders we have here in Arizona 👊🏽🤙🏽🌵

[@frankmacleod2565]

It pleases me to no end, seeing these kids learning about this stuff and learning to respect it. Excellent work you guys!!!! Looks like a fun trip

[@chrishoo2]

The boys speech at the end was so precious, many thanks & greetings from Portugal!

[@user-yd9xo2nk1e]

I visited Wupatki over 30 years ago. The site was not nearly as developed as it is today. The blow hole, which was in full force, was just a hole in the ground. The park ranger gave me a tour as the place was practically deserted. I'm very happy to see the kids enjoy this magical place. 😊

[@calgram]

Forty years ago I traveled for a week in the region you're in, visiting Wupatki, Walnut canyon, Sunset Crater and other ancient places. The feeling I had then is with me still when I recall being in those ancient places. I love your channel, and the many awesome places you find and share. Thank you for presenting your experiences in such a respectful and appreciative way. BTW, those kids are wonderful. You have a charming little family there.

[@nancygaxiola5412]

It's fantastic to hear the information you've researched! I've been waiting for it!

[@rzella8022]

What smart delightful kids! Hope your family have some more awesome adventures learning so much about their hidden world.

[@postictal7846]

My kids got the bug from these kinda outings. You're going to be so proud in 25 years.

[@mannythegardener3132]

Just Amazing great video, great hosts, your camera crew are just absolutely amazing. thankyou for bringing me along on your family trip into the past. My little ones have all grown up now i do miss the adventures that we all had enjoyed together while they were young and into their teens. Enjoy every moment they grow up just so quickly before you know what's happening they are enjoying their own journey in life having children and on their own adventures😊. Thankyou again and the memories. Manny Perth Australia

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Wow thank you so much for that! I wish we could do more trips together but am grateful for even the few ones we have. These are the best kind of trips!

[@infinitywulf]

This was such a great episode, and man those kids were on point with the channel plugs! 😂 Way to share the love of exploring and the respect you should hold while doing so!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thank you for your comment! It really is so much fun to have them on adventures!

[@michaelschuenemann3505]

My - these Ruins are Brilliant and that Ball Court Fantastic - the Kids had a great Time and so did I - thank You - History is Magic !!!! Many Cheers from Australia !!!!

[@MrComfyAustralia]

Great to see you doing it all together.. we need more

[@karenneill9109]

One of the only places you’ve been that looks wheelchair accessible (to an extent, anyhow). Lovely kids, thanks for the adventure!

[@patrickdigginds6230]

You have a beautiful family and thank you so much for your content . God bless.

[@Devin717az]

I really enjoy the videos where you can include the fam. We also stop for fry bread, its delicious

[@Patrick-hz2im]

You did a great job incorporating your family into the video but keeping the same interesting and informative format. Well done!

[@nancygibson8854]

Great video. I love the lunch in the back of the car. Brings back memories of road trips with my dad. You are a great guy showing the kids' history.

[@wuzgoanon9373]

Lovely family! God bless the children. They are a great reward and source of joy.

[@alenahawke475]

I absolutely loved this trip! Thanks for taking us with you. We appreciate you so very much. 🙏❤️🇺🇲

[@ericwilliams68]

You are a good man! Those kiddos are going to remember this for their entire lives.

[@chuckomgyahoo]

Love hearing kids narrating....awesome lesson for them.

[@denisem.1042]

It was so cool to see your family involved in this one!

[@joandevillier733]

I LOVE this episode of your trek adventures. Your featured cohosts are truly adorable, very bright and articulate! I hope to see more of them in future episodes.

[@carolynnkaster9457]

That was fun with the Kids. They were so well behaved. Can't wait for another family outing.

[@goodiesgumdrops1164]

Loved the kids reactions❣️

[@MRP78]

Excellent job by all the kids! Very enjoyable to see you all having a good time together!