Mysterious Long-Forgotten Stone Wall Found In The Desert

#googleearthfind #googlemaps #googlemapsfun #ancientamerica #nativeamerican #exploring #googleearthcrazyfounds #ruins
🌟 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
---------------
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!
---------------
👍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.
9️⃣ Obey Drone Rules and Laws. Numerous locations in the American Southwest and beyond, such as the Navajo Reservation, Wilderness Study Areas, and various restricted spaces, enforce strict drone usage prohibitions. It is crucial to not only honor the legacy of the people who once inhabited these areas but also show respect for the present-day residents and adhere to their local laws, customs and regulations.
---------------
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.
----🎵MUSIC🎵----
🎵Track: "No Relation"
Music provided by Slip.stream
Free Download/Stream: get.slip.stream/yp7kU5

[@andriadobbs6774]

I prefer the ambient sounds rather than music with the drone footage. Thank you, Jeff!

[@ShirleeKnott]

💯

[@TheTrekPlanner]

I will be focusing more on doing ambient music for drone footage!!

[@michelleharrell8452]

I love the natural sounds. I put these videos on full screen & makes it so much better to enjoy the video.

[@hoperules8874]

me too! I put it on the tv with great speakers-so niiice!

[@lisagoldberg5178]

Just hearing the sound of nature is relaxing!

[@ShirleeKnott]

💯

[@ShirleeKnott]

@@hoperules8874 💯

[@corinnelaking569]

I do as well. Wearing headphones makes sure I don't miss any sounds either.

[@robertlarsen6516]

High spot - signal tower, fire on top to alert/communicate to fellow tribesmen. Occurs all along the Mogollon rim; love your (our) hikes, brother! I Enjoy every one…

[@DavidJohnson-iq2dd]

I agree on tower idea.

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Love the signal tower idea! Thank you for hiking with me, Robert! 🙂 Means a lot to me!

[@mikeyhuntsman568]

You are a kind, considerate man. Thank you. Love the desert sounds.

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thank you kindly, Mikey! I will do more of it!

[@scottperine8027]

Your videos just get better and better with every episode,thank you for the kindness Jeff.

[@TheTrekPlanner]

That is so great to hear! Thank you, Scott! 🙂

[@staycurious0815]

Funfact: I live in the small town in Bavaria Germany where the company Deuter is, which produced your Rucksack 😀

[@prieten49]

Grüß Gott!

[@staycurious0815]

​@@prieten49 😃 Servus!

[@aubois1160]

Gott schütze Bayern! Grüße aus dem Schwarzwald 🙂

[@pkerit308]

Does your area have enough power?

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Swing by their factory and tell them they make some great backpacks! haha

[@CricketGirrl]

Awesome! I loved the extra ambient sounds. I was just thinking, you should do a short of the golden eagle. Like "golden eagle attacks drone." People would love that! ❤

[@TheTrekPlanner]

That is a great idea!! I will make a short on the golden eagle!!

[@jackiemack8653]

​​@@TheTrekPlannerCool and please be careful of flash floods. Also what a wonderful idea to play the sounds. For someone who can't get out and enjoy nature anymore I'm grateful.

[@halward8672]

The melody of the bird, wind etc, must have been something amazing to wake up to...Thanks

[@NativeViking74]

That is tuu tuu mii or Indian tea (not sure if I spelled it correct) which my ancestors have used and to this day we go and pick when its time. We are Paiute/Shoshone Indigenous Tribes from the Owens Valley.

[@kh7794]

Thanks!! I was pretty sure it had a name before Mormons arrived

[@Janet-in-the-attic]

I really enjoyed hearing the birds and wind. That was a good idea. I wonder did the ancient peoples build sentry points around their territory?

[@paulkitzhaber164]

I live in Colorado now. But for 25 years, everything for miles around my home looked just like that. Horse and I explored a lot. Thank you.

[@fuimus5755]

If there was no pottery shards at the first site, I would think that it was not used for domestic purposes.

[@sueellens]

I love the ambient sounds! I love all of your videos. Thank you!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thank you, Sue! I'm grateful to you for your support!!

[@danielcrecordme3097]

LOL, I felt you were talking about me and my comments. If I were 30 years younger, I would be out there, so once again, thank you for taking me along with you. It was a wonderful

[@TheTrekPlanner]

You are so welcome! Glad you are here, Daniel!

[@andydever]

I absolutely love the look of adventure in your face and your eyes

[@janettetippetts7942]

I love going on these adventures with you! Thank you for taking all of along and teaching us to respect historical sites.

[@vonniebristow]

Thank you for the sensory input. I could almost smell the place! As a mother, I can come up with a thousand reasons to have a low wall around my mesa! To me this looks like a good summer dwelling. The seep, the hunting advantages,the farming possibilities. Yeah 👍 sign me up!

[@mirandamom1346]

I have seen walls built by ranchers in the middle of the desert to restrict cattle movement. Maybe the wall is meant to keep cattle away from the edge.

[@DO-hc3le]

This was my thought too, that the walls maybe kept people or animals from going over the edge.

[@deepg7084]

Good idea.

[@AbleMan.2178]

Probably. I'd put my bet on the initial Spanish ranchers tho. Too well done and big for later ranchers. Reason being is the initial Spanish explorers traveled with LARGE parties rather than later single family ranchers. (I have a small ranch/farm and KNOW how next to impossible this kinda structure is to build alone or with just a couple helpers)

[@chrisphar2305]

Im not sure its that hard, but you might be right. The Uk has 180,000 miles of drystone walls, the earliest are about 3000bc. Not usually that thick though. Slow work but its someting to do if you have taken your livestock up there. Could have happened for generations. @AbleMan.2178

[@rogercranwill5029]

My thinking was that people living on cliff edges would undoubtedly have younger children, and a wall would be an impediment before a curious child came to the edge of the cliff. It would also have a defensive purpose to deter incursions by other tribes.

[@focusmerida6863]

Another nice video! I like that you slow pan the camera when focusing attention on particulars. Nothing feels rushed.

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thank you for that feedback!!

[@nancyday4824]

I loved the natural songs of the birds and the wind. Thank you for sharing :)

[@eleicajunstrom8724]

I think it was a Gathering Place for the Tribes to meet and have fun. BTW... I really enjoy being on your hikes and very thankful for you. Thank you and God Bless.

[@user-McGiver]

this looks like the remains of a massive building to me... maybe not all sides had walls, and all wooden parts are gone... but the presence of water makes it livable...

[@stevefinneran7566]

Yes…it once was a massive red brick structure. An extreme heat event cooked and melted most of it down. Look into and research #Meltology #MeltedRedBrickUniversity

[@carlhumphrey5050]

We love the sounds of nature. Great idea. Should be in every video😊 And you're right, it feels like you are guiding us on a personal voyage

[@shirleygilchrest2187]

What a treat to hear all the natural sounds around you!

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for sharing your interesting adventures ✌🏻🫶🏻

[@GOYOSGardenTiedyes]

Been watching for a long time now I think this is my first comment though you do an outstanding job and I love your respect for everything. Thanks again for sharing.😁✌️

[@stanleybridge]

Thanks Jeff!

[@SelbyRadabah]

Love the sound!

[@Timber81]

I left the southwest when I was ten. Your soundscape recording brought me back too some found memories of exploring with my parents. Awesomeness. Thank you!

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

I can empathise (empathize for Yanks) with you on the memories but can you explain to a Furriner why Americans have such a hard time working out when to use too/to/two/tu/tutu??? 😉😊

[@user-dr2js7bv2i]

That was great, Jeff. I really enjoyed the sounds. Thank you!

[@sevenirises]

What a beautiful hike. That pause with the sound and rhythm of nature was so enjoyable. The more I watch your videos the better I understand the beauty and peaceful unity of the people who lived here. Thank you Jeff.

[@RobynSouder-rt9jf]

I, too, am glad you don't have alot of music. The natural sounds are wonderful to hear. Thanks for another great hike.

[@tonydagostino6158]

Two sided structure, more or less open to the south, sounds like a windbreak against the prevailing winds to me.

[@victoriamaaske7420]

Maybe fall or spring pasture.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

I think you are right about the walls being used to channel game to the cliff edge. More modern indigenous people did this at Buffalo Jump, Alberta. It isn't a logical defense nor dwelling design.

[@eegarim]

I had that very same thought just now.

[@cheryldueck318]

Another Albertan here, and I thought the same.

[@quinwilson5657]

That was my first thought.There are several "Buffalo Jumps" I know of in Wyoming.

[@nthomas87]

That was my thinking. I live in the Black Hills and we have them around the region for bison and other game.

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

@@nthomas87 Granted the Earth's climate has been changing in recent times but I have some difficulty in envisioning the large herds of grassland herbivores placidly nibbling the verdant greenery up in those crags just waiting for the local tribes to scare them over the drop. Buffalo Jump sites are highly specific (and used over long periods, thus lots of evidence left) but that much human effort for the occasional solitary bighorn sheep etc (which would be more sure-footed and much more knowledgeable of the terrain than the local Tontos) seems counter-productive. 🤔😉😊

[@random22026]

Brings the site that much closer, when just the environmental sounds can be heard. (At one site you visited, you even caught a disembodied voice!) 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@louevans6535]

I wish you the best adventures.

[@SelbyRadabah]

The sound is great with drone shots,

[@michaelschuenemann3505]

Brilliant Ruins in a Brilliant Setting - this was a Fantastic Adventure - Great Landscape - nice Bird Sounds again ! Many Cheers from Australia !!!!

[@barbaracarlisle8930]

YES on the nature sounds, used so well in the video. Curiosity and respect come through, something you share with Desert Drifter-very different but complementary approaches.

[@cindywhalen5768]

Tire and spring set up for cows and deer. Love hear natural sounds of birds and bugs. For those of us who used to hike like you in our younger days the sounds bring back memories. Love the way you include us! 😊🙏🏻❤️ Spring would bring in animals! Great hunting set up!

[@kellydiver]

Maybe the wall was to keep the children from wandering too close to the edge? Or maybe it was the wall of a dwelling? I don’t think all walls were necessarily defensive. I wonder if there’s a database somewhere of archaeological sites in the area where scientists have described them and recorded their hypotheses about how the sites were used and what they might have originally looked like. Cool find!

[@neesr13]

Even the ancients enjoyed patios with a view.

[@mariapanella8941]

Great idea to record the natural sounds. Loved it.

[@tinkmarshino]

I rarely leave comments but I did love that ambient sound with the drone shots.. it did "put me right there" as you intended. I do not know about others but I vote for that all the time you drone shoot. Oh, I looked at others comments and I guess I am not the only one.. good thought you had there.. as a History buff I can tell you this is of great interest to me especially since in the last few years I have turned my attention on the America's and jhow they were settled.. Well, before I start teaching I will go.. carry on son.. you are doing a bang up job here.

[@TheTrekPlanner]

I am so grateful you chose to leave a comment about the music! I debated about it for a while and wondered if the ambient sounds would be better at the end but decided to try to do it with the drone shots. I’m happy to hear it was enjoyable!! Thank you!

[@tinkmarshino]

@@TheTrekPlanner We are so grateful to you for sharing your love of ancient places like this.. I do appreciate you for it my friend. Carry on!

[@maryturko6490]

What a beautiful place.

[@thelensmanphotography]

That spring would be an excellent spot to set up a game cam. There must be a lot of wildlife using it.

[@user-uw9rn7gq9t]

Really interesting, you need to go further down the canyon. Thanks for the video!

[@jeanwalke6015]

Really enjoy the trips!

[@steiner554]

Those were the strangest buildings. Especially the first one. I LOVED the nature sounds when the drone was flying the first time. Those drones are a brilliant invention for these sorts of things.

[@TheTrekPlanner]

I’m so glad to hear you and others enjoyed the nature sounds! I’m going to be doing more of that! Thank you!

[@angieconley6501]

Thank you for letting us hear the ambient sounds. I loved hearing that and watching the drone footage. I prefer that over the music. I’ve not ever said so, but I, too, feel like I’m hiking with you. In my younger years, I probably would have joined you or gone out on my own just to go out and enjoy nature. But these days, my legs don’t work like they used to, my back wouldn’t be able to stand the climbing and long walks, and my balance would have me falling at least every hour. I have a few degenerative issues and a problem with my brain now. So, I look forward to your posts all the time. It really takes me back to a time that I could walk all day and camp under the stars on the ground. Now I have to get creative when I camp. My back, hips and knees would be a problem all night long and in the morning I would need at least two strong, young men to pick me up off the ground. When I fall, I have to call emergency services to come pick me up. Usually they insist on taking me to the emergency room to get checked out. In the last 10 years, I have fallen too many times. I now break bones when I fall. I have broken my ankle, wrist, ribs and my hip. I had to get a new hip after that. But I really do miss it so much. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. 😊

[@SchoolforHackers]

I feel you sister. Osteoporosis eating me alive, but I still love these places! Good thing we’ve got TP. Hang tough!

[@kathietee291]

Jeff, another interesting video! Thanks so much for taking us there, and recording the nature sounds! Awesome!

[@PUPPYBONZ]

@!17:18 to the right , it is a giant petrified ancient tree lying down . Follow that fallen tree to the base and according to the Spainards (1550 ad ) there will be precious minerals were thhe trees roots were . That would be called a VEIN . 🥇⛏⚒

[@skibum6220]

There is no petrified tree… 🤣

[@Anname8]

That's the cliff side that fell away. 😊

[@edmunddantes935]

👍 moment of zen. Excellent. Couple minutes of quiet.

[@pippacarron1861]

Your filming is so realistic that at 2:30 I found myself leaning left to see further around the wall corner!

[@denisecoyne6447]

Love the sound video so nice!

[@karendavis7988]

Love your videos, Jeff. Thanks! ❤

[@johntorelli3834]

WOW..... thank you so much for making that audio recording. Just amazing..... even better than music. You can put yhe music at the beginning and the end. Thanks for the hard work. I look forward to your weekly video.

[@WisGuy4]

Jeff, what make and model drone do you use? I know that I am not the only one who is curious about your drone and photographic equipment. Maybe list that equipment as a standard part of your written introduction, like a lot of other channel hosts do. Thanks and keep up the excellent videos.

[@vickiestevens1699]

Loved the addition of the nature sounds. You do a great job of including us. Keep on trekkin. 💕

[@TerriAnnNiemeier-dy3no]

Good morning, great cloudy day in Denver

[@SteveDiamond-Iam]

I agree that the first site was a hunting chute, with blinds. That seems to make the most sense. I also love hearing the natural sounds. More of that, please!

[@kenjones4564]

Natural sounds were great!!! Thanks

[@Janer-52]

Another great adventure! To me, this looks almost like a place of worship. Nowhere to store grain, but plenty of area to dance, sing or teach. Maybe a school for young warriors?

[@katheyjberry]

I like the idea expressed by someone in the comments earlier - the walls near the cliff edges are to keep occupants safe, and within the confines. Similar to what we do today with boundaries and fencing.

[@claireseyeviewonredbubble]

A residential building built on a high vantage point, easy to defend, from where you can spot game and also see enemies approach. Possibly an animal corral for trapping game.

[@1944chevytruck]

Amazing amount of people must of lived there years ago!

[@user-zc8mk7mm7w]

11:03 one could totally relax into sleep with these background sounds. These ancient civilizations had it rough but definitelyhad it right.

[@ivydixon3506]

Thank you so much for taking us all to see this ancient world. I loved the sounds of the birds and wind

[@mikebell9166]

Maybe that's a windbreak for stock. It'd keep them near the water. Nah, on 2nd thought, it feels more like a hunting/game harvesting arrangement. Likely someone would be stationed there over some time to harvest animals. It wouldn't be a 2 day trip; more likely 2 weeks (or more) to get the needs of an entire settlement.

[@puppy2haley]

Another great discovery. Trekking with you is so exciting especially when you take us along & the ruins are found. Loved the ambiance noise! Be safe!! ❤

[@lucindajennings148]

😊 Another great hike. The sounds and the surroundings were so peaceful. 😊

[@sandwitch4300]

How lovely to be able to explore knowing you are completely alone and with nature 😊.

[@user-zb8qo4oz3s]

I think you're right about it being a hunting spot. That was my first impression, and as the drone flew above it I thought it was the perfect shape to funnel game through to either fall off the cliffs or trap them.

[@mrsmissy2669]

Great adventure! Love the natural sounds and the first person views. Keep up the wonderful drone footage. Very superior video.

[@neilmacmusic]

Another great video adventure! As an Audio Post Pro i'm so happy you are going to start field recording- excellent move and such a unique opportunity as you are out there with just nature👍

[@danhoffman9232]

enjoyed the sound and over head combo.

[@kirsiselei8703]

Love the sounds and as allways enjoyed the video. Thx for takeing us along ❤👋🇫🇮

[@christmaspony]

I love the nature sounds! Thank you for a great video! 😊👍

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thanks for saying that!! I’ll be adding more nature sounds in next videos!

[@katep23]

Absolutely brilliant thank you! And I love the sounds section too - really does help to imagine we are there with you!

[@janeteverett1358]

Thank you for doing the things I can't anymore. I truly enjoy watching yor videos. Thank you

[@tamirundell8392]

That's amazing!

[@pazzazz1]

I really enjoyed the sound piece you did and always enjoy going on your journey! Great photography!

[@troygoggans5495]

I read at one time that the people could have communicated from one hill top dwelling to another by signaling. Theoretically they could have multiple outpost that could signal back to the main encampment so they could be prepared for enemies or game animals coming their way.

[@AllisonWCone]

Very cool! Thanks for the natural audio sequence too!!

[@geoffwales8646]

I have such bad vertigo, just watching you film over that drop made me shiver. 😕

[@teresahasopinions2329]

I love your videos. And with the natural sounds, it's perfect!

[@janderson5224]

Great idea! I love hearing the ambient nature sounds during the drone footage.

[@ryanvalley1893]

I often think that some of the weird out of place walls are for hiding night time fires. If you had a bonfire on that Cliff you could probably see it for miles, maybe even sounds...you may not want you're voices traveling in a certain direction

[@joycebrewer4150]

Even if fire itself was hidden, light upward from fire would still be visible.

[@artsimpson3670]

And a spring! Big rocks ready to throw down. Mahalo Nui Loa Jeff!

[@kt6332]

Love the sound! Love the hikes! Thanks!

[@networkg]

Am I the only one who wants to yell "JEFF ! Be Careful!" when he gets too close to the edge of the cliff for a shot. Be careful Jeff.

[@tobiasbendix8138]

I really love these videos and I just subscribed. You’re a great KZbinr. Keep it up

[@edyoung6756]

I've got an idea about the wall. But I'm sure most everyone has already guessed this. I'm guessing that if all those hunting blinds are so near the wall, it was built to keep the injured game from running over the edge. This would, of course, ensure they didn't have to find ways to descend it to retrieve their kill. Just a thought. Keep up the good work Jeff. 👍👍👍

[@waynemiller6156]

Great video Jeff

[@user-yp4nl9jl4y]

Thank you so much for the sound recording. Love it.

[@66bentleyT1]

Great idea Jeff to include the natural sounds of your Trek locations!

[@dyannejohnson6184]

My goodness that is a gift…I’m from the northern Canadian bush…this is a gift for an old timer

[@musiknbooks-jn1wz]

Love your videos....it's just like hiking with a good friend!

[@karenquanbeck3144]

Thank you, Trek Leader Jeff, for sharing this great site with us. This was a fairly large community, with a multistory Pueblo. I would estimate there were at least 10-20 rooms, arranged in several blocks before a large plaza. I saw the remains of one large kiva. There were probably several more small ones serving the community. You mentioned there were several other sites nearby which were probably part of this community. The area with the high density of potsherds may have been the midden. This kind of density is also typical of sites that have had few visitors over the centuries. The entire area is covered with sherds, lithics flakes, corn cobs, fragments of cordage, reed mats, charcoal, and remains of past meals. Sadly, most sites look like they’ve been picked nearly clean by two hundred years of souvenir hunters. I have one request if you ever go back. Please pace off the dimensions of the site between the walls. Knowing its size is important for any interpretation. Thanks again for all you do to delight a bunch of frustrated archaeologists.

[@WATCHMENONTHEWALL00]

Congratulations your subs are skyrocketing and your videos are fantastic stay safe Brother